Mold-Free Coeur à la Crème

Just the way you want Coeur à la Crème, right? Without the mold? Not that there’s anything wrong with mold, in the right contexts, but in this case? My mom makes Coeur à la Crème frequently. Probably because it’s great for a last minute, but special dessert, if you use her “serve it fresh” variation. She made it in the summer, when we had fresh berries, and sometimes around Valentine’s Day- after all, it is named the heart of the cream. And the best part about this recipe? It’s not to late to stop by the store on the way home and splurge on fancy berries rather than the heart-shaped chocolate assortment and surprise your loved one (or yourself) with your culinary abilities and whip up (literally) some Coeur à la Crème. This classic French dessert is a combination of cream and softened dairy that then is placed in a special draining mold (which is usually heart-shaped) and chilled until the liquid (whey) drains out and what remains (the heart of the cream) firms up into a solid form. It’s often served in an island of fruit puree, but that takes time, which we don’t have. So we’re serving the … Continue reading

Grilled Nectarines with Ricotta and Amaretti

Grilled Nectarines with Ricotta and Amaretti are the perfect dessert to round out our simple Mediterranean menu. I don’t remember the first time I had grilled fruit, and I don’t even remember what was grilled. Maybe pineapple? All I know it that peaches and nectarines, like in this Grilled Nectarines with Ricotta and Amaretti are my go to these days. Often, if I’m grilling out, or even heating up the grill pan in doors I throw a couple of stone fruits on before I set to whatever veggie or meat task is at hand. It elevates a simple dessert of plain fruit to the next level. I’m never afraid to make more than I need, becaus. I love Grilled Nectarines with Ricotta and Amaretti for breakfast too. I store the extras in the fridge for a day or two and throw it in salads or eat it plain. Of course this Grilled Nectarines with Ricotta and Amaretti dessert is the very best application with it’s fluffy ricotta and crunchy cookie crumble. 2 nectarines 1 cup ricotta (any milk is fine- skim for healthy, whole for decadent) 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) other fruit for garnish (I used a fig, raspberries, and blackberries) … Continue reading