Friday Four – Summer Berry and Fruit Personal Cheesecakes – 060520

by | Jun 5, 2020 | Friday Four, Sweet Treats, Wine

No. 1 : Quick Recipe

Berry and Fruit Personal Cheesecakes

  • 3 Cups Berries or Fresh Fruit, sliced
  • 1 TB Orange Zest
  • 2 (8 oz) Packages Neufchatel OR Light Cream Cheese, softened
  • 3 TB Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 3 TB Fine Raw Sugar (Demedera or Turbinado Sugar)
  • ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Vanilla 
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 2 Large Egg Whites
  • Fresh Mint for Garnish

Step One

Preheat oven to 325F. Place berries or fruit in bowl and stir in zest. Set aside.

Step Two

Beat cream cheese for 1 minute on medium-high speed or until fluffy. Add yogurt, sugar, salt and vanilla and beat on medium speed until well incorporated. Add whole egg and egg whites, one at a time, scraping bowl as needed. 

Step Three

Spoon mixture into 10 to 12 small ramekins until ¾ full. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until middle is set. Remove from oven and cool at room temperature. Cakesmay crack or fall in middle leaving a perfect spot for fruit. Simply spoon on top and serve, topped with mint.

No. 2 : Kitchen Scoop

Whether it’s made with ricotta, quark, heavy cream, milk, sour cream or yogurt, cheesecake has been around a very long time! Did you know that cheesecake was a popular dish in ancient Greece? In the United States, cheesecake got a big boost in the early 20th century when Kraft perfected “Philadelphia” brand cream cheese. The French origins of our soft creamy spread is Neufchatel, which has a crumblier, grainer texture than North American cream cheese.

No. 3 : Clever Idea

In the middle of winter, when beautifully ripe fresh fruit isn’t available, try this method to roast fruit and bring out all the flavor. Place fruit on a sheet tray sprayed with non-stick spray or oil. Roast the fruit at 400F for about 15 minutes or until the fruit is soft and juicy. Let cool before topping the cheesecakes. Fruit cooked like this is delicious topping your morning yogurt, too!

No. 4 : Wine FIND of the Week

Dominican Oaks Muscat
Napa Valley California
About $15

Are you a fan of Muscat? If not – it’s time to give it another try. There are lots of choices out there, its grawn and made into wine all over the world. Delicious as a dessert wine, this one is off-dry with a lush floral aroma of peaches, and a dry crisp tropical fruit-flavored finish. A perfect pair with the lightly sweet cheesecakes.

Friday Four – Summer Berry and Fruit Personal Cheesecakes – 060520

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