Desserts > Italian > Mixed Island Sweets

Dolce Isola Misto with Caramel and Walnut Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Medium saucepan
- Candy thermometer

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.

2. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir the mixture once it starts to boil.

3. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the mixture. Cook until the mixture reaches 350°F.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped walnuts and salt.

5. Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the mixture into an even layer and let it cool completely.

6. Once the mixture has cooled, break it into small pieces and set aside.

7. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

8. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

9. Fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture until well combined.

10. To assemble the dessert, spoon the cheese mixture into small glasses or bowls.

11. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cheese mixture.

12. Sprinkle the caramelized walnuts over the top of the dessert.

13. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Cook the sugar and water mixture until it reaches 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 520
Fat: 42g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 220mg
Sugar: 24g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of mascarpone cheese, you can use cream cheese.
- Instead of ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese.
- Instead of walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds.

Variations:
- Instead of caramel sauce, you can use chocolate sauce or fruit compote.
- Instead of vanilla extract, you can use almond extract or lemon zest.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to monitor the temperature of the sugar and water mixture closely to prevent it from burning.
- Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to ensure that the cheese mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Chill the dessert for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
This dessert is best served chilled and does not need to be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the dessert in small glasses or bowls to showcase the layers of cheese, caramel, and walnuts.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle additional chopped walnuts over the top of the dessert for added texture and flavor.

Pairings:
This dessert pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.

Suggested side dishes:
This dessert can be served as a standalone dish.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sugar and water mixture starts to crystallize, add a small amount of corn syrup to the mixture to prevent it from crystallizing further.
- If the cheese mixture is lumpy, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps before folding in the whipped cream.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to monitor the temperature of the sugar and water mixture closely to prevent it from burning.

Food history:
Dolce Isola Misto is a traditional Italian dessert that is typically made with a combination of mascarpone and ricotta cheese.

Flavor profiles:
This dessert is creamy, sweet, and nutty, with a hint of caramel flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this dessert as a sweet treat after a meal or as a special occasion dessert.

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Taste: Sweet, Caramelized, Nutty, Rich