Tortoni is a frozen Italian “ice cream” like dessert usually flavored with almonds. It was a dessert originally created by Giuseppe Tortoni. He was Neopolitan and owned a place in Paris named Cafe Tortoni where he served these delicious treats.
This dessert actually made its way to the US in the mid 19th Century and was sold as street food.
For me Tortoni is something I ate as a kid all the time. It was a dessert that I always looked forward to having at our weekly family dinner nights at Gargiulo’s restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn. Their Tortoni is legendary.
This recipe is so easy. They are a great dessert for Easter. Very kid friendly too and you can make them in advance.
Tortoni
(Makes 12)
2 Egg White
4 Tbsp. Confectioners Sugar plus ½ cup
2 Cup Heavy Cream
1 1/2 tsp. Almond Extract
2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
3/4 cup Crushed Amaretti Cookies
6 Amarena Cherries halved
12 – 4 oz. Soufflé cups or cupcakes liners
First, whip the egg whites and 2 tablespoons of confectioners sugar in a bowl until it comes to soft peaks (2 to 3 minutes). Set aside. In a separate bowl whip heavy cream, confectionery sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract for about 3 minutes until it resembles whipped cream. Gently fold in the egg whites. Evenly distribute the cream mixture in the cups and top with the crushed amaretti cookies and a cherry. Freeze for at least two to three hours before serving.