Ashta Cream with Honey and Fresh Fruit | Les Filles Fattoush

In Syria, when we want something refreshing, we often order large fruit cocktails topped with ashta, a creamy cheese similar to crème fraîche, and fresh fruit. Here, we combine ricotta and mascarpone to recreate that rich, creamy texture.

Although presented a little differently, this recipe is inspired by that traditional drink and features fresh Quebec berries.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg ricotta cheese

• 200 g (1 cup) mascarpone cheese

• 1 ½ tsp rose water or orange blossom water

• 340 g (2 cups) fresh blueberries

• 300 g (2 cups) fresh strawberries, preferably from Quebec, halved

• 170 g (1 ¼ cups) fresh raspberries

• 170 g (1 ¼ cups) fresh blackberries

• 4 tbsp oak honey or wildflower honey, plus more to taste

• 100 g (¾ cup) shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped

• Dried rose petals, optional

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, combine the ricotta and mascarpone with the rose water or orange blossom water.

2. Spread the cheese mixture onto a serving platter. Top with the fresh berries and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with the pistachios and dried rose petals, if desired.