Try this quick and easy fruit gratin recipe for dessert tonight

Some occasions call for simplicity. A busy worknight, last-minute company, only a handful of ingredients in the fridge — we totally understand.

This fresh fruit gratin recipe serves four and is ready is less than half an hour. Crumble cookies and place them at the bottom of a ramekin, add fruit, add mascarpone cheese with a touch of honey and liqueur (amaretto or citrus work perfectly), then brown everything under the broiler. That’s it.

FRESH FRUIT GRATIN

Total time: 25 minutes | Serves 4

8 amaretti cookies, finely crumbled
4 generous cups diced fresh fruit, cut into bite-size pieces (small berries can be left whole)
1 (8-ounce) container mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon amaretto or citrus liqueur
2 teaspoons cornstarch

1. Heat the broiler and set a rack about 4 inches beneath the heating element.

2. Divide the crumbled amaretti among 4 individual gratin dishes or shallow ramekins. Divide the fruit evenly over the top, gently pressing the top of the fruit into an even layer.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the mascarpone, honey, liqueur and cornstarch until evenly combined. Dollop the cheese mixture into the gratins, and spread with the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread the cheese and flatten it in an even layer over the fruit.

4. Place the gratin dishes under the broiler and cook just until the top of the gratins start to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool on a rack for 5 minutes before serving.

Each serving: 404 calories; 6 grams protein; 36 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams fiber; 28 grams fat; 14 grams saturated fat; 71 mg cholesterol; 30 grams sugar; 36 mg sodium.

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