Raspberry, Ricotta, and Chocolate Parfaits
Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Karen Shinto
Yields Serves 4 Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
At the farmers' market, look for deep red late-summer raspberries, artisanal ricotta cheese (if available), and pistachios. For the silkiest texture, use a ricotta that contains no gums, pectin, or other stabilizers. (Standard grocery-store ricotta isn't as smooth, but still tastes good.)

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Toss berries with sugar and brandy in a bowl, mixing gently. Let stand at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and berries render some juice, about 1 hour.

Step 2
2

Purée ricotta, honey, and vanilla in a food processor until very smooth. Transfer to a bowl; stir in chocolate and pistachios.

Step 3
3

Whip cream to firm peaks. Gently fold into ricotta mixture.

Step 4
4

Divide berries and their juices among 4 glasses. Top each with ricotta mixture. With a vegetable peeler, shave a little more chocolate over each.

Step 5
5

*Such as Bellwether Farms (CA) or Calabro Cheese (CT).

Step 6
6

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Ingredients

 3/4 pound raspberries
 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
 1 1/2 teaspoons brandy or water
 12 ounces (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups) whole-milk ricotta cheese*
 3 tablespoons honey
 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
 1 1/2 tablespoons coarsely chopped bittersweet chocolate, plus more for garnish
 1 1/2 tablespoons coarsely chopped roasted unsalted pistachios
 1/3 cup heavy cream

Directions

Step 1
1

Toss berries with sugar and brandy in a bowl, mixing gently. Let stand at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and berries render some juice, about 1 hour.

Step 2
2

Purée ricotta, honey, and vanilla in a food processor until very smooth. Transfer to a bowl; stir in chocolate and pistachios.

Step 3
3

Whip cream to firm peaks. Gently fold into ricotta mixture.

Step 4
4

Divide berries and their juices among 4 glasses. Top each with ricotta mixture. With a vegetable peeler, shave a little more chocolate over each.

Step 5
5

*Such as Bellwether Farms (CA) or Calabro Cheese (CT).

Step 6
6

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Raspberry, Ricotta, and Chocolate Parfaits

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