Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Bruschetta Food

HERBED RICOTTA BRUSCHETTAS

Steps:

• Prepare a charcoal grill with hot coals or turn a gas grill to medium-high heat.
• Combine the ricotta, scallions, dill, chives, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside. Cut the bread in half and cut each half into 6 thick slices to make 12 slices total.
• When the grill is hot, brush the bread with olive oil and grill on each side for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from the grill and rub each slice of bread with the cut side of the garlic clove. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and spread with the herbed ricotta. Serve 2 warm slices per person with the green salad on the side.
• Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth.
• Pour the milk and cream into a stainless-steel or enameled pot such as Le Creuset. Stir in the salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
• Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the ricotta. (I tend to like mine on the thicker side, but some prefer it moister.) Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining whey. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.
• Place the salad greens in a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour enough dressing on the salad to moisten. Toss and serve.

STRAWBERRY RICOTTA BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• In a small bowl, toss the strawberries with the mint, olive oil and a pinch of flakey sea salt. Spread each slice of baguette with ricotta cheese. Top with a spoonful of strawberries, drizzle with balsamic and sprinkle with more flakey sea salt.

BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and stir, lightly frying for about a minute, removing before the garlic gets too brown (it can be golden). Pour the garlic and oil into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.
• Add the red and yellow tomatoes, balsamic and basil to the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine, and then taste and add more basil if needed, and more salt if needed (don't over salt, though!) Cover and refrigerate for an hour or two if you have the time.
• Cut the baguette into diagonal slices to allow for the most surface area possible. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet and grill half the bread on both sides, making sure they're nice and buttery. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and the other half of the bread.
• To serve, give the tomato mixture a final stir, and then spoon generously over the slices of bread. Serve on a big platter as a first course or appetizer.

BLUEBERRY TOASTS WITH LEMON RICOTTA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees.
• Cut baguette into slices. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake about 10 minutes until light brown and toasted.
• Mix lemon juice and ricotta together in a bowl. Spread ricotta over each toast and top with blueberries, almonds and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

ITALIAN RICOTTA LEMON CAKE WITH BLUEBERRY TOPPING

Steps:

• For the cake:.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Butter and flour a 9" cake pan.
• In a bowl, mix together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Add the eggs, lemon extract, milk, ricotta, flour and lemon zest, and beat well for 2 minutes on high speed.
• Pour into your prepared pan.
• Bake 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool.
• Topping:.
• Combine the blueberries, lemon, sugar and 1/2 cup of water, and cook until thickened. Remove and cool.
• Once the cake has cooled, dust lightly with the powdered sugar.
• Serve a small slice with a spoonful of blueberry topping.