Passion Fruit Hearts

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Halve the passion fruit, discard the seeds and scoop the pulp into asmall bowl and set aside.

2. Step 2

   Combine the jelly, lemon juice, 6 tablespoons water and sugar in amedium-size saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to boil. Reducethe heat and simmer five minutes. Add the passion fruit and poach fiveminutes.

3. Step 3

   Meanwhile, combine the gelatinwith ¼ cup warm water and the vermouth in a medium-size bowl and setaside 5 minutes to soften.

4. Step 4

   Pour the hot passion fruit mixture through a sieve into the softenedgelatin. Use the back of a woodenspoon to press as much as possible ofthe jell-like substance from the passion fruit. Stir until dissolved, then empty into a food processor or blender.

5. Step 5

   Add the ricotta cheese to the fruit mixture and puree until smooth. Pour into four lightly greased, 4-ounce heart-shaped molds, loosely cover with plastic and refrigerate 4 hours to set completely.

6. Step 6

   To unmold the hearts, run a sharp knife around the inside edges of each mold. Immerse the molds in warm water for a few seconds, dry them and invert onto a serving platter; angle the point of each heart toward the center of the platter. Remove the molds, scatter strawberriesaround them and serve.