Creamy Peach-Rosemary Ice Pops

Makes: 10 Ice Pops

For simple syrup:
½ C         Water
½ C         Sugar
1 tsp        Dried rosemary (or 3 sprigs, fresh)

Ingredients:
8 oz        Mascarpone cheese
2 Tbsp    Greek yogurt, plain
2 Tbsp    Heavy cream
1 ½          Large peaches, peeled/diced

In a small saucepan, stir together water and sugar. Heat over medium high heat until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to boil. Remove pan from heat and stir in rosemary. Allow herbs to steep until syrup is completely cooled, about 20 minutes. Strain, separate 1/4 cup from batch and reserve remaining syrup.

Meanwhile, whisk mascarpone, yogurt, and 1/4 cup of rosemary syrup. Set aside. In a blender or food processor, puree peaches and remaining syrup until smooth.

Fill Ice pop molds by layering mascarpone mixture and fruit mixture by the spoonful until almost full. Use a skewer to “swirl” layers together slightly, but do not over stir.  Insert sticks and freeze 4-6 hours or overnight.

BAKED BRIE WITH CRANBERRY, APRICOT & HONEY

Serves 8

1/3 C    Dried cranberries, chopped
1/3 C    Dried apricots, chopped
1/4 C    Sliced almonds
1/4 C    Honey
1 1/2 tsp    Fresh thyme, chopped
1     Sheet, puff pastry
1    Wheel, brie
1    Egg white
1/8 tsp    Salt
Salt & Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400˚F.  Combine cranberries, apricots, almonds, honey, and thyme in a medium bowl. Set aside. Roll out puff pastry gently to obtain a 12” square. Trim the top rind off brie and center the wheel atop puff pastry. Top with fruit mixture.

Beat egg white 1/8 tsp salt together in a small bowl. Brush pastry edges with egg wash. Gather excess dough, folding corners inside towards center. Place on a parchment paper lined baking dish. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes.

Remove from freezer and lightly brush pastry with egg wash.  Bake 35 minutes or until golden brown.