Ricotta Crostini With Edible Flowers Recipes

FRESH RICOTTA CROSTINI

Steps:

• Lay three layers of cheesecloth over a colander.
• Add the milk to a large heavy pot and place over medium-high heat. Stir in the lemon juice and salt and heat until an instant-read thermometer reaches 175 degrees F. The milk will begin to just bubble and start to steam. At this temperature you'll begin to see the curds separate from the whey. Be mindful of over stirring the ricotta while the curds are forming, you don't want to make your ricotta stiff. Let it sit for 5 minutes undisturbed and you will be left with a very creamy and pleasant finished result.
• Gently remove the curds from the pot to the colander. Use the side of the cheesecloth to very gently release some of the liquid. Tie up the curds using butcher's twine and let drain for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the cheesecloth and place in a bowl. Serve warm on toasted bread with lemon zest and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

RICOTTA CROSTINI WITH EDIBLE FLOWERS

Steps:

• Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the sweet peas and cook until bright green, about 30 seconds. Remove to a colander using a slotted spoon and run under cold water until cool. Blot dry with paper towels. Return the saucepan of water to a boil and repeat with the sugar snap peas; remove, run under cold water until cool and blot dry.
• Preheat the broiler. Pulse all but 2 tablespoons of the sweet peas in a food processor with the ricotta, parmesan, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon zest, a large pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper until smooth.
• Arrange the ciabatta on a baking sheet and broil until toasted and charred around the edges, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Spread the ricotta mixture on the toasts.
• Combine the reserved sweet peas with the sugar snap peas, pea shoots, lemon juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl. Toss well and season with salt and pepper. Divide the pea mixture among the crostini and top with edible flowers.

RICOTTA CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange bread on a baking sheet; brush both sides with oil. Season with salt. Toast until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Spread with ricotta; drizzle with oil and sprinkle with pepper, or add toppings as desired.

CRYSTALLIZED FLOWERS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the egg whites and water; beat lightly with a fork. Dip a paint brush in the egg whites and gently paint a flower ¿ covering the petals thoroughly but not excessively. While still wet, gently sprinkle the coated petals with the superfine sugar. Put the crystallized flowers on a sheet pan lined with waxed paper to dry for 12 to 24 hours. Use to top cakes and desserts.