Shelly's Recipe

FRESH TORTONI

Category: Frozen Desserts

1 quart vanilla ice cream
1 1/2 cups (3 1/2 oz ) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp chopped almonds, divided
6 to 7 maraschino cherries, cut in half

Line 12 to 14 muffin cups with paper baking cups. In a large bowl, soften the ice cream. Fold in the whipped topping and mix well. Add the almond extract and the 1/2 cup almonds; mix well again.

Place about 1/3 cup of the ice cream mixture into each muffin cup. Sprinkle with the remaining almonds. Cover the muffin cups and place in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours. Just before serving, top each with half a maraschino cherry. Serves 12-14

NOTE: To soften ice cream, break it up in a mixing bowl by stirring with a wooden spoon. Do not let the ice cream reach the melting point. You can substitute chocolate or other ice cream flavors for the vanilla. It might not be the traditional way, but it is still be good...and different!