While many people think of cheese as a savoury treat, it is also an excellent in many different sweet dishes. The key is to know what type of cheese to choose as well as how the other ingredients in the recipe bring out the sweeter flavours.

Mascarpone Brownies

These delicious treats are easy to make and you will only need some basic ingredients.

You need:

  • 1 cup butter (unsalted)
  • 3 ounces semisweet chocolate (chopped finely)
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ cup cocoa powder (sifted)
  • ½ cup mascarpone cheese
  • 3 eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Ganache:

  • 6 ounces semisweet chocolate (chopped finely)
  • 6 tablespoons whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted)

Method:

  • Preheat oven to 325 F and grease a pan or use parchment paper.
  • Melt the butter in a glass bowl and stir in the 3 ounce of chocolate unsweetened chocolate and mix until properly combined. You can use the microwave or double boiler method.
  • Add the sugar and heat the mixture again so that it has a kind of shiny appearance.
  • Add the marscapone, eggs, and vanilla. Mix properly until smooth.
  • Sift the flour, cocoa, and salt into the mixture and stir until combined.
  • Pour the batter into the baking pan and bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
  • If any parts of the brownies are raised, you can gently press them down (while still hot) using the flat side of a potato masher or similar utensil.
  • Allow to cool.
  • Prepare the ganache by heating the butter and cream together. Then add the chocolate and mix until smooth.
  • Pour the ganache over the brownies while they are still warm (but not hot) and allow to set. Feel free to place them in the fridge so help them set faster.
  • Cut into the sizes you like and remember to clean the blade of the knife before each slice. This will give each brownie the perfect appearance.

Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust

Yes, cheddar cheese can also be used in desserts! Cheddar is particularly delicious when paired with certain fruits – including apples.

For the crust:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening (chilled and cut into pieces)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 ounces cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 2/3 cup ice water

For the filling:

  • 4lbs Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thinly)
  • 2/3 cup raisings
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup and 2 teaspoons white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 egg beaten and blended with 1 tablespoon water

 

Prepare the crust:

  • Blend the salt and flour in a food processor before adding the shortening and butter.
  • Add the cheese and blend with short on/off turns in the food processor.
  • Continue until you achieve a crumbly appearance.
  • Turn the processor on and gradually add water until you achieve a soft texture. It will be lumpy and that’s perfectly fine.
  • Take the dough and press it into a disc shape. Wrap with plastic and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

For the filling:

  • Mix the apples, raisins, brown sugar, 1/3 cup of white sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Allow to stand for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Preheat your oven to 400F, remove the dough from the fridge and allow it to stand for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  • Spoon the fruit mixture into a baking dish and dot the 3 tablespoons of butter over the top.
  • Roll out the dough (on a floured surface) and make sure that the size of the dough oval is about ½ inch larger than the baking dish.
  • Fold in the ½ inch edge of the dough and crimp into a double-thick border.
  • Place the dough on top of the fruit mixture and tuck in the edges.
  • Bake for 15 minutes and brush with the egg and water glaze.
  • Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of white sugar over the top and bake at 375F for another 35 minutes.
  • Allow to cool for 15 minutes and serve warm.