Whipped Ricotta with Honey

Creamy whole milk ricotta whipped up with premium honey, fresh thyme and lemon zest. This is easy elegance in a delightful spread as a stand alone dish or as base for a tasty crostini.

Wine Pairing

Original Pairing: Marches Di Borgosok Fiano from Puglia

General Pairing: Pinot Grigio, Albariño, Off-Dry Riesling

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Southern Italian Antipasti Spread

Ricotta is the cornerstone of many Southern Italian dishes. It is a fresh cheese, traditionally made from sheep’s milk, but we mostly have cows milk version in the U.S. We used this whipped ricotta as a spread as part of an antipasto course of several delectable dishes from Southern Italy. It layered beautifully with roasted tomatoes and fig paste.

Special Ingredients

Whole Milk Ricotta
For an rich, creamy spread you should look for a high quality full fat ricotta. Not only will this provide the best flavor, it will give you the best texture. As I mentioned, most of the Ricotta we find in the U.S. is cow’s milk.

If the ricotta you have is not significantly thick, you can strain it overnight. Simple put some cheese clothe over a straining sieve which is place over a bowl (to catch liquids). Place ricotta in center and allow it to drain for several hours. This is a similar process to straining yogurt.

Premium Raw Honey
A lighter flavored, raw honey will not only be thicker but add sweetness and complimentary flavors. I used a Pacific Northwest honey with bees that pollinate fireweed wildflower in the Puget Sound area. It is light in color and has a cinnamon aftertaste. It’s delicate flavor does not compete with the others. Though it is quite thick, a little warm up and it was pourable.

You can find local honeys at most farmers markets or specialty grocers.

Planning the Dish

Timing Elements
This is best made one day ahead to allow the flavor to meld. But it takes very little time to make.

Time of Serving: Keep it in the refrigerator until its time to serve or set up, this helps it last longer once out.

Plating Tips

As a dip or self-spread, place in a nice bowl. Drizzle honey over the top and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or edible flower.

Part of crostini, spread on bread or cracker as a base. Drizzle a little honey over or place additional topping such as roasted tomatoes, fig paste, dried fruit or nuts..

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Pairing Alterations

While there are only a few key ingredients to this dish, there are some adjustments you can make if you have a particular wine you are looking to fine tune towards.

Herbs
Any fresh herb can be used to shift the flavor profile. Consider basil, fennel, or fresh rosemary (very finely minced).

Honey
There are various types of honey that can lend some flavor alteration. Many honey companies have several types you can taste test. Even the amount of honey can be increased or decrease depending on your pairing interests.

Recipe