Coeur à la Crème with Fresh Strawberries

Coeur à la Crème with Fresh Strawberries Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Coeur à la Crème with Fresh Strawberries is a delightful and elegant French dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a romantic dinner. This creamy and light dessert is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor.

History

Coeur à la Crème, which translates to "heart of cream" in French, has been a popular dessert in France for centuries. It is traditionally made with a mixture of cream cheese and yogurt, which is then molded into a heart shape and served with fresh berries. This dessert is often served during the summer months when strawberries are in season.

Ingredients

2 cups of plain non-fat yogurt
2 cups of non-fat ricotta cheese
grated zest of 1 lemon or orange
0.25 tsp of vanilla extract
6 to 8 large fresh strawberries, stemmed and sliced

How to prepare

Using a food processor or electric mixer, combine the yogurt and ricotta cheese.
Process until smooth.
Line a colander or basket with a double layer of cheesecloth, allowing the cloth to hang over the edges.
Spoon the cheese mixture into the center and fold the cheesecloth over the top.
Place the colander or basket over a bowl or baking dish to collect the whey.
Refrigerate for 24 hours.
Scrape the cheese away from the cheesecloth and mix it with the zest and vanilla extract.
Line a 3-cup heart-shaped mold or the draining basket with fresh cheesecloth, allowing the excess cloth to hang over the edge.
Spoon the cheese mixture into the mold or basket, smoothing the top.
Fold the cheesecloth over the top and refrigerate for 3 hours.
Remove the cheese from the cheesecloth and, if necessary, shape it into a heart using the back of a spoon.
Transfer the heart-shaped cheese to a serving plate and garnish with sliced berries.

Variations

You can add a splash of Grand Marnier or other liqueur to the cheese mixture for a boozy twist.
Try using different types of berries or fruit to garnish the Coeur à la Crème for a unique flavor combination.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a good quality plain yogurt and cream cheese for the best results.

- Be sure to refrigerate the cheese mixture for the specified amount of time to allow it to set properly.

- You can use a heart-shaped mold or simply shape the cheese mixture into a heart using the back of a spoon.

- Garnish the Coeur à la Crème with fresh strawberries for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Coeur à la Crème with Fresh Strawberries as a light and elegant dessert after a meal.

- Pair it with a glass of champagne or a sweet dessert wine for a special occasion.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly drain the cheese mixture to achieve the right consistency for molding and shaping.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt in place of plain yogurt for a thicker and creamier texture.

- Mascarpone cheese can be used in place of cream cheese for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Coeur à la Crème with Fresh Strawberries ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Coeur à la Crème on a decorative platter or individual dessert plates for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dessert with a glass of champagne or a sweet dessert wine for a perfect ending to a special meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Coeur à la Crème in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Allow the dessert to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of calcium and vitamin C from the yogurt and strawberries.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt and cream cheese) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Coeur à la Crème with Fresh Strawberries is a light and creamy dessert that is relatively low in calories and high in protein. It is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Coeur à la Crème with Fresh Strawberries is a classic French dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a romantic dinner. This light and creamy dessert is easy to make and sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor. Enjoy this elegant treat with a glass of champagne for a truly memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting a dear friend of mine in the countryside. She was known for her exquisite culinary skills and always had something delicious cooking in her kitchen.

As I entered her cozy farmhouse, I was greeted by the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries and cream. My friend had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she presented me with a beautiful dessert that looked like a heart-shaped cloud. "This, my dear, is Coeur à la Crème with Fresh Strawberries," she said with a smile.

I had never seen anything like it before. The creamy white dessert was nestled on a bed of vibrant red strawberries, looking like a work of art. My friend explained that Coeur à la Crème is a classic French dessert made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and sugar, molded into a heart shape and served with fresh berries.

I took a bite and was immediately transported to a world of pure bliss. The creamy texture of the dessert melted in my mouth, while the sweetness of the strawberries added a perfect balance of flavor. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this heavenly dessert.

My friend, being the generous soul that she was, agreed to teach me her secret recipe. We spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, whipping up the velvety mixture of cream cheese, heavy cream, and sugar. She showed me how to fold in the strawberries gently, so as not to crush them, and how to mold the mixture into a heart shape using a special Coeur à la Crème mold.

As the dessert chilled in the refrigerator, my friend shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Coeur à la Crème. She had traveled to Paris many years ago and had dined at a charming little bistro where this dessert was served. She was so enchanted by its delicate flavors and elegant presentation that she begged the chef to share his recipe with her.

The chef, a kind-hearted man with twinkling eyes, had obliged and had even given her a special Coeur à la Crème mold as a parting gift. My friend had been making this dessert ever since, adding her own personal touch by serving it with fresh strawberries from her garden.

As we indulged in our homemade Coeur à la Crème, my friend imparted some valuable cooking wisdom to me. She told me that the secret to creating unforgettable dishes lies not only in the ingredients but also in the love and passion that one puts into them. She encouraged me to experiment with different flavors and techniques, to make each dish my own.

From that day on, Coeur à la Crème became one of my signature desserts. I shared the recipe with my family and friends, delighting them with its luscious taste and elegant presentation. Every time I make it, I think of my dear friend and the magical day we spent together in her farmhouse kitchen, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

So, dear reader, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of heaven, I encourage you to try making Coeur à la Crème with Fresh Strawberries. Let its creamy texture and sweet flavor whisk you away to a world of culinary delight, just as it did for me on that fateful summer day. Bon appétit!