Berry Baskets
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of Berry Baskets, a perfect fusion of flaky, shop-bought puff pastry, creamy mascarpone, and fresh berries. These charming desserts are surprisingly easy to whip up, featuring crisp, golden pastry baskets filled with velvety mascarpone cream and a hint of jam. Topped with a colorful array of fresh berries and finished with a delicate pastry handle, these baskets are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Perfect for any occasion, Berry Baskets are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
- 3 sheets of puff pastry (shop-bought)
- 250 g mascarpone cheese
- 250 g whipping cream
- 60 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- 60 g of your favorite jam
- 200 g fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
- 1 egg whisked with a little milk (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare Puff Pastry Baskets:
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour and lay out one sheet of puff pastry.
- Cut out circles or flower shapes with a cookie cutter for the base of the basket (approx. 2.5-3 inches wide).
- Lay these shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cut out more circles or flowers from the second sheet and use a smaller circle cookie cutter to cut out a hole in the center of these shapes.
- Brush egg wash on the base shapes and lay the first ring of puff pastry on top. Egg wash again only on the border of the circle or flower, then lay the second ring on top, creating a three-layered basket.
- Repeat with the remaining puff pastry.
- Brush a final layer of egg wash on top, avoiding the sides of the baskets to ensure they rise properly.
- Use a fork to prick the bases of all the baskets.
- Bake the puff pastry baskets in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
3. Prepare Puff Pastry Handles:
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour and lay out the remaining sheet of puff pastry.
- Cut it into strips about 3-4 mm wide and 10 cm long.
- Take each strip and gently twist it to create a spiral.
- Place the twisted strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush egg wash over the puff pastry strips.
- Bake the puff pastry strips in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Mascarpone Cream:
- Place the mascarpone cheese, whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla paste in a mixer bowl.
- Whisk until smooth and stiff peaks form, creating a consistency suitable for piping.
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip with the mascarpone cream.
5. Assemble the Baskets:
- Add a small dollop of jam to the base of each puff pastry basket.
- Pipe a swirl of mascarpone cream on top of the jam.
- Add the handle by gently pressing one end of each handle into the mascarpone cream in the basket to secure it.
- Arrange fresh mixed berries on top.
- Optionally, add fondant flower decorations for a decorative touch.
Enjoy your delightful and elegant Berry Baskets!