Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Limoncello And Mascarpone Mousse Verrines

I struck gold the other day at the Oxfam thrift shop in London. Nestled on a back shelf I saw a flatware set with a curvy modern/retro look. It is by Amefa from Holland. I could envision it brightening a simple table or gracing a more formal one. It was a little funky with it's gold color and the price was right. I paid the 8.99 pounds and declined the extra 20 pence charge for a bag.....I'll save the planet and my pocketbook one bag at a time ;-) All wrapped up in plain paper I carried it back to the hotel as I imagined how it might catch the afternoon sunlight. I guess the miserable winter weather that just passed has me searching for sunshine at every bend. Well, I found it today. I made Limoncello Mascarpone Mousse Verrines and used those sunny, small gold spoons to scoop it out. Happy, happy, joy, joy! I've just discovered limoncello....I know I'm a little late to the party, but am glad I tried it.
The Limoncello mixed with lemon curd gives the verrines a punch that is rounded out with the whipped cream and marcapone. I used the Microwave Lemon Curd I made last month and these came together in no time. Just make sure your lemon curd is smooth and silky. These verrines are fresh spring sunshine with every bite.
Limoncello and Marscapone Mousse Verrines
(Adapted from Recipezaar)

1/4 cup fresh raspberries
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 cup prepared lemon curd
4 tablespoons limoncello liqueur
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
fresh mint leaves
and lemon zest for garnish

Rinse and drain raspberries. Pat dry and set aside.

In a small bowl combine the lemon curd and lemon zest. Stir in the limoncello, whisking briskly to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk the cream until soft peaks form. Beat in the lemon extract. Fold in the mascarpone and stir gently; combine well.

In 8-1/4 cup glasses or ramekins, Put a layer the lemon curd and top with mascarpone mousse.
Chill until serving time.

Top with a fresh raspberry and garnish with a mint leaf and lemon zest before serving.

Serves 8.

Limoncello and Mascarpone Mousse Verrines recipe, click here.

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17 comments:

La Table De Nana said...

Well we love all the ingredients..so I think you picked a winner Diane..I was hoping you would have some fun..How did you ever know that shop existed..? You know all the ins and outs..Lucky girl..

And the cutlery? Beautiful..Sometimes we just luck out! My fish knives and forks were from England..EBAY..

So many neat treasures there,Love the bike also..You see a photo everywhere.

Thank you.

Ju (The Little Teochew) said...

Nice new layout! And what a wonderful find! If there was a Little Miss Elegant T-shirt, you'd be the perfect person to wear it. This dessert is all sunshine and happiness!

linda said...

your recipe is just the perfect "ray" of sunshine!

you do know all the "abroad" ins & outs...

would love a post on all your unusual favs in london & paris...

& yes you certainly scored big in the "gold" department!

have a sunshine day!

Deana Sidney said...

You know, I'm going to merry old England this summer... it would be great if you were on my flight!!! I love OXFAM.. such a good cause and so many wonderful things...that is dynamite golden flatware and that lemoncello photo is magazine quality and soooo dramatic! Must try making that lemoncello dessert. I so love lemon!

Miriam said...

This year I'm as yearning for the sun as you... and I live in Spain! Loved the recipe and the cutlery.

2 Stews said...

Monique...I have been going to the Oxfam Shop in London for years. It is near Kensington Gardens, and both are frequent stops. I love ebay...your forks and knives must be gorgeous...the English make the most beautiful silver.

Ju...you are so funny. I think the T-Shirt is better suited for you (and would look better on you, too ;-)

Linda...I'll have to do more on my shopping spots. I am heading to Paris today and then again on Friday, so I'll keep that in mind.

Deana...wouldn't that be fun to have you on my flight! You probably fly out of EWR or JFK and I'm in BOS. If I'm there, it'd be fun to meet up. Let me know.

Miriam...I think Mother Nature has deprived many of us of her golden glory this year. Let's hope for a sunny spring :-)

Thanks for visiting....Diane

Kathy Walker said...

The title of your post, the pictures, the ingredients, the beautiful flatware set....what could be more perfect! Lovely. Delicious.

Melanie said...

What a fantastic find! The desert looks absolutely heavenly.

Trissa said...

Lucky lucky you! What a great find! I love finding something that is worth more than it costs! And that verrine with limoncello and mascarpone - priceless! Enjoy Paris! (Well, I am sure you will - the weather is fantastic!)

♥ Kathy said...

Yum Limoncello

Barbara said...

I love verrines! Have been having so much fun with them since Kate introduced me to them!
This one is lovely.. and reminds me of a fruit dish I serve on Christmas. I mix limincello with some fruit and top it with yogurt mixed with lemon curd. The kids loved it.
The flatware you found at Oxfam is lovely! What a find!

Mary Bergfeld said...

What a lovely dessert! It is stunning. Were I an envier, I might be jealous of your flatware find. I hope you are able to put it to good use. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

Lori (All That Splatters) said...

I, too, love limoncello and sunny-ness it adds to desserts! This looks beautiful, Diane. And what a great find on the flatware! Gorgeous -

a quiet life said...

what a score, they are fabulous pieces... and then that dessert, and your pics, oh my total score for everyone looking and eating!

Rebecca Jane said...

being trapped indoors in this faux summer day in Manhattan, this limoncello meets lemon curd delight makes me all the more eager to break out and try it as an ode to sunshine.

Thibeault's Table said...

Love your new spoons.What a wonderful find.

Perfect for eating that gorgeous dessert.

Sarah said...

Delights at every turn in this post. You certainly found the "gold". Love the flatware. I'm glad to know of this little shop. Not that I get to London often, but there's always a next time. LOL

The photo of the bite of the verrine is amazing. How did you get that one? Thanks for this wonderful post. I so enjoyed my visit.