Strawberries with mascarpone cream

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. mascarpone cheese
• 0.5 cup chilled whipped cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out
• 16 large strawberries
• Special equipment: pastry bag with a star tip

Preparation:

1. Combine mascarpone, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and vanilla seeds in a stand mixer and beat until soft peaks form. Using a spatula, transfer the mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip.
2. Place the strawberries upright on a serving plate. If they're falling over, trim off any green stems. Using a small, sharp knife, make a cross-shaped cut in each berry, cutting almost to the bottom but not all the way through. The cut should be large enough to allow the strawberry to open without falling apart. Use your fingertips to gently push the strawberry petals apart.
3. Carefully fill each strawberry with cream. Serve immediately.