Cassata Shot Glasses

Cassata shot glasses are a single-serving version of one of the most famous desserts in the Sicilian tradition, cassata. Here’s how to prepare them simply and deliciously.

Ingredients

• 150 g of sheep’s ricotta (if you prefer you can use cow’s ricotta, but sheep’s is more traditional)
• 50 g of powdered sugar
• 30 g of dark chocolate chips
• 50 g of mixed candied fruit (orange, citron, pumpkin), cut into small dice
• 4 ladyfingers or similar cookies
• 30 ml of orange liqueur or maraschino
• Orange juice as needed
• Candied fruit and cherries for decoration
• Chopped pistachios for decoration

Preparation

1. Start by placing the ricotta in a strainer and let it drain in the fridge for at least an hour, to eliminate the excess whey.
2. Once drained, transfer the ricotta to a bowl and mix it with the powdered sugar until you get a smooth cream.
3. Add the chocolate chips and mixed candied fruit to the ricotta mixture, then mix gently.
4. Quickly moisten the ladyfingers in the orange juice mixed with the orange liqueur, making sure not to soak them too much.
5. Crumble the moistened ladyfingers roughly and place them at the bottom of the glasses.
6. Add the ricotta cream on top of the layer of ladyfingers, leveling it with a spoon.
7. Decorate the shot glasses with candied fruit, cherries and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.
8. Let the cassata shot glasses rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Curiosity

Cassata is a dessert that reflects the culinary history of Sicily, with Arabic influences (in the use of candied fruit and sugar) and Norman (in the cheese). The shot glass version is a modern take that retains the traditional flavors of the dessert but is perfect for buffet service or as an elegant spoon dessert at the end of a meal.

Remember that for an even more Italian touch, you can replace the orange liqueur with a bit of Marsala, which will add a wine-like note to your dessert. Enjoy your meal!