Sweet Berries and Cannoli Cream Cradle

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 1/2 pint fresh blueberries (dry pint, about 1 cup)
• 16 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled, quartered (about 3 cups)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• 4 tablespoons chopped pecans or chopped hazelnuts or sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

1. 1

   Cannoli Cream: -- Stir the ricotta, vanilla and 3 tablespoons of cream in a medium bowl to blend.

2. 2

   Using an electric mixer, beat the remaining 1/2 cup of cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl until semi-firm peaks form.

3. 3

   Fold the ricotta into the whipped cream. Place in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to stiffen and yield a creamier filling. (Can be prepared 1 hour ahead. Cover and refrigerate.).

4. 4

   Sweet Berries: -- Toss the berries, sugar, and lime juice in a medium bowl to combine. Let stand until juices form, tossing occasionally, about 20 minutes.

5. 5

   Ready to Serve: -- Divide berries among dessert dishes.

6. 6

   Dollop the ricotta cream atop the berries. Sprinkle with the nuts and serve. :).