Summer Berries with Goat Cheese Cream

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1/3 cup granulated sugar
2. 1/3 cup water
3. 1 pound mixed summer berries (about 4 cups), strawberries thickly sliced if large
4. 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
5. 1/2 pound chilled fresh goat cheese
6. 3/4 cup heavy cream
7. 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
8. 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. In a medium skillet, stir the granulated sugar and water over moderately high heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the mixed berries and lemon juice and cook, gently stirring occasionally, until the berries are heated through and begin to release their juices, about 2 minutes. Drain the berries and return the juices to the skillet. Cook the juices until reduced by half. Let the syrup cool slightly, then gently fold it into the berries. Refrigerate until chilled, about 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a food processor, puree the cheese, cream, confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Scrape into a bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Serve the summer berries in bowls topped with the goat cheese cream.