Mixed Berries With Ginger Syrup And Tarragon Recipes

GINGERY MIXED BERRY PIE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips until well combined and fragrant. Stir in the cornstarch, fresh ginger and candied ginger (if using). Add the blueberries, blackberries and raspberries to the bowl. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the top, but don't stir quite yet. Let sit while you make the dough.
• Place one disk of the pie dough on a lightly floured surface. With a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough into a 12-inch-wide circle 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trim any rough edges, leaving a 1-inch overhang, and set it in the fridge while you roll the other crust and cut the lattice.
• Roll the second disk of pie dough into a circle roughly 12 inches wide and 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Use a pastry wheel or knife to cut the dough into strips about 1 1/2 inches wide.
• Gently stir the filling together until well mixed and pour it into the pie dish. Press gently to pack down the berries into the dish.
• Weave the dough strips into a lattice. Trim off any excess dough and fold the edges of the bottom crust up and over the lattice strips. Crimp together the edges. Slide the whole pie into the freezer until the crust is very firm, about 15 minutes. While the pie is chilling, heat the oven to 400 degrees and set a rack in the bottom third of the oven.
• After the pie has chilled, place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Beat the egg, then brush the top of the pie with the egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar and flaky salt.
• Bake the pie until it is deep golden brown and the juices are bubbling, 45 to 55 minutes. If the crust begins to burn before the filling bubbles, tent it with aluminum foil. Cool before serving.

MIXED BERRIES WITH SPICED MAPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the syrup, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer, discarding the spices. Cool to room temperature.
• In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, creme fraiche, 2 teaspoons of the spiced syrup and vanilla. Using a large whisk or handheld mixer, beat until the cream thickens and soft peaks begin to form (careful not to over whip).
• Divide the berries among 4 coupe glasses or dessert dishes. Dollop with the whipped creme fraiche and drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the syrup. Sprinkle with almonds, if using. Leftover syrup will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator in a sealed jar.

FRENCH TOAST WITH MIXED BERRIES

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, heat the half-and-half with the cinnamon, just until bubbles form around the side of the pan. Remove from the heat; set aside to steep for 30 minutes.
• In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs with the nutmeg and sugar. Strain the half-and-half into the eggs and discard the cinnamon pieces. Whisk to make a smooth batter.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Slice the bread with a serrated knife on the diagonal, into 18 1-inch-thick pieces.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add half the butter. Dip 9 of the bread slices into the batter and add to the skillet. Cook the slices, turning once, until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the toasts to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining bread. Bake until the toasts are warmed through and slightly puffy, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Divide the toast on large plates and dust with confectioners' sugar. Top with the berries and serve immediately.
• In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, vanilla bean and seeds, citrus zests, and water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer very gently until syrupy, about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the citrus juices. Combine the berries in a bowl. Strain the warm syrup over the berries and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Serve.