Summer Berry and Cookie Delight

This delicious summer berry and cookie dessert is a refreshing treat perfect for warm weather. Combining layers of creamy ricotta with tangy cranberry or lingonberry jam, this dish features a delightful blend of flavors. The base consists of layered soaked cookies that provide a soft texture, while the top is adorned with a vibrant assortment of mixed summer berries. The slight hint of citrus from the lemon zest adds a refreshing element to the creamy layers. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a short time before it is ready to chill in the fridge. For the best experience, let it set overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. Perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy family meal, everyone will be reaching for a second serving. It's versatile enough to allow for ingredient substitutions to cater to dietary preferences or restrictions. Serve it chilled, dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness, and you're in for a real treat.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 kg mixed summer berries (choose according to preference)
64 square cookies
500 g dry ricotta
410 g cranberry or lingonberry jam
350 g sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
250 g heavy cream
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup milk (for soaking the cookies)
Powdered sugar for dusting

Preparation Time

Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by soaking each cookie in milk before placing it onto your dish. Ensure they are well-saturated but not overly soggy, to retain some structure when layering.
Arrange the cookies in a 4x4 grid to form the base layer on your serving platter.
Prepare the ricotta cream by blending the ricotta cheese until smooth. Mix with the sweetened condensed milk and lemon zest.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks and gently fold it into the ricotta mixture. If the mixture appears too runny, consider incorporating some gelatin to thicken it.
Spread a layer of jam evenly over each cookie layer.
Cover the jam-coated cookies with a generous layer of the ricotta cream, reserving some for the top.
Repeat the cookie soaking and layering process, alternating with jam and cream, until all layers are complete. You should have four cookie layers.
Once your layers are complete, top the dessert with the majority of the remaining ricotta cream.
Decorate the top with an assortment of fresh summer berries, arranging them in a visually appealing pattern.
Let the dessert chill in the refrigerator for several hours, preferably overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Before serving, dust with powdered sugar to add a subtle sweetness.

Tips

Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt instead of ricotta for a tangier flavor.
Sweetness adjustment: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar according to your preference.
Thickening: If needing a firmer cream, include gelatin or agar-agar.

Nutritions

Calories: Varies per serving
Protein: High, thanks to ricotta
Fats: Moderate, most from the cream
Carbohydrates: Mostly from cookies and jam

Variations

For a vegan version, use coconut cream and a vegan cream cheese substitute.
Gluten-free cookies allow for a gluten-free dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Best Places

The Summer Berry Delight Cafe - Known for their fresh berry desserts. Location: 123 Berry Lane, New York City, USA.
Berry Bliss Bistro - Offers a fantastic range of berry pastries. Location: 456 Orchard St, Paris, France.
Cookie & Cream Haven - A cozy cafe with diverse cream-based desserts. Location: 789 Sweet St, Sydney, Australia.
Berrylicious Bakery - Where berries meet brilliance in dessert form. Location: 321 Fruity Ave, San Francisco, USA.
The Dessert Corner - Renowned for their innovative dessert presentations. Location: 654 Treat St, Tokyo, Japan.
Berry Goodness Cafe - Praised for its fresh and organic ingredients. Location: 987 Tasty Lane, Toronto, Canada.
Creamy Delights by the Park - An idyllic spot for enjoying berry specialties. Location: 101 Sugarhill Rd, London, UK.
Serene Sweets Café - Emphasizing organic and seasonal berries. Location: 202 Dessert Dr, Cape Town, South Africa.
Fruit Fantasy Bar - Specializes in berry cocktails and desserts. Location: 303 Drink St, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Berry & Cookie Dreams - Innovative dessert bar focusing on cookie pairings. Location: 404 Beehive Blvd, Mumbai, India.