One thing I love about living in the South is listening to mockingbirds. They are incredible. And if you are lucky enough to have one become your neighbor, you will never be bored. Their vast repertoire of calls is amazing. This spring, I listened to one that belted out the siren of a car alarm ... over and over but with a wonderful melody.
When I tended seven feral kittens behind the grocery store where I worked, a mockingbird accompanied all of us during the warmer months, flying from light post to light post, singing and dancing. Yes, they tend to dance as they sing ... up and down with a flutter of their wings!
A southern disappointment, however, are berries. I think the heat robs them of their delicate but unique robust taste. There is always just something missing ... I find this especially true of blueberries. In Michigan, one of the leading blueberry producers in the country, I could pretty much depend on great-tasting blueberries most of the summer season.
Here, in North Carolina, while blueberries are plentiful, the taste quality is hit-and-miss. And forget South American blueberries which are now flown in year-round. They are blueberries by name and sight only. Not taste.
Which brings me to this dessert. It has been on my "to make" list for years. But it is paramount you have fresh, non-mushy, plump, sweet and great-tasting blueberries. Frozen will not work.
If you have never met Donal Skehan, I introduce him to you in the video below. I hope you follow him regularly. He has some great, non-complicated recipes. He has a beautiful family and it's always a privilege when he allows viewers to tag along on family jaunts and celebrations.
What attracted me to this particular no-bake cheesecake is the inclusion of melted white chocolate. Brilliant! Also, it has no added sugar and a minimum of Philadelphia cream cheese.
We are approaching peak blueberry season, so I have been scouting all my grocery stores for the best-tasting blueberries possible. I have my white chocolate and digestive biscuits in the baking cupboard waiting ...
Donal says you can also use strawberries ... but, like blueberries, they should be the BEST ever.
I suggest you use weights, not measurements. I know, a bit of a pain. Cream cheese comes in 8, not 9-oz blocks. To make up, maybe use a bit more white chocolate.
- 200 g or 7 oz. plain, digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- 100 g or 3.5 oz butter
- 400 g or 14 oz. good-quality white chocolate, roughly chopped
- 250 g or 9 oz. full-fat cream cheese
- 250 ml or 8.5 oz double cream
- 250 g or 9 oz mascarpone cheese
- 250 g or 9 oz. blueberries
- 1, 8-inch non-stick springform pan
Gently melt white chocolate, stirring occasionally, either over a hot bath or in microwave at 50 percent power.
Beat the cream cheese, cream and mascarpone in a large bowl with a wooden spoon/whisk until well combined.
Spread mixture evenly over the top of the biscuit base. Cover and place in fridge for at least two to three hours or until set.
Meet Donal: