Blistered Grapes With Honey And Ricotta Food

GRAPE AND RICOTTA GALETTE WITH FENNEL CRUST AND RED WINE SYRUP

Steps:

• For the fennel crust: Add the flour, ground fennel and crushed sea salt to a food processor and pulse to combine. Next add the butter and pulse to pebble-size granules. With the food processor running, slowly stream in the cold grape juice -- stop when the dough comes together, even if you haven't added the full 1/4 cup. Remove the dough from the food processor, form into a disc, and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• For the grape and ricotta filling: To a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the crumbled almond paste, granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of the crushed sea salt. Turn the mixer on low speed and slowly increase the speed to medium-high. Continue to beat the almond paste on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sugar is completely combined with the almond paste. (The mixture will have softened for the most part, but some of the almond paste will still have the texture of sand.) Add the ricotta, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg and one of the eggs. Beat on medium-high for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl halfway through to ensure the almond paste is completely combined with the ricotta. Set aside at room temperature until ready to use.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Remove the rested dough from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature; this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.
• Just before rolling out the dough, combine the green grapes, red grapes, honey and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon crushed sea salt in a bowl. Set aside. (Do not let the mixture sit for any length of time or the grapes will release too much liquid.)
• On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough into a 14-inch round. Roll the crust onto the rolling pin, then unroll it onto the prepared baking sheet; arrange in the center of the baking sheet (the sides will overhang by a couple inches). Using an offset spatula, evenly spread the ricotta frangipane onto the crust, leaving a 2-inch border. Mound the grape mixture (and any honey from the bowl) in the center of the frangipane, leaving at least a 2-inch border of frangipane. Gently fold the sides of the crust toward the center, covering 1 to 2 inches of the grapes. Allow the dough to fold over and land naturally; the galette doesn't have to look perfect, as long as all the sides are folded over to seal the filling inside the dough.
• Whisk the remaining egg and brush it generously over the crust. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar over the crust and grapes. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. When done, the crust will be a deep golden brown, the grapes will have browned slightly but still hold their shape, and the frangipane will look set except for a little bubbling in the center. Let cool.
• For the red wine syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine, granulated sugar and fennel seed. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced to about 3/4 cup, 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the fennel seeds from the syrup and let cool; the syrup will thicken as it cools. If the syrup becomes too thick, stir in warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. (Makes 3/4 cup.)
• To serve: Slice the galette and drizzle with red wine syrup.

ROASTED GRAPE AND RICOTTA TOASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toss the grapes with the red wine, thyme, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and some salt and pepper. Place on a small baking sheet or baking dish. Roast until the grapes are tender, wilted and juicy, about 25 minutes.
• Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the bread slices with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Grill on both sides until crisp and lightly charred in some places, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Spread the ricotta evenly on the bread. Top with the roasted grapes and their juices. Sprinkle with lemon zest and flaky salt, then serve.

GRAPE AND RICOTTA CROSTATA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Unroll pie crust and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread grape jam over the pie crust leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Randomly place tablespoon-sized dollops of ricotta over the grape jam. Fold in the edges of pie crust over the filling.
• In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush over pie crust. Randomly place the grapes flat side down onto the crust. Bake for 20 minutes until crust is golden and filling is puffed slightly. Remove to a wire rack, cool 10 minutes. When cool, dust with powdered sugar and cut into slices.

ARUGULA SALAD WITH BLISTERED GRAPES AND SPARKLING WINE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.
• Increase the heat to medium high and add the grapes, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the grapes are tender and blistered in spots, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
• Pour the oil from the skillet into a large measuring cup and whisk in the lemon juice and Dijon. Whisk in the sparkling wine, chives, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the arugula to a large bowl. Add the grapes on top. Pour the dressing over the salad. Top with the almonds, grate over some fresh Parmesan and serve immediately.