Berry Summertime Parfaits

    Berries with cream — the perfect way to end a summer meal. Use a combination of your favorite berries or fill up a glass with a variety. We take the berries a step further by marinating them in liqueur and topping with chocolate. So pretty – be sure to serve them in clear glass so you can see all the layers — parfait glasses, martini glasses, wine glasses or even orange juice glasses.

     Jean Mohler, who made a similar dessert last summer, inspired this recipe. She served the parfaits along with LaVetra Brown’s Mexican Nut Cookies; the combination was wonderful – sweet berries and cream with delicious nutty cookies that are rolled in powdered sugar. 

Berry Summertime Parfaits              Makes 6 servings

2 cups fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, quartered strawberries) -

   may add sugar to sweeten if needed

1/4 cup raspberry or blackberry liqueur

8 oz. cream cheese or use part (or all) mascarpone cheese

1 cup heavy whipping cream, or use more for a less firm consistency

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

At least 4 oz. “good” chocolate candy bar (we prefer dark chocolate), chopped + more for garnish if desired

1.  Combine berries and liqueur in medium bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2.  Combine cheese, 1 cup cream, sugar and vanilla in mixer bowl. Beat on high speed until thick; fold in chopped Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3.  Assembly:

Method 1:  Divide berries between 6 parfait-type (or other style) glasses, top with cream mixture and top with additional chopped chocolate bar.

Method 2:  Layer 6 parfait glasses with alternating berries and cream mixture, ending with cream mixture. Top each parfait with additional chopped chocolate bar if desired.  

Purplish-dark green leaves, this plant grows along the ground and spreads rapidly.
Chocolate mint tastes like a "thin mint" cookie or a chocolate peppermint patty.