Toasted Almond Cream

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon amaretto liqueur (optional) — optional
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• As needed medium crisp apples — cored and cut into ½-inch pieces
• ¼ cup toasted almonds — coarsely chopped and cooled
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream — cold

Garnishes

• slivered almonds — toasted and cooled
• apples — thinly sliced
• honey — for drizzling
• cinnamon — ground

1. Prepare the Flavor Base: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the honey, amaretto if using, and vanilla extract for about 15 seconds, until smooth and evenly blended. No heat is required.2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp amaretto, 1 tsp vanilla extract
2. Add the Apples and Almonds: Add the chopped apples and toasted almonds to the honey mixture. Fold with a flexible spatula for about 30 seconds, until every piece is lightly coated. Set aside while you whip the cream, no longer than 5 minutes.2 medium apples, ¼ cup toasted almonds
3. Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled medium bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with a hand mixer on medium-high speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until soft-medium peaks hold their shape and the tips curl slightly. Stop before the cream becomes stiff or grainy.½ cup heavy whipping cream
4. Combine the Mixture: Using a flexible spatula, fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the apple mixture to lighten it. Fold in the remaining cream in two additions for about 30 seconds, stopping as soon as no large white streaks remain and the mixture looks light and evenly coated.
5. Serve: Divide the mixture evenly among four dessert bowls, glasses, or ramekins. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds, thin apple slices, a light honey drizzle, or ground cinnamon if desired.toasted slivered almonds, thinly sliced apples, honey, ground cinnamon
6. Enjoy Immediately: Serve at once for the crispest apples and fluffiest texture, or cover and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.