Chocolate Crepes With Fresh Strawberries

FOR THE CREPES: Combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a medium size mixing bowl, combine the butter, milk, eggs and vanilla and whisk until blended. Add the liquid mixture a little at a time to the dry mixture, whisking to dissolve any lumps. Whisk until smooth. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Lightly brush a 6-inch skillet with vegetable oil and heat over medium heat. When the pan is hot, remove from the heat and pour in 1/4 cup of the batter. Swirl the pan around to spread the batter evenly over the bottom. Return the pan to the heat and cook until lightly golden, 30 to 40 seconds. Turn the crepe over and cook the second side for about 15 seconds. Remove from the pan. Repeat the process until all of the batter is used, stacking the crepes between the squares of parchment or waxed paper to prevent them from sticking together. Set the crepes aside.

FOR THE FILLING: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle, beat the ricotta cheese until smooth. Add the mascarpone, sugar, strawberries and vanilla. Beat until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Put 3 tablespoons of the filling in the center of the lower third of each crepe. Fold the bottom of the crepe over the filling and roll up gently but firmly. Place the filled crepes on a large platter or baking sheet, cover lightly and refrigerate for 1 hour.

FOR THE STRAWBERRY SAUCE: In a large sauté pan, over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the strawberries and continue to cook for 1 minute. Add the liqueur and simmer for 2 minutes. Keep warm.

Preheat the oven to 325º F.

Bake the crepes, covered, for 15 minutes or until warmed through.

To serve the crepes,  drizzle with the chocolate sauce, spoon the strawberry sauce over the top and serve warm.