Strawberry Mascarpone Vol-au-Vent

This dessert combines the natural sweetness of macerated strawberries with creamy pink mascarpone for a beautiful and indulgent treat.

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Yield
Serves 6

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Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 6 vol-au-vent pastry shells (baked and cooled, see tip below for selecting)

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whipped cream

For Garnish:

• Thin strawberry slices
• Fresh mint leaves
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Step 1: Choose and Prepare the Pastry
Select vol-au-vent shells made with natural ingredients like butter and flour, such as Dufour or Trader Joe’s. Bake according to package instructions and let cool completely.

Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries
In a medium bowl, combine diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for 15–20 minutes until the strawberries release their juices and soften.

Step 3: Prepare the Pink Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
• Gently fold the macerated strawberries (including the juices) into the mascarpone mixture until evenly distributed. The mixture will turn a light pink.
• Fold in the whipped cream gently to maintain a light, airy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Vol-au-Vent

• Spoon or pipe the pink mascarpone filling into each cooled vol-au-vent shell, filling generously.
• Top each pastry with a thin strawberry slice.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
• Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour before serving.

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Nutritional Information (Per Vol-au-Vent)
Calories: 270, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 12g, Protein: 3g

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Kitchen Tips

1. Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor and natural pink color.
2. Maceration Time: Allow enough time for the strawberries to release their juices to flavor the filling fully.
3. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the filling and adjust sugar as needed based on the sweetness of the strawberries.
4. Make Ahead: The filling can be prepared a few hours ahead, but assemble just before serving for the best texture.
5. Storage: Store any leftovers in the fridge and consume within 1 day for optimal freshness.

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This Strawberry Mascarpone Vol-au-Vent with its luscious pink filling is a show-stopping dessert, perfect for any special occasion or sweet indulgence!