Blackberry Parfaits Recipes

LEMON BLACKBERRY CHEESECAKE PARFAIT

Steps:

• For the lemon curd: Combine the granulated sugar, butter, lemon zest and juice and egg in a large microwave-safe bowl (the mixture will bubble and triple in volume during cooking). Microwave on high in 1-minute intervals, stopping to remove the bowl and stir well after each interval. Continue until the curd thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6 minutes. Strain into a clean bowl, cover the surface with plastic wrap and cool in the refrigerator (the curd will continue to thicken as it cools).
• For the lemon cheesecake layer: Combine the cream cheese, cream, confectioner's sugar, lemon zest and juice and extract in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until it holds stiff peaks. If the cream cheese isn't very soft, you may have to whip for up to 5 minutes to get the lumps out. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• For the parfait: Divide half of the cake among six 2-cup mason jars or glasses (1/2 cup of cake per jar). Top with about half of the cream cheese mixture (about 1/4 cup) followed by all of the lemon curd. Divide the remaining cake, followed by the cream cheese mixture, among the jars. Top with the blackberries. Eat immediately or refrigerate up to 4 hours.

HOMEMADE BLACKBERRY GELATIN & CHILLED BLACKBERRY PARFAITS

Steps:

• Puree blackberries in processor. Pour puree into fine strainer set over 4-cup measuring cup. Press on solids to extract as much as possible. Discard solids remaining in strainer. Measure 3 cups puree (reserve any remaining puree for another use).
• Stir 1 cup grape juice, sugar and lemon zest into blackberry puree.
• Pour remaining 7 tablespoons grape juice into small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over; let stand until gelatin softens, about 10 minutes. Stir gelatin mixture over medium-low heatuntil gelatin dissolves, about 1 minute (do not boil).
• Gradually whisk warm gelatin mixture into puree mixture. Transfer to 8x8x2-inch glass baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.
• Variation: Blackberry Parfaits.
• Mix 3 cup blackberries and 4 T sugar in medium bowl. Let stand at room temperature at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours, tossing occasionally.
• Spoon generous 1/4 cup blackberry gelatin into each of 8 parfait glasses or wine glasses. Top with a few sweetened blackberries. Spoon about 1/3 cup sweetened vanilla whipped cream over. Repeat layering. Top with a few more berries. Serve.

CHILLED BLACKBERRY PARFAITS

Steps:

• Puree 6 cups blackberries in processor. Pour puree into fine strainer set over 4-cup measuring cup. Press on solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard solids in strainer. Measure 3 cups puree (reserve any remaining puree for another use). Stir 1 cup grape juice, 1 cup sugar and lemon peel into blackberry puree.
• Pour remaining 7 tablespoons grape juice into small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over; let stand until gelatin softens, about 10 minutes. Stir gelatin mixture over medium-low heat until gelatin dissolves, about 1 minute (do not boil). Gradually whisk warm gelatin mixture into puree mixture. Transfer to 8 x 8 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.)
• Mix remaining 3 cups blackberries and 4 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl. Let stand at room temperature at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours, tossing occasionally.
• Spoon generous 1/4 cup blackberry gelatin into each of 8 parfait glasses or wine glasses. Top with a few sweetened blackberries. Spoon about 1/3 cup Vanilla Whipped Cream over. Repeat layering. Top with a few more berries. Garnish with mint and serve.

SWEET BERRY PARFAIT

Steps:

• Spoon 1/3 cup yogurt into a 6- to 8-ounce parfait glass or jar. Top yogurt 1/2 half of the blackberries, 1/2 of the almonds, and 1/2 of the honey. Repeat layers with the remaining yogurt, berries, almonds, and honey. Top parfait with thyme.