Apricots With Mascarpone Cream Food

STONE-FRUIT SHORTCAKES WITH MASCARPONE CREAM

Steps:

• Add the vanilla extract, sugar, 1 cup water and orange juice to a medium saucepan. Whisk the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the peaches and plums and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the fruit is tender and the syrup has reduced slightly, about 15 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes.
• In a medium bowl, beat the cream with an electric mixer until thick. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla and continue to beat until the cream holds soft peaks. Add the mascarpone cheese and beat until thick and smooth.
• Place the shortcakes on serving plates. Spoon some of the poached fruit on the bottom half of each shortcake and top with a dollop of the whipped cream. Add the top of the shortcake and drizzle with the fruit syrup.

FRESH FRUIT WITH HONEY VANILLA MASCARPONE

Steps:

• Combine the apricots, plums, kiwi and cherries in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone, honey, vanilla and vanilla seeds. Add the heavy cream and stir until combined.
• Pour the mascarpone mixture over the fruit, and serve.

APRICOTS WITH ORANGE CREAM

Steps:

• Place the apricots, orange peel, cinnamon stick and 3 tablespoons of the sugar in a pan and cover with 2 cups cold water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer gently for 25 minutesm until the fruit is tender.
• Remove from heat and stir in the dessert wine. Let stand until cold, then chill for at leasy 3-4 hours or overnight.
• Combine the mascarpone, orange juice, and remaining sugar in a bowl and beat well until smooth, then chill.
• Just before serving remove the cinnamon stick and orange peel, and serve with a spoonful of the prange cream sprinkled with cinnamon.

MASCARPONE-FILLED FIGS OR APRICOTS WITH AMARETTO

Steps:

• Blend mascarpone, sour cream and confectioners' sugar in food processor until smooth.
• Cut deep slit in each fig; squeeze gently to open; spoon cheese mixture into each fig or mound on each apricot half; sprinkle with nuts, then cinnamon; drizzle amaretto over and serve.