Balsamic vinegar, a less-astringent, sweeter member of the vinegar family, makes a memorable glaze for the fresh fruit and creamy cheese in this elegant dessert.
PREP TIME – 15 MINUTES
COOK TIME – 15 MINUTES
SERVINGS – 4
INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 cups cottage cheese (1%, 2% or 4% milkfat)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups pitted, peeled, and cut -up fresh peaches or halved fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon slivered fresh basil
Coursely ground black pepper, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
In small saucepan combine vinegar and granulated sugar. Bring to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes more or until syrupy and reduced to 1/4 cup, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Transfer to small microwave-safe bowl. Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
In blender container combine cottage cheese, powdered sugar, cream cheese, lime juice and vanilla. Cover and blend until creamy and smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender container as necessary. Transfer to covered container. Refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
Before serving, microwave vinegar mixture, uncovered, at high about 10 seconds or until mixture reaches room temperature and is easily drizzled.
Stir cheese mixture and spoon into four 8- to 10-ounce glasses or dessert dishes. Top with peaches or strawberries. Drizzle with vinegar mixture. Sprinkle with basil and pepper (if desired).
Published on Milk Means More – United Dairy Industry of Michigan (http://www.milkmeansmore.org.) Recipe by Kirsten Kubert of Comfortably Domestic.
