Strawberry Ricotta Parfait Food

STRAWBERRY-RICOTTA PARFAIT

Steps:

• Mix ricotta, vanilla and sugar in a bowl. In another bowl, mix strawberries, mint and vinegar. Spoon 2 tablespoon ricotta mixture into the bottom of 4 parfait or iced tea glasses. Add a layer of crackers, strawberries and another layer of ricotta. Top with remaining strawberries and mint sprigs. Serve immediately or chill up to 4 hours.

STRAWBERRY PARFAITS

Steps:

• Hull and quarter 1 quart strawberries. Toss with 1 teaspoon sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle a layer of gingersnap crumbs or graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of parfait glasses. Top with the berries. Mix 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, then spoon over the berries.

RICOTTA PARFAITS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese and yogurt together until smooth. In each parfait glass, layer 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture, 1 tablespoon raspberry jam and 1/4 cup of granola. Repeat the layers. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture on top and garnish with toasted almonds before serving.

RICOTTA PARFAITS

Steps:

• Special equipment: 4 parfait or sundae glasses
• In a small bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese and yogurt together until smooth. In each parfait glass, layer 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture, 1 tablespoon raspberry jam and 1/4 cup of granola. Repeat the layers. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture on top and garnish with toasted almonds before serving.
• *Cook's Note: To toast the sliced almonds, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely before using.

FRESH BERRIES WITH RICOTTA CREAM

Steps:

• Purée strawberries with apple juice in a blender until smooth. Spoon equal amounts of berry sauce into 4 cocktail or parfait glasses. Combine ricotta cream ingredients in a blender or food processor. Process until mixture is smooth, about 30 seconds. Spoon 1/4 of the ricotta cream into each glass and top with 1/4 cup strawberry slices. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish each with a mint sprig and an edible flower, if desired, before serving.