Ricotta Gelato Toast Recipes

RICOTTA GELATO TOAST

Steps:

• Heat the half-and-half, sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the half-and-half is about to simmer. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl until light, fluffy and pale. Slowly add 1/2 cup of the half-and-half mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling the eggs. Whisk in another 1/2 cup. Return the entire mixture to the pan and continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a flat-bottom spoon, until the mixture thickens slightly, coating the back of the spoon, about 6 minutes. Pour the mixture into the pitcher of a blender. Add the ricotta and lemon zest. Puree on medium until smooth, about 30 seconds. Cool the mixture in the refrigerator until completely chilled, about 1 hour.
• Freeze the base in an ice cream maker according to manufacturers directions. When frozen to a soft texture, add the chocolate chips and shut off the machine. Pour into an airtight container and freeze. Temper the gelato for 8 minutes before scooping.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk together the milk, whole eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Working one at a time, dredge 3 of the brioche slices in the batter and place directly in the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate. Continue with the remaining bread, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet.
• To serve, plate a piece of toast on each plate. Top with a large scoop of gelato, sprinkle with the orange segments and drizzle with the honey and olive oil, if using.

CHOCOLATE RICOTTA TOAST

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla using a rubber spatula. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
• Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the slices of bread on both sides with the olive oil. Grill the bread until golden brown, toasted and crunchy on the outside, about 2 minutes per side. Top each slice with a good amount of the ricotta mixture and spread evenly. Grate the chocolate over the top of the bread, fully coating each slice. Serve with a fork and knife.

GELATO BAR

Steps:

• To make the milk chocolate sauce: Combine the cream and honey in a small heavy saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate. Let stand until the chocolate melts, about 2 minutes, then whisk to combine. Cool the sauce slightly, then pour into a clear glass serving bowl or small pitcher. (The sauce can be made 1 week ahead. Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.) Re-warm the sauce in the microwave, if necessary.
• To make the whipped cream: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream and sugar in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a serving bowl. (The whipped cream can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• For the sundaes: Place each topping in a separate serving bowl. Scoop the gelato or ice cream into dessert bowls and drizzle with the milk chocolate sauce. Allow guests to sprinkle their desired toppings over their sundaes. Top with the whipped cream and cherries, if desired.

RICOTTA GELATO

Steps:

• Place ricotta in a cheesecloth-lined sieve set over a bowl. Place in refrigerator, and drain overnight.
• Combine milk and nutmeg in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer.
• Combine egg yolks and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream at medium-high speed until very thick and pale yellow, 3 to 5 minutes. Return the milk to a simmer.
• Add half of the warm milk to egg-yolk mixture; whisk until blended. Return new mixture to saucepan with remaining milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
• Have ready an ice-water bath. Remove saucepan from heat, and immediately stir in cream. Pass mixture through a sieve set over a medium bowl. Place bowl in ice-water bath, and chill. Whisk in drained ricotta until thoroughly blended.
• Freeze in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Store in an airtight container.