Ricotta Nut Pie

Name: Ricotta Nut Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6-8 servings.
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 45 wafers); 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/4 cup apricot preserves; 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted almonds; 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots; 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped; 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

I'm proud to serve this tall pie at special dinners for family and guests. Similar to a traditional Italian ricotta pie but with a few fun twists, it's a satisfying dessert that's not overly sweet. I can't resist the yummy combination of almonds, ricotta cheese, apricots and chocolate. -Renee Bennett, Manlius, New York

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 45 wafers)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup apricot preserves
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped toasted almonds
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the wafer crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9-in. pie plate.
Bake at 375° for 6-8 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned; cool on a wire rack. Spread preserves over crust.
In a large bowl, beat the ricotta, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the chocolate, chopped almonds and apricots. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon into the crust. Sprinkle with slivered almonds. Cover and refrigerate overnight.