Strawberry Dream

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

A firm, strawberry-infused cream and sugar filling sandwiched between strawberry puree and macerated strawberries delivers a dreamy taste in every bite.

Ingredients

2 cups quartered fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2/3 cup diced fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon white sugar

Directions

1 Prepare strawberry puree: Mix quartered strawberries and sugar in a 2-cup liquid measure or bowl. Let sit and macerate for 1 hour, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes. Use an immersion blender to blend into a smooth puree. Pass through a mesh strainer to remove seeds, if desired. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
2 Prepare cream mixture: Combine sugar and cream in a saucepan. Set heat to medium-high and bring to a boil while whisking occasionally; be careful, since cream can easily boil over. Once cream just starts to boil, reduce heat to between medium and medium-low and maintain a steady simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3 Remove from the heat and whisk in vanilla, lemon juice, and 1/3 cup of the reserved strawberry puree until completely incorporated. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
4 While the cream is cooling, pour the remaining strawberry puree evenly into 4 dessert glasses.
5 Pour the cooled cream mixture into the glasses. Wrap with plastic wrap and pop in the refrigerator until thoroughly chilled, 3 to 4 hours.
6 Meanwhile, prepare topping: Toss diced strawberries and sugar together in a small bowl. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill alongside the strawberry dreams.
7 When ready to serve, remove strawberry dreams and topping from the refrigerator. Stir the topping and spoon strawberries and any accumulated juices on top of each dream.