Ingredients:
- 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/4 cup (50g) honey
- 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
- 8 large fresh basil leaves, thinly chiffonaded
- 1 pinch (1g) sea salt
- 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt, plain and full-fat
- 1/2 cup (115g) mascarpone cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp (30ml) honey
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (75g) halved strawberries
- 8 small fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp (5ml) balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Place the quartered strawberries, honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and release a mahogany-colored syrup.
- Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the chiffonaded basil and salt. Let the syrup cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened mascarpone and Greek yogurt. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and velvety.
- Fold in the honey, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, whisking until the mixture holds soft peaks.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the creamy filling into the bottom of each of the 8 dessert cups.
- Top with a generous layer of the cooled strawberry basil syrup, then repeat the layers once more.
- Garnish each cup with a halved strawberry and a single basil leaf. Optional: drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.