by Michael Westmont

Created on: May 21, 2008   Last Updated: November 30, 2011

This recipe is called "Berry Independence" and I actually created this one for a party I hosted last year on the 4th of July. This dessert is simple and delicious, while still refreshing to the palate and just a touch sinful. The entire dessert takes about 25 minutes to prepare. Here's what you need for 8 servings:

1 Cup each: Blue Berries, Raspberries, and Strawberries

2 or 3 sprigs of fresh mint
1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
5 TBSP Sugar
1 Cup Tuaca (an Italian Liqueur)

Wash all berries and cut the strawberries into quarters. Chop mint very fine. Prepare whipped cream with the Heavy Whipping Cream and 2 TBSP sugar. Soak the berries in the Tuaca for 10 minutes. Remove the berries and put them aside. Put the Tuaca into a sauce pan with 3 or 4 each of the berries. Heat on medium stirring and mashing the berries. Add the 3 TBSB of sugar and continue heating until it thickens. Turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Put Tuaca-soaked berries on a dessert plate. Place a TBSP of the whipped cream on the side of the plate, just overlapping the berries. Spoon a bit of the hot Tuaca-berry syrup over the berries and the plate. Sprinkle chopped mint over the top.

This dessert was the talk of the party, much to my delight. It ended up being a great finisher after the typical, heavy 4th of July barbecue meal. The best part was that the Tuaca really was a "secret ingredient." No one at the party could seem to identify it, though they knew it was there and loved the flavor. I love having recipes with a special ingredient that my guests just have to know about. I think we all have that one recipe that all of our friends ask for, and this is mine. Enjoy!

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