Cranberry Mascarpone and Pralines - sugar

Method

• Line a baking sheet with foil.
• Butter the foil; set aside.
• For pralines, cook sugar and butter in a heavy 8-inch skillet over medium heat until sugar begins to melt, shaking skillet occasionally.
• Do not stir.
• Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until sugar turns golden, stirring often with a wooden spoon.
• Remove from heat; stir in nuts.
• Immediately spread coated nuts in a thin layer on prepared baking sheet.
• Cool; break into small pieces.
• Meanwhile, combine mascarpone cheese, cranberries, orange peel, and liqueur or juice in a medium mixing bowl.
• Spoon mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch wide open-star tip.
• Pipe onto strawberry halves; arrange on a small plate.
• Garnish with pieces of praline.