Creamy Frozen Orange Squares

Jennifer S.

2/3 cup coarsely chopped blanched almonds
5 tablespoons butter
60 vanilla wafer cookies, finely crushed (2 cups)
5 cups vanilla ice cream (from 1/2 gallon), softened
5 cups orange sherbet (from 3 pints), softened
1/2 pint (1 cup) whipping cream, whipped
Orange peel curls, if desired

1 In medium skillet, toast almonds over medium heat 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown. Immediately remove from heat; reserve 2 tablespoons for topping.
2 Add butter to remaining almonds in skillet; stir until butter is melted. Add cookie crumbs; mix well. Press mixture in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Cool completely, about 10 minutes.
3 In large bowl, stir ice cream and sherbet until partially blended. Spoon over cooled crust; smooth top. Cover; freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.
4 To serve, cut dessert into squares; place on individual dessert plates. Garnish each with whipped cream, reserved toasted almonds and orange curl.

Tips
Make this dessert and freeze it up to four days ahead of time. Transfer it to the refrigerator and let it soften 20 minutes before cutting and serving.