Mascarpone Surprise

This cute little jarred treat is perfect for the hot summer days or just for the hell of it.

Makes about: 6-8 depending on the size of the jars

Takes about: 30 minutes

Difficulty: 1 out of 5

Ingredients:

8 ounces mascarpone cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup powered sugar

1 cup whipping cream

3 cups of ice cream (I used 2 flavors of ice cream - chocolate and strawberry, but any flavor can be used)

10 (or more) strawberries - sliced

mint leaves

Instructions:

- Step 1 - Whip the Mascarpone

Scoop the 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese into a large bowl and mix until light and fluffy.

- Step 2 - Add Vanilla Extract

Add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the mascarpone cheese until well mixed.

- Step 3 - Add Powdered Sugar

Add the 1/3 cup powdered sugar into the mascarpone and mix until incorporated.

- Step 4 - Add Whipping Cream

Add the 1 cup of whipping cream into the bowl of creamed mascarpone and mix until fluffy.

The mascarpone cream will be slightly stiff, but fluffy.

Place the mascarpone cream in the fridge while prepping the surprise.

- Step 5 - Make Ice Cream Surprise

Place a piece of cling wrap into the counter and using a melon baller scoop 6 spoonfuls of ice cream into the middle of the cling wrap.

Twirl the cling wrap together turning the ice cream into a cylinder and place it into the freezer until needed.

- Step 6 - Prep Mascarpone Cream

Place the mascarpone cream into a piping bag.

Pipe the mascarpone cream into the bottom of the jar, place a few sliced strawberries into to jar along the side, and then pipe mascarpone cream around the strawberries.

- Step 7 - Add the Surprise

Unwrap the ice cream and place it into the middle of the jars.

- Step 8 - Fill the Jar

Fill the sides of the jar and cover the top of the ice cream with mascarpone cream until completely covered.

- Step 9 - Store in the Freezer

Place a piece of cling wrap over the jars and place in the freezer until ready to serve.

- Step 10 - Serve!

Once ready to serve, take the cling wrap off the jars, place a few mint leafs and a whole strawberry on top of the mascarpone cream and enjoy!

Adapted from Food 52's "Mascarpone Whipped Frosting".