Grilled Apple Slices With Caramel Mascarpone Cream Pacific Northwest Food

CARAMEL APPLE SEMIFREDDO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In the bowl of a food processor, process the graham crackers until finely crushed. Add the melted butter and process until it resembles wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake until golden around the edges and fragrant, 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• In a medium bowl, stir together the apple butter, cinnamon, salt and caramel sauce. Set aside.
• Place the softened ice cream in a large bowl. Add the caramel mixture and the almonds, and fold everything together with a rubber spatula until completely incorporated. Switch to a whisk if you like. Pour the mixture over the crust. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the cake. Place in the freezer and freeze at least 8 hours or ideally overnight.
• To serve, run a thin knife around the edge of the pan, and then release the sides. Sprinkle with the almond toffee, slice and serve.

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.

CARAMEL-PECAN APPLE SLICES

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook and stir brown sugar and butter over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add apples; cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in pecans. Serve warm.