Though the name sounds an exaggeration, you’ll agree that these brownies are absolutely out of this world.
This red wine jelly emphasizes both color and flavor. A grown-up dessert, it is tart and sophisticated due to the inclusion of red wine, nicely rounded out by brandy. The whipped cream is a good counterpoint to the austerity of the jelly.
Start playing the Sam Cooke piece that Tom Moon recommends as people are midway through the peaches. They're a nice sensual segue into slow dance or just quiet murmurs. From the point of view of you, the cook, there's no cooking, just assemble, refrigerate and let it happen.
If desired, just before serving, drizzle a few drops of fine aged balsamic vinegar on the pears.
Ingredients
Part of Sally Schneider's Easy Menus for Holiday Entertaining
December 15, 2001
Adapted from A New Way to Cook by Sally Schneider (Artisan, 2001). Copyright 2001, Sally Schneider.
A lush, yet light dessert that's much better if made a day ahead. Take a bit of fig on the tip of your fork, sweep it through the mascarpone and pop it into your partner's mouth. Mascarpone is a dense, creamy fresh cheese from Italy. If it isn't available, whip some heavy cream and flavor it with vanilla. Use organic ingredients if possible.
This is a French classic.