The Best Balsamic Vinegar Strawberries And Mascarpone
It's a beautiful summer afternoon, and you're craving something light yet decadent. Something that feels both fresh and indulgent. The answer, surprisingly, lies in a simple combination: sun-ripened strawberries, rich mascarpone, and a drizzle of the best balsamic vinegar. This isn't just a dessert; it's a taste of Italian simplicity and sophistication.
The Secret Italian Ingredient: Carluccio's 5 Coin Balsamic Vinegar
The key to this dish's unforgettable flavour is the quality of the balsamic vinegar. For this recipe, we turn to Carluccio's Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP 5 coin, thick & intense balsamic vinegar. This isn't your average supermarket dressing vinegar - this is a seriously premium ingredient!
The "coin" system is used by some producers to indicate the quality and ageing of the balsamic, with more coins signifying a longer maturation period and a richer, more complex flavour.
This 5 coin balsamic is aged for a significant period in wooden casks, a process that concentrates the flavour and gives it a syrupy, thick consistency. The result is a beautifully balanced vinegar that is both sweet and tart, with notes of dried fruit and wood. It's so rich and complex that it should never be used for cooking, but rather as a final flourish to enhance the flavours of a dish. This is why it's perfect for desserts, as its syrupy texture and intense taste make it a natural partner for sweet, fresh fruit.
Best Balsamic Strawberries with Mascarpone
This recipe takes minutes to assemble but tastes like it's from a five-star restaurant. The acidity of the balsamic vinegar cuts through the sweetness of the strawberries and the creamy richness of the mascarpone, creating a perfectly balanced flavour experience.
Ingredients:
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400g fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
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2 tablespoons of Carluccio's Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP 5 coin
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1 tablespoon of honey or a sprinkle of sugar (optional, to taste)
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250g mascarpone cheese
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A few fresh mint leaves, finely chopped, for garnish
Method:
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In a medium bowl, gently toss the quartered strawberries with the balsamic vinegar. If your strawberries aren't very sweet, you can add a tablespoon of honey or a sprinkle of sugar to help draw out their juices.
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Let the strawberries marinate for at least 10 minutes. This allows the vinegar to infuse the fruit, creating a delicious syrup. The longer you let them sit, the deeper the flavour will be.
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To serve, place a generous dollop of mascarpone cheese in a bowl or on a plate.
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Top the mascarpone with the marinated strawberries and their balsamic syrup.
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Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped mint leaves to add a pop of colour and a refreshing finish (Optional).
This elegant and simple dessert is a testament to the power of using high-quality ingredients. The best balsamic vinegar transforms a simple fruit dish into something truly special. Enjoy!
