Strawberry Cheesecake Verrines di Amore

This was my International Dessert recipe that I had submitted to the RWoP recipe contest last week that I was the proudest of as it looked and tasted fabulous!  You can see on the RWoP recipe website at: http://www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com/user_recipe/view/10736/9079/1

Of love’ is an English equivalent of the Italian word, 'di Amore'. Together, they're pronounced 'dee ah-MOH-reh'. You’ll notice that’s the wording on the cute little glass ‘verrine’ that I chose to use to showcase my recipe. Derived from the word French word ‘verre’, meaning glass, verrines are simply layered dishes served as small, semi-solid cordials. Americans might call them parfaits; the English might label them miniature trifles. Prepared hot, warm or cold, as a savory precursor to a meal or as a dessert, a verrine's only real rule seems to be that its layers remain visibly and beautifully distinct. Marrying two international words together for the recipe title seemed perfect and was a good way to show my love of two European countries. My Strawberry Cheesecake Verrines di Amore dessert was a huge hit with my family, and I hope they will be with yours!


•1 tbsp. of sugar

•1/2 cup(s) of graham cracker crumbs

•2 tbsp. of melted butter

•12 ounce(s) of Philadelphia cream cheese, room temperature

•1/2 cup(s) of sour cream

•2/3 cup(s) of confectioners sugar, sifted

•2 tsp. of Amaretto (Non-Alcoholic: Substitute 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for 2 tablespoons Amaretto.)

•1 cup(s) of heavy cream

•16 ounce(s) of ounces strawberry Jam (warmed

•6 Fresh strawberries for garnish


Steps:

1.Mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and one tablespoon of sugar.

2.Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sour cream, confectioners sugar and Amaretto (or almond extract) and beat until combined.

3.In another bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into the cream cheese mixture.

4.Assemble Parfaits: Place about a tablespoon of the graham cracker "crust" in the bottom of your glasses. Layer some of the cheesecake filling in the glasses, then some of the warmed strawberry jam and sprinkle some more of the graham cracker on top. (Amounts will vary according to the size of the glasses, or verrines, you choose to use, so just adjust accordingly). Repeat layers and top with fresh strawberries.

5.Refrigerate until ready to serve.

6.Recipe Notes: If you just love the graham cracker "crust" part of a cheesecake, then double the amount to make more. If desired, you can substitute 2 cups of fresh fruit for the jam with good results