Mascarpone Custards with Summer Berries

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These lovely, creamy custards are based on a traditional zabaglione. You will need eight 3 1/2-inch ramekins.Plus: More Dessert Recipes and Tips

Mascarpone Custards with Summer Berries
Photo: © Quentin Bacon
Yield:
8
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Ingredients

  • 8 large egg yolks

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sweet Marsala

  • 1 1/2 cups brewed espresso, cooled

  • 4 dozen 1 1/2-inch Italian amaretti cookies (see Note)

  • 2 cups mascarpone, at room temperature (1 pound)

  • 2 cups mixed fresh berries, such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries

Directions

  1. In a large stainless steel bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Set the bowl over a medium saucepan of simmering water. Gradually whisk in the Marsala and whisk constantly until the mixture triples in volume, about 8 minutes. Remove the bowl from the pan and continue whisking for another minute.

  2. Pour the espresso into a shallow bowl. Dip the amaretto cookies in the espresso one by one and use them to line the bottoms of eight 3 1/2-inch ramekins; use any broken cookies to fill the spaces.

  3. In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone with a rubber spatula until creamy. Add the Marsala custard and fold together until smooth. Spoon the mixture into the ramekins and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Garnish with the berries and serve.

Make Ahead

The mascarpone custards can be refrigerated, covered, for up to 2 days. Serve chilled.

Suggested Pairing

The perfumed sweetness of a Muscat Canneli nicely complements the slightly tart berries and creamy custard.

Originally appeared: June 1999

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