This was inspired by my love for mascarpone and the excellent cherry season we’re having. Also, my new cherry pitter is partly to blame. I can’t stop pitting!! It’s a luxurious dessert that comes together quite quickly. I’m definitely making it for my next dinner party for this very reason. And I have to say, eating this dessert out of a coupe plays a big part in my enjoyment. No coupe? Use a martini glass!
CHERRIES & CREAM (SERVES 2)
1/2 cup red cherries, pitted and halved (about 10 cherries)
1/4 cup Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 TSP vanilla extract
1 TBS powdered sugar
4 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1 TBS semi sweet chocolate chips, roughly chopped
4 fresh mint leaves for garnish
In a small jar, combine the pitted cherries and Pimm’s liqueur. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 min.
Using a stand mixer, combine the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Using a whisk attachment, whisk on medium speed until ingredients are incorporated.
Slowly crank it up to medium-high until you achieve stiff peaks, about 1 minute.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream mixture until fully incorporated. Be patient, it’s a slow process.
Scoop a generous amount of the mascarpone cream mixture into 2 coupe glasses.
Top with the Pimm’s-soaked cherries and chocolate.
Garnish with 2 fresh mint leaves for each coupe.