Ingredients

Makes 16 squares

　　1 pound whole-milk ricotta cheese

　　1 cup sugar

　　1/2 teaspoon cardamom seeds, crushed with mortar and pestle

　　1 cup half-and-half

　　1/2 cup sliced blanched almonds

　　2 tablespoons unsalted shelled pistachios (not dyed red), chopped

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray or oil.

　　

Step 2

In large bowl, stir together cheese, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cardamom seeds. Spread in baking pan and bake until mixture sets, about 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan on rack, then cut into 16 (approximately 2-inch) squares. Place squares in 9- by 13-inch baking dish.

　　

Step 3

In large liquid-measuring cup or pitcher, combine half-and-half, almonds, and remaining cardamom seeds. Pour mixture over squares. Sprinkle pistachios over and refrigerate until chilled, 2 to 3 hours. Arrange squares on serving platter.

　　Reprinted with permission from Jasmine in Her Hair by Huma Siddiqui, © 2004 White Jasmine Press