Wow the crowd with a bowl of delightful, jewel-toned berries in a luscious zinfandel-spiced syrup, topped with Galliano almond cream and flecks of vibrant orange zest. Finish off this festive dish with almond, pink peppercorn and rosemary biscotti that are crispy, piquant and perfect for dipping in the syrup or maybe even a glass of Galliano. Serves four.
Ingredients:
Zinfandel-Spiced Syrup
1 – Orange
3 Cups (1 bottle) – Zinfandel or red wine
1/2 Cup – Water
1 ½ Cups – Sugar
1 – Cinnamon stick
1 – Star anise
2 – Whole cloves
1 – Cardamom pod, smashed open
Berries and Cream:
2 Cups – Mixed raspberries, blueberries and blackberries
8 oz. – Ricotta cheese
1 Tbsp – Galliano
1/4 tsp – Almond extract
Mint for garnish
Directions:
Peel one 2- to 3-inch strip of zest from the orange. Using a fine rasp, remove the remaining zest from the orange and then set the zest aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the wine, water, sugar and the orange strip, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add spices whole. Bring to a boil until the liquid is reduced to roughly 1 cup, about 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool, and then refrigerate for a few hours. Once chilled, strain into a bowl with the berries. Cover and keep refrigerated until ready to use.
In a food processor, combine the ricotta, Galliano, almond extract and grated orange zest. Process until smooth.
Spoon the berries and syrup into four goblets and top each with a dollop of the ricotta mixture. Garnish with mint, and serve immediately.
If you would like to take part in one of Frankie’s exciting and unique cooking classes, head over to her website to sign up at www.FrankiesElegantGourmet.com. Frankie also teaches corporate team building and any occasion private cooking parties. You can contact Frankie for more info through her website.
