Strawberry Mousse Parfait

Ingredients:

• For the Mousse:
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup strawberry puree (made from fresh strawberries)
• For the Garnish:
  • Fresh strawberries, halved
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
   • Wash and hull about 1 cup of fresh strawberries.
   • Blend the strawberries in a food processor or blender until smooth.
   • Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Set aside.
2. Make the Whipped Cream:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until it begins to thicken.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat. Set aside half of the whipped cream for the mousse and the other half for topping.
3. Prepare the Mousse:
   • In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the strawberry puree to the cream cheese and beat until well combined.
   • Gently fold in half of the whipped cream into the strawberry-cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble the Parfaits:
   • In serving glasses, layer a spoonful of the strawberry mousse at the bottom.
   • Add a layer of fresh strawberry halves.
   • Top with another layer of strawberry mousse.
   • Repeat the layers until the glasses are almost full, finishing with a layer of mousse.
5. Add the Final Touch:
   • Pipe or spoon the remaining whipped cream on top of each parfait.
   • Garnish with fresh strawberry halves, chocolate shavings, and a mint leaf.
6. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the mousse to set.

Enjoy your beautifully layered strawberry mousse parfaits, perfect for a delightful and unique dessert experience!