Sweet Berries and Cannoli Cream Cradle

A Delicious Parfait! Substitute any of your favorite fresh fruits for the strawberries, and it'll be still be just as delicious!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6
• Yields: 4-6 small cups

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 4  tablespoons  chopped hazelnuts or 4  tablespoons  sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

1. Cannoli Cream: -- Stir the ricotta, vanilla and 3 tablespoons of cream in a medium bowl to blend.
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. 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. 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. Ready to Serve: -- Divide berries among dessert dishes.
6. Dollop the ricotta cream atop the berries. Sprinkle with the nuts and serve. :).