Cream Cheeses for Fruit

Fruit with cream is a timeless combination. Whatever the particulars, the essence of fruit and cream seems to be found in the contrast of flavors and textures—the sweet, moist fruits paired with delicate, smoothly textured cream. Of course thick fresh cream is always delicious poured over fruit, but so are lighter cheeses made with cream cheese and cream, yogurt, or ricotta. Some fruits that are especially good served with a mound of sweet cheese are fresh berries, fresh figs, baked dried apricots, poached pears, and dried fruits, like dates and figs.