Mint Posset with Strawberry Sauce

     Welcome!!! This weekend we have the challenge of using Cherries or Berries for Sunday Funday. And I have a fun little recipe to share with you today. So my daughter and I have had a lot of fun exploring the world of Afternoon Tea. While in Colorado Springs we went and had a lover afternoon tea, and the top course included a delicious mint posset cup with a strawberry sauce on top. I love the combo of citrus and mint anyway, something I learned to enjoy living in the Middle East, so I knew I had to make them at home. 

      Want to see some other great recipes for Berries & Cherries? Check out a few of the ones below from other Sunday Funday participants. 

• Cherry Clafoutis by Amy's Cooking Adventures 
• Coconut Dried Cherry Overnight Coffee Cake by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
• Egg White Crêpe/Tortillas & A Chicken Strawberry Wrap by Sneha's Recipes 
• Fruit Tartlets by Mayuri's Jikoni 
• Grilled Chicken Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette by A Day In The Life On The Farm 
• Lemon Raspberry Coconut Cake by Cook with Renu
• Real Maraschino Cherries by Culinary Cam

The lovely tea tower in Colorado. 

You can see the mint cup in the top right corner

     What is posset exactly?  Posset is an English treat typically made from cream and sugar and something to coagulate and thicken it. Originally this was probably wine or other alcohol. Now it is made with lemon. The acid causes the proteins in the dairy to pull together and thicken, but the fat prevents it from getting too thick, forming a decadent, and creamy result. 

     In my case, I went with a mint-infused cream and then used lime as the citrus. It was dramatic and simple all at once. It went right along with my efforts to make desserts that are just enough servings for that night, without leftovers. It made just enough for everyone to have one at dinner and that was all. Unfortunately, we all wanted more. They were just that good. 

Mint Posset with Strawberry Sauce Recipe

2 c. heavy cream

5 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

2 sprigs fresh mint

1/2 c. sugar

Strawberry Sauce Recipe

3-4 large strawberries, plus more to garnish

1 Tbsp sugar

1 pinch xanthan gum (optional)

Directions

Bring the cream and the mint to a gentle simmer. Remove from the heat and allow to steep for 2 hours. 

Remove the mint from the cream and add the sugar and then heat gently. Be really gentle heating the cream, if it gets too hot it will be grainy. Once the cream is very hot, but not boiling, gently stir in the fresh lime juice. 

Pour into individual cups and chill at least 4 hours. 

When ready to serve, mince the berries really fine and then add the sugar. Crush some and stir in the xanthan gum. Allow to stand for 5 minutes and then gently spread on top of the thickened mint posset. 

Top with an additional slice of berries to garnish as desired.