My birthday dessert: a four layer cake that contained chocolate, caramel, peanut butter frosting, ganache, and cheesecake. Ryan's birthday dessert: fruit. What does this say about me? Or him, for that matter? I'm obviously the sugar-aholic in this marriage and while I do my best to force decadent desserts on him as often as possible, I figured I'd let the boy decide for himself on his birthday. I was obviously not surprised when he requested something with berries. Fruit in his birthday desserts seems to be the theme...Cream Cheese Fruit Tarts last year, the to die for Lemon Tart the year before, and the poorly photographed but SO delicious Toasted Coconut Banana Cream Pie the year before that!

I went simple this year, knowing all he really cared about was the berries. Fruit is NOT dessert though, so I of course had to add something special. The mascarpone limoncello cream was indeed special. I was excited to use the limoncello--it was homemade by my sister in law--and it was an outstanding addition to the whipped cream, offering a subtle tartness that complemented the perfectly ripened berries. This dessert would also be great with angel food or pound cake, but I have been convinced that sometimes you can't go wrong with the simplicity of fruit and an abundance of whipped cream!

One Year Ago: Sweet Potato Chorizo Empanadas with Avocado Cream
Two Years Ago: Chocolate Fudge Drops

Mixed Berries with Mascarpone Limoncello Cream
from Bon Appetit

Ingredients:
-3/4 cup chilled whipping cream
-4 oz mascarpone cheese
-3 tbsp plus 2 tbsp sugar
-3 tbsp limoncello
-8 cups assorted fresh berries (about 2 pounds)
-1/2 tbsp grated lemon peel

Directions:
1. Beat whipping cream, mascarpone, 3 tbsp sugar, and limoncello in a large bowl until soft peaks form.
2. Gently toss berries with lemon peel and 2 tbsp sugar. Divide berry mixture into 8 glasses and serve with whipped cream.