Strawberry Sando

Prepare the Strawberries and Bread (5 minutes): Hull the strawberries with a paring knife, removing only the green tops. Set aside. Trim the crusts off the bread slices, shaping each into a neat square.

Make the Cream Filling (10 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, salt, and confectioner’s sugar. Whisk vigorously or use an electric hand mixer on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Whip the Cream (5 minutes): Gradually pour in the cold heavy cream, continuing to beat until very stiff peaks form. Be cautious not to over-beat, as this can cause the cream to separate and become grainy. The cream should hold its shape firmly.

Assemble the Sandos (10 minutes): Spread each slice of bread generously with a thick layer of the whipped cream mixture, ensuring it reaches all the edges.

Arrange the Strawberries (5 minutes): On two slices of bread, carefully arrange 3 whole strawberries tightly together in a row from one corner to the opposite. Place 2 smaller strawberries, or a larger one cut in half, in the remaining two corners, with their pointed ends facing outwards. Aim for a visually appealing arrangement.

Fill and Top (5 minutes): Fill any gaps between the strawberries with additional whipped cream, then generously cover the strawberries with more cream. Top with the remaining slice of bread, pressing down lightly.

Finishing Touches (5 minutes): Use the remaining whipped cream to fill in any exposed sides of the sandwich. Use the edge of a knife to square off and smooth the surface, creating a clean, professional look.

Mark and Wrap (2 minutes): Use a knife to lightly mark the top slice of bread to indicate the direction of the center row of strawberries. This will help guide your cutting later. Wrap the assembled sandos tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours.

Slice and Serve (5 minutes): Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the sandos diagonally. For a more refined presentation, use a paring knife to gently scrape away any excess whipped cream from the cut surfaces of the strawberries, filling in any gaps and revealing their vibrant red color. Plate and serve immediately. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet strawberries and creamy filling!