Summer Berry Parfaits with Almond Crumble and Whipped Mascarpone
Author: 
Serves: 4-6 servings
 
Ingredients
  • For the almond crumble:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • pinch of salt
  • 8 TBSP unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
  • ½ cup sliced almonds
  • ¼ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ tsp. almond extract
  • For the parfaits:
  • 2-3 cups fresh berries (I used strawberries, blueberries, and rasperries, but you can use whatever is sweetest)
  • 8 oz. mascarpone cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1-2 TBSP honey, to taste
  • ½ tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 cup almond crumble
  • Optional: lemon zest, or small sprigs of mint or basil, for garnish
Instructions
  1. For the crumble topping:
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F., and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or sil-pat.
  3. In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the butter, and drizzle in the almond extract. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingers until the mixture starts to look like wet sand. Mix in the rolled oats and sliced almonds.
  4. Spread into an even layer on prepared baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until just beginning to turn golden. Keep a close eye on it to keep it from burning. Remove from the oven and let cool, then break apart into bite-sized pieces. Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature. Crumble can be made up to a week in advance.
  5. For the parfaits:
  6. Wash and dry the berries. If using strawberries, hull and slice them.
  7. In a bowl, whisk together the mascarpone, cream, honey, and vanilla. (I suggest starting with just 1 TBSP honey, and adding more to taste.) Mix until smooth and fluffy -- be careful not to over-whip! I like to use a handheld whisk for this, instead of a mixer. If the cream looks lumpy or curdled, you've gone too far.
  8. In jars, layer the whipped macarpone, fruit, and almond crumble. Top with a dollop of the mascarpone cream, and (optionally) garnish with a little freshly grated lemon zest, or a small sprig of mint or basil.
Recipe by Will Cook For Friends at https://www.willcookforfriends.com/2015/06/summer-berry-parfaits-with-almond-crumble-and-whipped-mascarpone.html