Fruitimisu
1 cup jelly, flavor to complement the fruit you choose
Peach/apricot, mango/orange, cherry/red current, raspberry/raspberry, blueberry/lime are some combinations that work for me.
1/3 cup brandy
1 1/2 pound fruit, peeled, pitted and chopped
2 cup mascarpone cheese
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1 ½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup brandy
1 dozen lady fingers
Place jam in a saucepan and heat slowly, combine brandy and cornstarch, add to jelly and bring to a boil, immediately add fruit, cook until thick and boiling; remove from stove and cool, correct seasoning, may need a bit of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg or even a pinch of salt. Refrigerate until chilled. Meanwhile, combine cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, slowly beat in cream until stiff peaks form. Fold ¼ of fruit mixture into cream mixture. Assemble in a beautiful clear glass dish. Begin with a skim of cheese mixture. Split lady fingers, brush each half with brandy; place cut side up on cheese and spoon layer of fruit on top, followed by a layer of cheese mixture. Repeat the layer ending with cheese mixture; garnish with chopped fruit and sprigs of green.