How to Make A Light, Refreshing Summer Dessert

How about "Puttin' on the Ritz" for your next dessert presentation. Ritz Cracker Dessert is a great summertime recipe that can be made ahead of time and will last for days to come. It is a light and refreshing option to serve your family or guests, especially when you choose to use the fresh fruit topping option. As they say, "Everything tastes good on a Ritz".

Things You'll Need

• 6 egg whites at room temperature
• 2 c. granulated sugar
• 40 Ritz crackers, coarsely crushed
• 1 c. nuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 tbsp. vanilla
• 1 med. container Lite Cool Whip
• Fresh fruit, fruit cocktail or whatever your desired topping might be

Instructions

1. 

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Crush 40 Ritz crackers and set aside for later use. I usually eliminate any mess by placing them in a plastic ziplock to crush.

   Separate 6 egg whites (room temperature) in your mixing bowl.

2. 

   Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Then gradually add the 2 cups of sugar to this as you are mixing.

3. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in crushed crackers, chopped nuts and vanilla. Bake in a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch pan for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in pan. Cut into serving size squares.

4. 

   When ready to serve, spread cool whip topping on top of each serving, then drizzle caramel, add nuts, or whatever your choice of topping might be.

   I like to cut up fresh fruit, or you can use fruit cocktail, mixing it in with the cool whip to top it off just before serving.