Trio of Sweets

Made an awesome dessert trio the other night: Lemon Ricotta Mousse, Almond Anise Cookies and Grilled Plums. The flavors and textures went very well together - tart, sweet, smokey, rich, fresh, creamy, crisp, chewy. Slammin. I am going to attempt a new almond cookie recipe this next week as an alternative to the shortbread-style one featured here. I'll keep you posted on whether or not it is a success.


Lemon Ricotta Mousse: Yields 4-6 servings
2 cups ricotta cheese, drained for 3 hours (try making the fresh cheese recipe! It yields the right amount)
2 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
5 Tbsp powdered sugar
2 tsp Cointreau
1/2 cup heavy cream

In a food processor, combine ricotta, lemon zest, vanilla, powdered sugar, and Cointreau. Process until smooth and transfer to a medium bowl. Meanwhile, beat heavy cream in a standing mixer until it forms stiff peaks. Stir a small amount of the cream into the ricotta mixture. Gently fold in the remaining cream. Serve cold.


Almond Anise Cookies: Yields 2 Dozen
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp anise extract (or almond extract)
1/2 tsp salt
1 and 3/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup ground toasted almonds
1 tsp anise seeds

1. Cream butter. Add in sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt, mixing until combined.
2. Sift in flour and baking powder, stirring until just incorporated. Fold in almonds and anise seeds.
3. Using as sheet of parchment paper, roll dough into a log about 1 and 1/2 inches wide. Refrigerate until firm, 1 hour.
4. Heat oven to 350.
5. Slice log into cookies about 1/2 inch thick and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
6. Let cool completely and then dust in sifted powdered sugar before serving.


Grilled Plums
1/2 plum per person
maple syrup

Cut plum halves into 4 wedges. Lightly brush the flesh with maple syrup. Grill on a hot lightly-oiled grill or grill pan until caramelized and grill marks have appeared. Flip and grill on the other side.