Plum Parfaits With Mascarpone Whipped Cream

These parfaits are beautiful. You feast with your eyes before food ever touches your lips. The parfaits are made with alternating layers of sliced cooked plums, toasted walnuts, and mascarpone whipped cream. The plum preparation involves only a few minutes of cooking. A quick and stunning dish all together that will knock the socks of your guests.

Steps

For the mascarpone whipped cream:.

With an electric mixer , beat the cream , mascarpone , sugar and vanilla together in a large bowl until peaks form.

Makes about 3 cups.

Toasted walnuts:.

To toast walnuts , spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in a 350 degree preheated oven until fragrant and slightly browned , 6 to 8 minutes.

Remove and cool.

Plum parfaits:.

Halve plums lengthwise , and pit.

Slice each half , lengthwise , into quarters.

Then cut quarters in half crosswise.

Place a large heavy skillet over medium heat until bottom of pan is hot.

Add plums and sprinkle with sugar , ginger and cinnamon.

Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and becomes syrupy and plums are tender when pierced with a knife , about 6 minutes for medium ripe plums.

Watch carefully , and do not overcook or plums will become mushy.

Remove skillet from heat and cool plums to room temperature.

Taste and if desired season with more sugar.

To assemble parfaits , use 4 sundae or wide-mouthed.

Ingredients

plums, sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, walnuts, of fresh mint, whipping cream, mascarpone cheese, vanilla