Blackberry Coulis with Vanilla Mascarpone

Blackberry Coulis with Vanilla Mascarpone

Ingredients:

• 1 cup blackberries, rinsed and lightly smashed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 2 Tbsp. orange liquor

Ingredients for the Vanilla Mascarpone:

• 8 oz. mascarpone cheese
• 4 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup cold heavy cream, whipped
• For garnish fresh blackberries and mint leaves, rinsed and patted dry

Directions:

1. Make the blackberry coulis. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, liquor, sugar and vanilla. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add smashed blackberries and simmer for 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and cool.
2. For the vanilla mascarpone, in a mixer fitted with a whisk or using a handheld mixer, beat mascarpone, sugar and vanilla on medium until combined. Set aside. In another bowl, beat cold heavy cream on medium until peaks form. Gently fold heavy cream into mascarpone.
3. Assemble into glasses by placing 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons of blackberry coulis in the bottom of each serving glass. Divide mascarpone between the glasses. Top with fresh blackberries and garnish with mint leaves.