sara

I will be hosting a brunch at my house for family & friends to celebrate Mother's Day.

These are two of my favorite desserts. I have not yet decided which of these I will serve...........maybe both!!!



PEAR CUSTARD DESSERT BARS

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Filling/Topping
1 pkg (8 0z) cream cheese, softened
½ cup sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (15 ¼ oz) pear halves, drained
½ teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon


In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the flour and vanilla until combined. Stir in the nuts. Press into a greased 8” square baking pan. Bake at 350º for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

Increase heat to 375º. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; mix until combined. Pour over crust. Cut pears into 1/8” slices; arrange in a single layer over filling. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over pears.

Bake at 375º for 28-30 minutes (center will be soft set and will become firmer upon cooling). Cool on a wire rack for 45 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting. Store in the refrigerator.

Yield: 16 bars
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Balsamic Strawberries with Whipped Mascasrpone

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
5 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup Mascarpone cheese, chilled
1/2 cup whipping cream, shilled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 pints strawberries, hulled and halved

Preparation:
Combine balsamic vinegar, 2 Teaspoons sugar & lemon juice in a small heavy saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Boil until syrup is reduced to 1/4 cup - about 3 minutes. Transfer to small bowl & cool completely

In medium bowl, combine mascarpone, cream, vanilla and 2 Tablespoons sugar. Whisk until thick, soft peaks form. Over and refrigerate up to 4 hours

In a large bowl, combine berries & remaining 3 Tablespoons sugar - drizzle with balsamic syrup and toss to blend. Let stand 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Divide berries and syrup among 5 goblets or dessert bowls. Top with mascarpone mixture

ENJOY!!

jmw

Hi Sara, both desserts sound wonderful, but I think my favorite would be the Balsamic Strawberries - that is my favorite way to serve strawberries.