Smashed Cherries, Amaretti and Ricotta
User Reviews
5
Smashed Cherries, Amaretti and Ricotta
Description
Smashed Cherries, Amaretti and Ricotta is composed of ripe, fresh cherries flattened or halved and pitted to release their juices and soften their texture. The ricotta mixture is lightly sweetened and flavored with almond extract, then spooned over the cherries to give a smooth, creamy layer. The dessert is finished by sprinkling crushed amaretti cookies, or for a gluten-free option, sliced toasted almonds over the ricotta, followed by a garnish of cacao nibs or chocolate chips for a bit of bitter chocolate flavor and texture.
The chilled dessert offers a mix of fresh fruit tartness, sweet nutty creaminess from ricotta and almond extract, and crunchy texture from the cookies or nuts. The optional addition of amaretto liqueur tossed with the cherries introduces almond-flavored warmth and depth. This simple yet elegant dish is served in individual small bowls, making it suitable for light, refreshing conclusions to meals during cherry season.
The recipe requires no baking or complex preparation, relying on fresh ingredients and layering to provide contrasting flavors and textures. The use of almond extract and amaretti ties the flavors together with a consistent nutty note, complementing the bright cherry fruit. This dessert can be adapted for gluten intolerance by substituting toasted almonds for the cookies.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cherry 1-1 1/4 lbs, fresh ripe red, stemmed
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese whole milk
- 4 teaspoons milk
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 amaretti cookies crushed, or for GF substitute toasted almonds, sliced and crushed
- 2-4 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur (optional)
- 2 teaspoons cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Whack the cherries with the flat side of a knife till they flatten, then discard the pits - or, pit the cherries using a pitting tool and slice them in half.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta, milk, sugar and almond extract.
- If not using the amaretto, proceed with the recipe. If using the amaretto, pour 2-4 tbsp over the cherries and stir to coat (use as much as you like according to taste).
- Divide the cherries between 4 small dessert dishes. Spoon a portion of ricotta over the top of each cherry cup.
- Sprinkle each portion of ricotta with a crushed amaretto cookie...
- Or, to keep it gluten free, sprinkle with sliced and crushed toasted almonds.
- Top each bowl off with 1/2 tsp of cacao nibs or chocolate chips.
- Serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 230 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 230kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 24mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 54mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 354mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
| Vitamin A | 295IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 9.7mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 119mg | 12% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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