Strawberry Roses

My husband and I created these delicious strawberries for a Valentine's dinner we hosted several years ago. They've been a favorite of ours for many years. They are simple to make for any romantic dinner.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 369 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 ¼ cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 cups mascarpone cheese
• ½ cup whipped cream
• ¼ cup coarse granulated sugar
• 16 large strawberries, washed and dried well

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Beat the mascarpone cheese, confectioners sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream. Spoon cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.

Step 2

Leaving the stem end in tact, cut off the tip of each strawberry, and carefully remove the core using a small, thin knife. Stand strawberries upright (stem end down), and slice through the tip toward the stem. Do not cut completely through. Repeat, slicing a total of 4 times. Each strawberry will have 8 sections. Roll the strawberries in the sugar.

Step 3

Gently open each strawberry and fill each with the cheese mixture, using a circular motion. Arrange strawberry roses on a platter, and sprinkle with lemon zest.