THE Dessert: Blackberry Mascarpone Custard

I first made this dessert for a dinner party in Bridge Hampton not long ago.  My client was a well-known playwright and TV writer. His guest list was interesting, eclectic, and a bit intimidating to say the least.

The ingredients for the meal were all farm to table; light and elegant without being too serious. I wanted to offer a finale that could compliment the main course and blow their minds just a little bit.

The Mascarpone cheese served as the perfect creamy base for this custard. The recipe was so simple that I felt a little guilty serving it … until I tasted the final product and realized that I just made something really special. Like so many things in life, recipes don’t have to be complicated to be really good.

If you’d like to serve something that’s definitely a conversation starter without having to spend hours in the kitchen, this is designed with you in mind.  The entire recipe from start to finish takes approximately 30 minutes and anyone can pull it off.  Simple, elegant, and crazy delicious, this is THE dessert you’ve been waiting for.

Blackberry Mascarpone Custard
Serves: 3-4

Ingredients:
* 8 oz. Mascarpone cheese
* 2 eggs
* 2 TBSP honey (or 1/4 c of sugar)
* 1-cup blackberries (blueberries and raspberries also work)
* Extra blackberries for garnish
* Option: You can serve this plain without berries as well.

Directions:
* Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
* Combine all ingredients (except the garnish) into a medium mixing bowl.
* Use a wooden spoon to mix thoroughly.
* Pour evenly into 3-4 small oven-safe serving dishes (ramekins).
* Cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
* Cool for 5 minutes.
* Serve warm with blackberries on top.

Photos and recipe by Jesse Brune