Honeyed Fig Trifle with Goat Cheese Mascarpone Yogurt Cream (Kopie)

*****
Yield: Serves 4.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Sweet, tangy, creamy and very figgy, this dessert is decadent but certainly not one you need to be guilty of enjoying. Greek yogurt takes the place of heavy cream in this trifle, and is the perfect balance to the honeyed figs.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups good quality honey
2 dozen fresh figs, trimmed and quartered (reserve a couple for garnish)
1 teaspoon vanilla (if you have a fresh vanilla bean, that would be ideal)
1 1/4 cups 2% Low-fat Plain Greek Yogurt (I used Chobani)
6 oz mascarpone cheese
3 oz goat cheese
8-10 ladyfinger cookies

Directions:
In a heavy skillet or pan, heat the honey over medium heat until it starts to look glossy and begins to thin. Toss in the sliced figs, and swirl in the pan, letting the figs caramelize and bubble in the honey. Slowly stir in the vanilla. When the honey has deepened in color, remove from heat. This should take perhaps 5 minutes - keep an eye on it so it doesn't cook to quickly. Let cool completely.

Beat the mascarpone and goat cheeses in a bowl with a whisk until smooth. Add the greek yogurt and whisk until creamy.

Place about 3 tablespoons of figs and honey in the bottom of 4 6-oz serving cups. Add 1/4 cup of the yogurt cream mixture to each and smooth the tops. Crumble a layer of large ladyfinger chunks on top, followed by another layer of honeyed figs. Add one final layer of yogurt cream and top with freshly quartered figs and a whole ladyfinger.

If making ahead, cover each trifle with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator. This can be done up to one hour ahead.

For the ultimate in decadence, add a splash of cognac or rum to the honeyed figs along with the vanilla.

Looking to cut the calories of the mascarpone and goat cheese? By all means, it is wonderful with plain Greek yogurt as well, but only do so if you must. It's worth it!

http://kitchenconfidante.com/simple-sundays-honeyed-fig-trifle-with-goat-cheese-mascarpone-yogurt-cream-recipe