Berry & Ricotta Danishes | Made by Meaghan Moineau
Sweet Nostalgia: Crafting Perfect Berry & Ricotta Danishes
A Delicious Journey Down Memory Lane
*Discover the magic of homemade Berry & Ricotta Danishes with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia to your table. Perfect for dessert lovers and food enthusiasts alike, these delightful pastries are sure to become a family favorite.*
---
Ingredients
- Poached Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and other berries of choice
- Glaze: Icing sugar, fresh lemon juice
- Ricotta Filling: Ricotta cheese, egg yolk, castor sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest
- Pastry: Puff pastry, flour, water
- Optional Decorations: Additional poached berries, icing sugar
Difficulty: 4/10
Classification: Dessert
---
Instructions
1. Poach the Berries: Place a mix of your favorite berries in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Sprinkle with castor sugar and add a splash of water. Cover with a lid and gently shake to coat the berries. Poach for about 5 minutes until they soften but still hold their shape. Set aside to cool.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking.
3. Make the Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg yolk, castor sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix well with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix icing sugar and fresh lemon juice. Stir until smooth and set aside.
5. Prepare the Pastry: Remove puff pastry from the refrigerator. Cut into 10 rectangles, each measuring 8cm x 6cm (3" x 2.5"). Place 5 rectangles on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Brush edges lightly with water.
6. Assemble the Danishes: Cut smaller rectangles from the remaining 5 pieces, leaving frames about 1.5cm (1/2") wide. Place these frames on top of the pastry bases. Fill the centers with 3-4 tablespoons of ricotta mixture and top with poached berries.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until the pastry puffs up and turns golden brown. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
8. Finish and Serve: Top with remaining poached berries and sprinkle with icing sugar just before serving.
---
A Sweet Family Memory
Growing up, Sunday afternoons at my grandmother's house were a cherished tradition, where the aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the air. Her kitchen was a haven of warmth and love, and her berry danishes were the highlight of our visits. I remember peeking into the oven, eagerly anticipating that first bite.
Grandma would let me help with the simpler tasks – arranging the berries and dusting the pastries with icing sugar. It was in those moments that I learned the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime. The sweet, tangy taste of the ricotta filling, combined with the juiciness of the berries, was something magical. Every time I bake these danishes, I’m transported back to those sunny afternoons, surrounded by family, laughter, and the smell of home.
---
Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these Berry & Ricotta Danishes offer a delightful experience. With their flaky puff pastry, creamy ricotta filling, and juicy berries, they are sure to enchant your taste buds and evoke the warmth of cherished family memories. Enjoy making them and, most importantly, enjoy sharing them with those you love.