Salami Cups With Whipped Honey Ricotta And Fresh Figs Food

FIG AND SALAMI CROSTINI

Steps:

• For the crostini: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Brush the slices of baguette with the olive oil and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with the salt and bake until golden brown and crispy, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the crostini to a wire rack to cool.
• For the topping: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, lemon zest, cinnamon and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the figs. Allow the figs to steep for 5 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the softened figs to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Add the ricotta, salt and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Puree until light, fluffy and smooth.
• Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon olive oil and the chopped salami. Cook, stirring often, until the salami is golden brown and crispy. Drain well on a paper towel-lined plate.
• To assemble, spread some fig ricotta over each crostini. Top with a sprinkling of crispy salami and a few basil leaves if desired.

FRESH FIG AND RICOTTA CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter and flour a 9-inch round springform pan, tapping out the excess flour.
• Place the butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula. With the mixer on medium low, add the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl and mixing until smooth. Add the ricotta, sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest and mix until combined. Don't worry; the ricotta will make it look lumpy.
• In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the batter, mixing just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the figs on the cake, cut sides up, in snug but not-overlapping concentric circles. Sprinkle with the turbinado sugar and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a baking rack for 15 to 20 minutes, transfer to a cake plate, and serve warm with crème fraîche on the side.

FIG AND RICOTTA CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Place the baguette slices on an ungreased, foil-lined baking sheet.
• Bake the bread in the preheated oven until the bottoms are brown, about 5 minutes; flip and bake until crisp, 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven.
• Spread 1 tablespoon of ricotta on each slice of toasted bread. Place a few ribbons of basil on each, arrange a slice of fig on top, and drizzle the finished crostini with balsamic vinegar.