4 C. fresh raspberries, divided

About 1/2 cup sugar

About 1 tbsp. lemon juice or Raspberry Liqueur

2 C. Grocery Store Ricotta (such as frigo), very cold

2 C. Cream Cheese, very cold

2 C. Cream, very cold

6 T. Powdered Sugar

2 T. slivered Candied Ginger or Stem Ginger in Syrup (drained)

 

Set mixing bowl and beaters in fridge to chill.  To make raspberry coulis, in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, 2 C. bring raspberries and 1/2 cup sugar to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture starts to thicken, about 15 minutes. Press mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, using a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard seeds and skins. Stir in 1 tbsp. lemon juice or liqueur. Taste and add more sugar or lemon juice if you like; set sauce aside. Using chilled mixing bowl and beaters, blend ricotta and cream cheese until very smooth, stopping to scrape sides of bowl once or twice.  (Do not use a food processor, as this will thin the cheeses too much.)  Slowly pour in cream while continuing to whip.  Add silvered ginger and powdered sugar as the cream begins to thicken. Whip only until nicely thick.  Spoon cheese mixture into a damp cheesecloth lined heart shaped specialty porcelain mold (it has holes in the bottom) and bring cheesecloth in over the top to cover the cheese lightly.  Put mold on a rack over and edged plate and refrigerate overnight to allow whey to drain. To serve, uncover, turn out onto a chilled platter, remove mold and carefully peel off cheesecloth.  Surround with raspberry coulis and serve with triple pepper cookies and fresh raspberries.