Mascarpone

It is always nice to have something quick and easy and delicious and sweet after each meal. It doesn't necessary to be a fancy fluffy cake or dainty pastries, just a simple panna cotta can do the trick.

I am having fun coming up variations for a pot of cooked cream. This morning I found some leftover mascarpone cheese and whipping cream in the fridge with a flash of light I decided to combine the two to make something fabulous. Because mascarpone can be a bit rich I added in lemon juice and zest to lighten the flavor, and vanilla beans for the creaminess and distinct smell.

I also marinated blueberries with balsamic vinegar and honey and topped that onto the mascarpone panna cotta.. at first the two are repulsive of each other but one will become addictive after a few bites. Too bad I don't have mint leaves in fridge, mints can freshen up the marinated blueberries massively.



See the difference between the pictures from above and below? I got a new toy that cost more than my computer.. but totally worth it after seeing the difference of picture quality. It is a much more powerful lens that produce much sharper images. I was so handicapped from my last stupid kit lens I wouldn't have any excuse for crappy images in the future... =P

I actually have done a lot of sweets over the past month...

Cupcakes full of hearts.......

Carrot cakes in the making...

Overwhelmingly rave review for the last creme brulee. Is a rosemary flavor with pears, very delicious and addictive, thanks CCHW for such a good idea!
Another variation for panna cotta unfortunately I don't have the picture of the final result. The bug-like stuff inside is lavender. The perfect topping is ice cream and honey... just lavender panna cotta may be a bit bland.