Serves 4–6

Colorful fresh fruits like strawberries or peaches make a nice contrast to the almond gelatin in this elegant, easy-to-make dessert.

1½ packages Knox unflavored gelatin

1 cup cold water

3 tablespoons sugar

1 cup boiling water

1 cup evaporated milk

2 teaspoons almond extract

1 cup fresh fruit slices

• Pour the gelatin over the cold water and wait about 3 minutes for it to soften.

• In a separate bowl, add the sugar to the boiling water, stirring to dissolve. Add the evaporated milk to the sugar and water mixture. Wait a few minutes for the mixture to cool slightly and stir in the almond extract.

• Add the evaporated milk mixture to the gelatin and water. Stir well and pour into a shallow pan or a serving mold. Chill until firm.

• Cut into diamond shapes and place on a serving tray. Garnish with the fresh fruit slices.

Aromatic Almonds

Cooks have been exploiting almond's rich flavor since biblical times. In China of days past, peddlers traveled from door to door selling almond tea, a sweet concoction made with almonds ground into a paste. Today, almonds are featured in desserts and some restaurant dishes.