Yogurt Cheese with Minted Strawberries
Description:
Indulge in the vibrant sweetness of strawberries complemented by the creamy tanginess of yogurt cheese in this delightful dessert. While frozen strawberries can suffice in off-season, the fresher ones truly elevate the dish’s texture. And don’t fret if you’re out of fresh mint; a dash of peppermint extract offers a unique twist to the flavor profile. With just over half an hour of preparation and chilling time, you can effortlessly whip up this treat ahead of time, making it an ideal option for entertaining or simply satisfying your sweet cravings.
Recipe Details:
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: Not specified
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 6-8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 10 strawberries
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 249.2
- Fat Content: 16g
- Saturated Fat Content: 10g
- Cholesterol Content: 50.8mg
- Sodium Content: 141.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 23g
- Fiber Content: 1.2g
- Sugar Content: 20.1g
- Protein Content: 4.7g
Recipe Instructions:
-
Prepare the Mint Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar, bringing them to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
-
Infuse with Mint:
- Once the sugar is dissolved, stir in the fresh mint leaves, then remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the mint to steep in the syrup for about 10 minutes, infusing it with refreshing herbal notes.
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Prepare the Yogurt Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it turns fluffy and smooth. Then, gradually beat in the plain yogurt, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until well combined. Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes to enhance its consistency.
-
Strain and Chill the Mint Syrup:
- Pour the mint-infused syrup through a fine sieve over a bowl of fresh strawberries. Use the back of a spoon to press down firmly on the mint leaves, extracting as much flavor as possible into the syrup. Allow the strawberries to chill in the infused syrup for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Assemble and Serve:
- To serve, spoon a generous dollop of the chilled yogurt cheese mixture into individual serving bowls or wine glasses, creating a luscious base. Top it off with the minted strawberries and a drizzle of the infused syrup, ensuring each serving is adorned with both sweetness and freshness.
Tips and Variations:
- For a twist, try substituting the fresh mint leaves with a dash of peppermint extract, adding a unique flavor dimension to the dish.
- Experiment with different berry varieties or a combination of fruits to customize the dessert according to your preference.
- Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve alongside crispy cookies or shortbread biscuits for a delightful textural contrast.
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy yogurt cheese and vibrant minted strawberries, creating a dessert sensation that’s both refreshing and satisfying. With its easy preparation and stunning presentation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in every spoonful, transporting your taste buds to a realm of sweet indulgence! 🍓✨
