Amaretti are crunchy Italian macaroons made from almond paste, sugar, and egg whites. You can substitute any crispy cookie.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　1 container (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta

　　1/3 cup sugar

　　2 teaspoons instant espresso powder

　　4 crisp amaretti cookies

　　

Step 1

In a food processor, purée the ricotta, sugar, and espresso powder until very smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, 1 to 2 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Dividing evenly, spoon the mixture into 4 glasses or serving dishes. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve, at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.

　　

Step 3

Just before serving, crumble the cookies over the parfaits.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.