Need Valentine's Dessert for 2

[Leonard]

I would like to make a special dessert for Valentine's Day. This would be for my DH and I. Does anyone have a recipe using strawberries that would serve 2. The problem I always run into is the desserts are too large. I was hoping for individual dessert recipes. Thanks everyone!!!

[eloise forever]

If strawberries don't have to be the star of the dessert, this recipe is FABULOUS and really easy! I made this one year for Valentine's day and it really was perfect. The only thing is that you will have to have coeur a le creme molds (heart shaped molds with holes in the bottom for draining) or be able to find them ASAP. This recipe uses two molds and makes perfect individual servings!

Coeur a la Creme with Strawberries and Honey

http://www.tavolo.com/imagecache/157628.jpg

French for "heart with cream," this classic dessert is made in heart-shaped molds for a great finish to a Valentine's Day meal. We've used mascarpone cheese but the same amount of cream cheese will work just as well. The natural heart shape and red color of strawberries is beautiful with this dessert, but if you can't find ripe berries, feel free to use frozen and garnish with fresh kiwi slices. This recipe needs to be made a day ahead so be sure to plan accordingly.

Ingredients

1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup nonfat yogurt, plain
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 pint strawberries
2 teaspoon honey
2 each mint sprig


Preparation Steps

Estimated Cooking Time: 30 min.

1. Using a table-top mixer beat the mascarpone, yogurt, half of the vanilla extract and half of the sugar together until smooth and aerated. Rub the cottage cheese through a fine sieve with a rubber spatula and fold into the blended mixture until thoroughly combined.

2. Cut double thick sheets of cheesecloth into 8-inch squares. Dampen the cheesecloth with water and line each mold, allowing the extra cloth to hang over the edges. Divide the cheese mixture evenly into the molds and wrap loosely with the excess cloth. Place the molds onto a deep plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, allowing the cheese to drain overnight until firm enough to hold its shape.

3. Set aside four of the best looking strawberries to use as garnish. Place the remaining strawberries in a food processor with the remaining sugar and puree until smooth. Strain the puree through a very fine sieve into a small sauce pan. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat, add the remaining vanilla extract and chill.

4. When the cheese is set and ready to unmold, prepare your garnish. Cut a "V" shape into the tops of the four reserved strawberries and remove the stem. Slice the strawberries lengthwise into thin heart-shaped slices.

5. Carefully unmold the cheese hearts onto the center of each serving plate.

6. Surround with the strawberry sauce and drizzle thin ribbons of honey over the cream hearts using a honey dipper or the tip of a paring knife. Garnish with the strawberry slices and mint sprigs before serving.

Number of Servings 2

Per Serving:

Calories: 559
Cholesterol: 75 mg
Protein: 15 g
Sodium: 430 mg
Carbohydrates: 73 g
Total Fat: 24 g

[This message has been edited by eloise forever (edited 02-12-2001).]

[jd]

CL had some desserts for 2 in October or November (I think) and the chocolate souffles (individuals) were really good. The recipe doesn't include strawberries but they would be great on the side. Happy Valentines!