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:

  1. 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.
  2. Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the chiffonaded basil and salt. Let the syrup cool completely.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened mascarpone and Greek yogurt. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and velvety.
  4. Fold in the honey, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, whisking until the mixture holds soft peaks.
  5. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the creamy filling into the bottom of each of the 8 dessert cups.
  6. Top with a generous layer of the cooled strawberry basil syrup, then repeat the layers once more.
  7. Garnish each cup with a halved strawberry and a single basil leaf. Optional: drizzle with balsamic glaze.
  8. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.