Almond Cream Parfaits
Country Woman Christmas
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbiesparticularly during the Christmas season. These parfaits are a great way to top off holiday meals. They have a sweet almond flavor but aren't too heavy and filling.
SERVINGS: 6-8
CATEGORY: Dessert

METHOD: Chill
TIME: Prep: 10 min. + chilling Cook: 15 min.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 cups milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup chopped toasted almonds
- 1/2 cup shortbread cookie crumbs
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 6 to 8 maraschino cherries
Directions:
In a medium saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add milk; cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. In a small bowl, beat egg yolks; gradually add 1 cup of hot milk mixture. Return all to pan. Bring to a boil; boil for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Add butter and extract; mix well. Chill for 1 hour or until cool. Add almonds. Pour into six to eight parfait glasses; sprinkle with cookie crumbs. In a mixing bowl, beat cream and remaining sugar until soft peaks form. Spoon over parfaits. Chill. Just before serving, garnish with cherries. Yield: 6-8 servings.