Stuffed Nasturtium Flowers

This recipe makes a pretty and delicious summer dessert. Gather the flowers when they are just fully ripe and fresh. Avoid washing them if possible, but do ensure that they are unblemished, free from pesticides and have no hidden insects lurking behind the flower spur.

Lightly beat the sugar into the ricotta cheese and add the almond extract. Toast the chopped almonds in a hot oven or under a broiler, watching carefully to make sure they do not burn. Leave them to cool. Fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture and add the toasted almonds. Taste and adjust sweetening and flavoring, if desired. Take small spoonfuls of the mixture and stuff each flower.

Arrange the flowers on a serving plate. Serve as a dessert or afternoon snack with crisp cookies, a fresh fruit sauce or a colorful mixed fruit salad.