This 'cherrily' pretty, double-twist on the classic Italian dessert is sure to please!

Cherry Tiramisu Parfait

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup confectioners' (powdered) sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup coffee liqueur
1 1/2 cups shortbread cookie crumbs - about 30 (2-inch) cookies
1 (21-ounce) can cherry filling and topping
Grated chocolate, for garnish (optional)
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

1. Combine ricotta cheese, confectioners' sugar, sour cream and coffee liqueur in a large mixing bowl; mix well. Set aside.
2. In the container of an electric blender or food processor, process cookies, in small batches, until finely crushed.
3. Remove 6 cherries from cherry filling; reserve for garnish.
4. To assemble dessert, spoon 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese mixture into each of six (8-ounce) parfait glasses. Add 2 tablespoons cookie crumbs to each glass; top each with 2 tablespoons cherry filling. Repeat ricotta, crumb and cherry layers. Finish each serving with an equal portion of the remaining ricotta cheese mixture.
5. Garnish with reserved cherries, grated chocolate and mint leaves, if desired. Let chill 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe and photograph are provided courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute.