Ricotta And Pine Nut Salad Food

RICOTTA, OLIVE AND PINE NUT SPREAD

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine the ricotta cheese, olives, pine nuts, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pulse until smooth. Add the parsley and pulse until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cook's Note: To toast the pine nuts, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 6 to 7 minutes until lightly toasted. Cool completely before using.

CREAMY RICOTTA TART WITH PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In the bowl of a food processor, pulse flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 3/4 cup of pine nuts, and salt until finely ground. Add the butter. Pulse dough just until it comes together.
• Place the dough into an 11-inch diameter tart pan with a removable bottom and press down to cover the bottom and sides of the pan. Refrigerate until the dough is firm, about 30 minutes.
• Line the tart shell with aluminum foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake the tart shell in the lower third of the oven until just set, about 25 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and pie weights. Bake until the tart shell is lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Cool completely.
• Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with the water in a small saucepan over low heat. You don't want to boil the water, you just want to heat it so that the sugar can dissolve thoroughly. Stir until the sugar dissolves and remove from heat.
• In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the ricotta cheese and cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and egg yolks, 1 at a time, and process until smooth. With the machine running, add the sugar syrup in a thin steady stream and process until smooth.
• Pour the custard into the tart shell and bake until the filling is almost set, about 20 to 25 minutes. Scatter the remaining 3/4 cup of toasted pine nuts atop the filling. Bake until the custard is set, about 10 minutes longer. Let the tart cool completely before serving.
• The tart can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Return the tart to room temperature before serving.

WATERMELON, RICOTTA SALATA, BASIL, AND PINE NUT SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Place watermelon and ricotta salata in medium serving bowl. Drizzle with dressing; toss. Sprinkle with pine nuts.
• *Available at supermarkets, Italian markets, and specialty foods stores.

ONE-POT PENNE WITH SPINACH, RICOTTA, AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven, tossing occasionally, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes; set aside.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook according to manufacturer's directions. Add spinach during last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain; return pasta and spinach to pot. Add oil; season generously with salt and pepper. Toss well.
• Serve immediately, topped with ricotta, pine nuts, and Parmesan.

WHIPPED RICOTTA WITH RAISINS AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Whisk 3 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon honey and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and add the raisins. Cook until reduced by half, 6 to 8 minutes. Let the raisins cool in the liquid, then drain.
• Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1 teaspoon each vinegar and honey with the olive oil, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
• Combine the ricotta, capers, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a food processor; pulse a few times. Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Top with the raisins, pine nuts and parsley. Serve with baguette slices.