Macerated Berry And Creme Fraiche Parfait Recipes

BALSAMIC-MACERATED STRAWBERRIES WITH BASIL

Steps:

• In a large bowl, gently toss the strawberries with the sugar and vinegar. Let sit at room temperature until the strawberries have released their juices but are not yet mushy, about 30 minutes. (Don't let the berries sit for more than 90 minutes, or they'll start to collapse.)
• Just before serving, stack the basil leaves on a cutting board and roll them vertically into a loose cigar shape. Using a sharp chef's knife, very thinly slice across the roll to make a fine chiffonade of basil.
• Portion the strawberries and their juices among four small bowls and scatter with the basil to garnish, or choose one of the serving suggestions below.
• Serve the strawberries over grilled or toasted pound cake. Garnish with a dollop of crème fraîche.
• Put the berries on split biscuits for shortcakes; top with whipped cream and scatter with the basil.
• Layer the berries with ice cream or yogurt for a parfait. Garnish with the basil.
• Spoon the strawberries over a poached or roasted peach half.
• Use the berries as a filling for crêpes or a topping for waffles.
• Mash the berries slightly and fold into whipped creamm for a quick fool. Garnish with the basil.

CAVAILLON MELON WITH PORT WINE, WATERMELON, AND BERRIES

Steps:

• Cut off top quarter of each melon using a round chisel or sharp paring knife to cut a scalloped edge; scoop out seeds. Working over a bowl to collect juice and using a 7/8-inch melon baller, make 2 cups of melon balls from top and bottom of melon; add melon balls to bowl with juice.
• Working over the bowl to collect juice, make 2 cups melon balls from the watermelon, avoiding seeds. Place watermelon balls in the bowl, and remove any seeds.
• Add raspberries, port, sugar, and lemon juice to bowl, and toss well to combine. Let stand about 15 minutes.
• Spoon melon mixture and juices into carved melons, and serve immediately.

MIXED BERRY CREME FRAICHE CRUMBLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Mix together the berries, flour and sugar and pour into a 8 by 8-inch baking dish. Spread the creme fraiche over the top of the berries evenly. Mix together the brown sugar, flour and salt. Mix in the melted butter. Top the creme fraiche with this mixture. Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

MACERATED BERRY AND CREME FRAICHE PARFAIT

Steps:

• Combine berries in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and vinegar. Let sit, stirring occasionally, until berries soften and start to release juices, about 30 minutes.
• Layer berries with creme fraiche in parfait glasses. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 3 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle with crumbled amaretti biscuits.