NECTARINES AND BERRIES WITH FLAVORED WHIPPED CREAM

Nectarines and Berries With Flavored Whipped Cream image

Macerated desserts are simply fruit steeped in a flavored sugar syrup, wine, liquor, vinegar or citrus juice, usually for a couple of hours or overnight. During the process, the fruit becomes slightly softer, its flavor infused with spices, juices or wine. Fruit can be nicely complemented not only by a simple sugar syrup, but also by orange or lemon juice, wine, liqueurs and vinegar. Any soft fruit, like bananas, mangoes or papayas, should be added at the end. Basil or mint leaves, orange or lemon zest and star anise will also add some zing.

Provided by Karen Baar

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

4 cups ripe nectarines, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 pint raspberries
1 pint blackberries
2 tablespoons good-quality balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 cups whipping cream
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lavender flowers (optional)
Zest of 1 orange
Mint leaves for garnish

Steps:

In a large nonreactive bowl, mix the fruit, vinegar, sugar and pinches of salt and pepper. Let sit uncovered in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Combine cream, sugar, lavender, orange zest and another pinch of salt, and whip until soft peaks form.
Put fruit into serving bowls, and spoon a bit of whipped cream on top. Garnish with mint.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 654, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 57 grams, Fat 48 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 29 grams, Sodium 127 milligrams, Sugar 43 grams