INGREDIENTS

Cookie Batter:

1/3 cup sugar

4 egg whites

1/3 cup melted butter

1/2 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients. Spread to desired size and bake in greased cookie sheet pan until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

The Cream:

1 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons mascarpone cheese

Whip the cream, sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks. Fold in the mascarpone cheese.

Macerated Cherries:

1 cup Bing cherries, pitted

2 ounces Kirsch (cherry brandy)

1 tablespoon sugar

Mix ingredients together 1 hour before use.

DIRECTIONS

Lay one of the cookie rounds on a plate. Spread the mascarpone whipped cream on the cookie. Then arrange some of the macerated cherries on the top of the cream. Continue for 3 or 4 layers. Garnish with a dollop of cream and mint leaf.

Recipe is courtesy of Chef Julio Camberos of Black Tie Gourmet Services.