Anonymous wrote:Sounds great! Only if you have really good figs and berries though.
I feel like in this type of fruit dessert, the fruit really needs to shine, and I've generally been disappointed by the figs in this area. Neither is in season at the moment.
Another option for this time of year is pears poached in spiced red wine, or poached pears in a spiced caramel. Served with good vanilla ice cream or creme fraiche.

I agree with this statement, stick with in season fruit. Do not do a summer fruit in the fall season.

Anonymous wrote:Fig and berry compote with mascarpone. Or roasted pears with mascarpone.

THIS! The only answer is mascarpone. Make sure to put them in individual cups given that it is flu season.

OP here -- I'm going with pears and mascarpone for tonight, but you've given me lots of great suggestions to try in the future.

Sounds great! Only if you have really good figs and berries though.
I feel like in this type of fruit dessert, the fruit really needs to shine, and I've generally been disappointed by the figs in this area. Neither is in season at the moment.
Another option for this time of year is pears poached in spiced red wine, or poached pears in a spiced caramel. Served with good vanilla ice cream or creme fraiche.

Anonymous wrote:Fig and berry compote with mascarpone. Or roasted pears with mascarpone.

This. If you do pears, add some toasted walnuts or pecans and honey.

I’d assume they’re wanting mixed berries with ice cream from the request, so I think the compote with ice cream is the best idea.

I think yours sounds great OP. Another idea is chocolate covered strawberries, or a fruit, cheese and chocolate board.

Vanilla ice cream for sure.

I also like the poached pears with ice cream idea.

Fig and berry compote with mascarpone. Or roasted pears with mascarpone.

Brie would also be good. Maybe glazed nuts and honey if there aren’t allergies at play?

sounds delicious.

I also love panna cotta with berries. Panna cotta is super easy to make, but is best in individual cups so it depends on the size of the group.

I'm going to a friend's for a collaborative dinner and have been asked to bring a fruit dessert, but not something baked -- that's right -- no pies, cakes, torts, cookies, etc. So, without getting into a discussion about control-freaks whom we love and count among our dearest friends, what do you DCUM foodies think of fig and berry compote with . . . . either vanilla ice cream or ricotta cheese? Yea or nay? Other suggestions welcome!