Lemon Herb, Homemade Ricotta & Roasted Tomato Crostini

"This is such a nice fresh appetizer and so easy to make. Don't shy away because there are 3-4 steps; it is actually very very easy, and so worth making. The ricotta will last 5 days (approx) in the refrigerator, and very important is to make sure to use good fresh milk and cream. I like to top my crostini with the arugula then the ricotta and tomato, but feel free to skip the arugula. To me it is such a nice compliment to the creamy ricotta. These bite size appetizers and a bowl of soup or a salad can be dinner for me."
 
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photo by SarasotaCook photo by SarasotaCook
photo by SarasotaCook
Ready In:
30mins
Ingredients:
22
Yields:
2-4 Servings per person 16 pieces
Serves:
4-8
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ingredients

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directions

  • Ricotta -- First step is to make your ricotta which - seriously makes itself. It is so easy. You will need a heavy bottomed pot or strainer or colander, cheese cloth and a big bowl. Step 1: Set up your colander over a large bowl. Make sure there is plenty of room in the bowl for the liquid to drain. Take 2 pieces of damp cheese cloth and line the colander. Step 2: In a medium to large pot, bring the milk, cream and salt to a rolling boil on medium heat stirring often. Once it is boiling add in the vinegar and immediately remove from the heat and stir. The vinegar will cause the milk and cream to separate and form curds. Stir a couple of times, wait 2-3 minutes, and then pour it into the strainer or colander on top of the cheese cloth. You will see the whey or clear liquid separate from the milk curds and drain to the bottom of the bowl. Let it rest at room temp for about 15-20 minutes to cool before you put it in the refrigerator. Just make sure as it sets in the refrigerator that none of the liquid in the bowl is touching the bottom of the ricotta. Make sure to cover the ricotta with saran wrap. Personally, I like to let mine set over night, but at least 4 hours to cool down and set.
  • Tomatoes -- I like to have these chilled rather than hot, so I make these ahead of time too. Couldn't be easier. Oven at 425, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and add the tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for approximately 10 minutes until they begin to soften, but not falling apart. Let cool, transfer to a plate and cover. Done!
  • Herbed Topping -- Add the ricotta, lemon zest and juice, scallions, herbs, salt and pepper. Mix well and set to the side. I prefer to make this right before I serve.
  • Baguettes -- Some people bake them on a high temp in the oven, personally, I prefer to broil mine. They take only a minute or two and it is easy. I line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and add the baguette slices. Drizzle with olive oil and broil the first side. Once golden brown, flip and broil just another minute until brown. Remove and rub the garlic on the side you drizzled with olive oil. That is the side you will add the toppings to. The garlic is optional, but I think it gives it a great taste.
  • Finish -- Top each of the baguette with a little of the arugula (optional), then a spoon of the ricotta and a tomato slice. ENJOY!
  • Prep time doesn't include the chilling of the ricotta.

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Reviews

  1. P.H.E.N.O.M.E.N.A.L.!!!!<br/>This is creamy, flavorful with lemon zest & herbs, and simply divine KC~love it and it will certainly be made often here. This is the first time I have ever made ricotta, and I am impressed with how easy it is too. Made it overnight in the fridge, and then added to scrambled eggs this morning, along with some fresh dill...perfection!<br/>The rest got gobbled up on crostini. Thank you so much, for another superb recipe!
     
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

<p>Growing up in Michigan, I spent my summers at my cottage in the Northern part up by Traverscity. On a lake, big garden which had all the vegetables you could imagine. My mom taught school, so summers were our vacation time. Gramps and I fished all the time so fresh fish was always on the menu, perch, blue gill, walleye and small and large mouth bass. At age 5 I learned how to clean my own fish and by 10 I was making dinner, canning vegetables and fruits, making pies and fresh breads. Apples fresh picked every fall, strawberries in June and July, Cherries at the Cherry Festival in Traverscity. So fresh foods always were a big part. Mom worked as a teacher during the year so dinner was more traditional with pot roasts, meatloaf, etc, but it seemed we always had fresh fruits and vegetables as part of the meal. Mom also didn't use as many spices as I do, but times were different back then. <br /> <br />So ... My motto is ... There is NO Right and NO Wrong with cooking. So many people thing they have to follow a recipe. But NO ... a recipe is a method and directions to help and teach someone. Cooking is about personal tastes and flavors. I love garlic ... and another person may not. I like heat ... but you may not. Recipes are building blocks, NOT text ground in stone. Use them to make and build on. Even my recipes I don't follow most times --They are a base. That is what cooking is to me. A base of layer upon layer of flavors. <br /> <br />I still dislike using canned soups or packaged gravies/seasoning ... but I admit, I do use them. I have a few recipes that use them. But I try to strive to teach people to use fresh ingredients, they are first ... so much healthier for you ... and second, in the end less expensive. But we all have our moments including me. <br /> <br />So, lets see ... In the past, I have worked as a hostess, bartender, waitress, then a short order cook, salad girl in the kitchen, sort of assistant chef, head chef, co owner of a restaurant ... now a consultant to a catering company/restaurant, I cater myself and I'm a personal chef for a elderly lady. I work doing data entry during the day, and now and then try to have fun which is not very often due to my job(s). <br /> <br />I have a 21 year old who at times is going on 12, aren't they all. Was married and now single and just trying to enjoy life one day at a time. I'm writing a cookbook ... name is still in the works but it is dedicated to those people who never learned, to cook. Single Moms, Dads, or Just Busy Parents. Those individuals that think you can't make a great dinner for not a lot of money. You can entertain on a budget and I want people to know that gourmet tasting food doesn't have to be from a can of soup or a box, and healthy food doesn't come from a drive through. There are some really good meals that people can make which are healthy and will save money but taste amazing. So I guess that is my current goal. We all take short cuts and I have no problem with that - I do it too. I volunteer and make food for the homeless every couple of months, donating my time and money. I usually make soup for them and many times get donations from a local grocery stores, Sams Club, Walmart etc, with broth, and vegetables. It makes my cost very little and well worth every minute I spend. Like anyone, life is always trying to figure things out and do the best we can and have fun some how along the way.</p>
 
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