Imagine a dessert that combines the seductive allure of wine-soaked strawberries with the luxurious creaminess of honey-infused ricotta mousse. This Italian-inspired treat is not just a dessert; it's a culinary experience that promises to elevate your dining moments from ordinary to extraordinary. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a show-stopping dessert that looks like it was crafted by a professional pastry chef, yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the strawberries. Take 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hull them to remove the green tops, and slice them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference for bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Gently toss the strawberries to coat them evenly with the sugar. This will help to draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, creating a sweet syrup.
- Next, pour in 1/4 cup of red wine over the sugared strawberries. Choose a wine that you enjoy drinking, as the flavor will infuse into the strawberries. Stir gently to combine, making sure the strawberries are well-coated with the wine and sugar mixture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the strawberries marinate at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the strawberries to soften slightly, enhancing their sweetness.
- While the strawberries are marinating, prepare the honeyed ricotta mousse. In a separate mixing bowl, add 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to beat the ricotta until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- To the ricotta, add 1/4 cup of honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is light and fluffy. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more honey if desired.
- Once the strawberries have finished marinating, you can assemble your dish. Spoon a generous amount of the honeyed ricotta mousse into individual serving bowls or glasses, creating a base layer.
- Top the ricotta mousse with the drunken strawberries, making sure to drizzle some of the flavorful syrup from the bottom of the bowl over the top for added sweetness and flavor.
- For a finishing touch, garnish each serving with a few fresh mint leaves. This will add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma to the dish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful Italian-inspired dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of ricotta and the richness of red wine.
Tips
- Wine Selection Matters: Choose a good quality red wine you would enjoy drinking. A fruity Pinot Noir or a light Merlot works wonderfully with strawberries.
- Strawberry Prep is Key: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Hull them carefully to preserve their beautiful shape.
- Marination Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Letting the strawberries sit allows them to absorb the wine and sugar, intensifying their flavor.
- Ricotta Texture Tip: For the smoothest mousse, use room temperature ricotta and beat it thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the components separately up to a few hours in advance and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.
- Garnish Creatively: While mint leaves are traditional, you could also experiment with a light dusting of dark chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers and colors of this elegant dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 231kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
