Ricotta And Chive Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Recipes

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH HERBED RICOTTA

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, scallions, dill, chives, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside for up to 30 minutes.
• With a small serrated knife, cut the larger tomatoes in wedges through the stem and the smaller tomatoes in half through the stem. Place them in a medium bowl with the garlic, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside.
• When ready to serve, add the basil to the tomatoes and combine. Pile the ricotta in a large (12-inch) round shallow bowl or oval platter. Using a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes around the ricotta, discarding any liquid. Drizzle the tomatoes and ricotta with olive oil, sprinkle with the reserved basil and fleur de sel, and serve at room temperature.
• Set a fine-mesh sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 pieces of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with a double layer of the cheesecloth.
• Pour the milk and cream into a medium stainless-steel or enameled pot, such as Le Creuset, and stir in the salt. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and pour in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for one 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 minutes (for soft ricotta) to 25 minutes (for firmer ricotta), occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining liquid. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days.

STUFFED CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler. Slice off the top 1/4 inch of each tomato, then scoop out and discard some of the core using a melon baller or small spoon. Cut a thin sliver off the bottom of the tomatoes so they will sit flat. Put the tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with the olive oil, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, then stand them up and press a cube of feta about halfway inside each one. Broil until the cheese is browned and slightly soft, about 2 minutes.
• Mix the olive paste with 1 tablespoon water and dot all over a serving plate. Arrange the broiled tomatoes on the plate; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Scatter the mint on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

GRILLED TOMATOES WITH SCALLIONS, CHIVES AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat.
• In a large serving bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of the olive oil with the vinegar, garlic, lime zest and juice. Taste for seasoning.
• Arrange the tomatoes, cut side-up, with the scallions and thyme in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining 4 to 5 tablespoons olive oil over all and sprinkle with salt. Place the tomatoes, cut side-up, and the scallions and thyme on a hot part of the grill and cook for 2 minutes. Flip the scallions and thyme and gently flip the tomatoes onto the cut sides. Place the chives on the grill near the scallions. Cook until tender and lightly charred, an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove the thyme sprigs from the grill. Remove the leaves from the stems and mix into the ricotta. Remove the tomatoes and scallions. Chop the scallions and chives into large (1/2-inch) pieces. Season the tomatoes with the sugar and some pepper. Spoon the ricotta into a serving platter or bowl and season with salt. Arrange the tomatoes, scallions and chives next to and on top of the ricotta. Spoon the dressing on top.

STUFFED CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Make an "X" in the top of each tomato, cutting two-thirds of the way to the bottom. Scoop out pulp with the tip of a knife. Drain tomatoes, upside down, on a paper towel. Combine filling ingredients in small bowl. Stuff tomatoes with filling. Keep refrigerated until serving. If desired, garnish with chives for flower stems.

STUFFED CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Using a paring knife, remove divot from bottom side of each tomato. In a food processor, combine cilantro leaves, garlic, nuts and Parmesan and process. Add mayonnaise and process until smooth. Fill a small plastic baggy with cilantro mixture and snip off 1 corner of the bag. Fill each tomato by squeezing bag. Serve chilled.