Strawberry Parfaits

Serve this irresistible parfait in clear glass to showcase the layers of sweetened sliced strawberries, a rich cream cheese mixture, and crushed cookies. Top with whipped cream and almonds for an eye-pleasing presentation.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced strawberries, divided
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup amaretti cookie crumbs (about 8 cookies)
• 1/2 cup frozen reduced-calorie whipped topping, thawed
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted

Directions:

1. Place 2 cups of strawberry slices and granulated sugar in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth. Set strawberry puree aside.
2. Combine ricotta and next 4 ingredients (ricotta through vanilla) in a medium bowl; stir well with a whisk. Spoon 2 tablespoons cookie crumbs into each of 4 parfait glasses. Top each portion with 2 tablespoons strawberry puree, 1/4 cup strawberry slices, and 3 tablespoons ricotta mixture; repeat the layers. Drizzle the remaining strawberry puree over each serving. Chill for 2 hours. Top each parfait with 2 tablespoons whipped topping and 1 1/2 teaspoons almonds.

Cooking Light
MAY 2001