Biscuit Tortoni / Tortoni

³/₄ c. chilled whipping cream*
3 tbsp. sugar
½ c. almond macaroon cookie crumbs
1 tsp. almond extract
2 tbsp. chopped maraschino cherries
¼ c. chopped toasted almonds (optional)

1. Line 6 muffin or custard cups with paper cupcake liners.
2. Beat whipping cream and sugar in a chilled bowl until stiff.
3. Set aside 2 tbsp. macaroon crumbs. Fold rest of crumbs, almond extract, cherries, and almonds into whipped cream.
4. Spoon mixture into prepared cups and sprinkle with remaining crumbs. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze until firm (about 4 hours).

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Serves 6

*For a lighter version of Biscuit Tortoni, substitute 2½ to 3 c. softened low-fat or nonfat frozen yogurt for the whipping cream and sugar. Skip step 2 and simply fold the macaroon mixture into the frozen yogurt. Good yogurt flavors to try are vanilla, chocolate, or coffee.

First created in southern Italy, tortoni is a tasty chilled dessert that is ideal for hot weather.