4 Tbsp confectioners’ sugar, divided + 1 tsp for garnish
3 sheets frozen whole-wheat or regular phyllo dough, thawed
1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tsp grated orange peel
1/8 tsp orange extract
1/4 cup coarsely chopped natural pistachios
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Transfer 2 tablespoons of the sugar to a small fine sieve, sifter, or dredger. On a work surface, lay out 1 sheet of phyllo so shorter sides of rectangle are left and right. Cut from top to bottom into 4 equal rectangles. Coat top of 1 rectangle very lightly with cooking spray. Dust very lightly with sugar. Stack a second rectangle on top of the first. Coat top of second rectangle very lightly with cooking spray. Dust very lightly with sugar. Repeat procedure with remaining 2 rectangles. Spray and dust top layer. Carefully transfer pastry to a large nonstick baking sheet. Repeat cutting and layering with remaining 2 whole sheets of phyllo to make 2 other layered pastries. Bake about 7 minutes, or until crisp and brown. Let stand to cool.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 2 tablespoons sugar, orange peel, and orange extract. Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. Place one of reserved pastries on a rectangular serving plate or tray. Spread with half of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle on half of the pistachios. Cover with second pastry, remainder of the ricotta mixture, and remaining nuts. Top with remaining pastry. In a small fine sieve, sifter, or dredger, combine remaining 1 teaspoon sugar with cocoa, if using. Sift over top of Napoleon. Cut with a serrated knife.
Makes 8 servings
Per serving: 124 calories, 7 g protein, 11 g carbohydrate, 6 g fat, 14 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 84 mg sodium
Tip: This dessert is at its finest when served immediately after assembly, but it can be refrigerated, uncovered, for about 1 1/2 hours without becoming soggy. Alternatively, you can bake the pastry and store it in a cool, dry spot for up to 24 hours. Prepare the ricotta mixture; cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Assemble just before serving.
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