Title :: Almond Shortcakes With Plums & Mascarpone Cream
Author :: ArielRose
Category :: Healthy Choice Recipes
Ingredients ::
  • ***PLUM FILLING***
  • 2 pounds black or red plums
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup amaretto
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • ***SHORTCAKES***
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cake flour
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup almond paste
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk plus 1 tablespoon
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds
  • mascarpone cream
Description ::
530 calories per serving; 6 grams protein; 9 grams fat (0.6 gram saturated fat); 73 grams carbohydrate; 4 grams alcohol; 365 mg sodium; 14 mg cholesterol; 4 grams fiber.

TO MAKE PLUM FILLING:

Pit plums and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. In a saucepan, combine water, Amaretto and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add plums, return to a simmer and cook until plums start to soften, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

TO MAKE & ASSEMBLE SHORTCAKES:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat it with nonstick spray.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk all-purpose and cake flours, 3 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut almond paste into dry ingredients until mixture resembles fine meal.

3. In a glass measuring cup, combine 3/4 cup buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Make a well in the dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir with a fork until just combined. (Dough will be slightly sticky; do not overmix.)

4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat into a 3/4-inch-thick circle. With a floured 3 or 3 1/2-inch cutter, cut out shortcakes and place on prepared baking sheet. Press dough scraps together and repeat to make 8 shortcakes.

5. In a small bowl, toss almonds with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and remaining 1 tablespoon buttermilk. Lightly press mixture onto shortcakes.

6. Bake shortcakes for 10 to 12 minutes, or until light golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.

7. To serve, split shortcakes in half with a serrated knife. Set bottoms on dessert plates. Spoon on plum filling and mascarpone cream. Set tops on at an angle. Serve immediately.

Makes 8 servings.

View Recipe