This luscious dessert is made with sponge fingers soaked in Amaretto liqueur and coffee, layered with a heavenly mascarpone cheese mixture and juicy peaches. It’s perfect for a special occasion – and can be made a day ahead.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients
300ml strong black coffee, cooled
6tbsp Amaretto liqueur or Marsala
200g pack sponge fingers
4 peaches, pitted and thinly sliced
2 x 250g tubs mascarpone cheese
400ml double cream
Finely grated zest of 1 orange
30g caster sugar
2-3tbsp pomegranate seeds
Method
- Put the coffee into a shallow bowl and add the Amaretto liqueur or Marsala. One at a time, dip in half the sponge fingers, allowing a couple of seconds for the liquid to soak in, transferring them to a large trifle bowl as you go along.
- Beat the mascarpone cheese in a bowl to soften it. Whip the cream in a large chilled bowl until floppy, then fold it into the mascarpone with the orange zest and sugar.
- Pile half on top of the sponge fingers and spread out evenly. Arrange half the peach slices over the top in an even layer.
- Repeat the layers of soaked sponge fingers, mascarpone mixture and peaches. Cover and chill until ready to serve, sprinkled with the pomegranate seeds.
Cook’s tips
You could use trifle sponges instead of sponge fingers – and raid the drinks cabinet if you don’t have Amaretto liqueur or Marsala – try Tia Maria or sweet sherry instead. If you like, sprinkle the top with 3-4 roughly crushed Amaretto biscuits.
HORTGRO
HORTGRO, the industry association representing South African fruit growers, has released a series of recipes to help us make the most of the country’s fabulous natural larder.
Plums, peaches and nectarines
South African plums, peaches and nectarines are natural immunity-boosters as they’re packed with nutrients and vitamins.
What’s more, South African fruit is counter-seasonal – so it’s available when European produce isn’t.
Varieties of peach and nectarine are available in all major retailers from November until May, while plums become available from the end of December.
Location and climate
The sheltered valleys between mountains in the Western Cape are ideal for the cultivation of fruit such as plums, peaches and nectarines.
The amazing combination of Mediterranean climate, steep hillsides and over 100 years of experience has helped to produce the most delicious, high quality fruit.
Ethics
The South African fruit industry prides itself in supporting various ethical and transformation initiatives that focus on training, worker welfare, skills development and land ownership projects.
The vast majority of South African stone fruit producers choose to ship their produce to the UK, rather than flying it over.
