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    Easy Ricotta Recipes

    By | Shine Food – Tue, Aug 12, 2008 11:53 PM EDT

    Ngoc Minh NgoNgoc Minh Ngo

    A kitchen essential in southern Italy, where it's a by-product of mozzarella-making, handcrafted ricotta now is in demand at gourmet stores and farmers' markets. Spoon it on berries, add as a finishing touch to pasta, put a dollop in soup -- and enjoy its wholesome goodness. Try making one of these super simple ricotta recipes tonight.

    SWEET

    1. Berries
    Stir fresh raspberries or blueberries, crunchy granola, and maple syrup into fresh ricotta for a delicious breakfast treat.

    2. Cantaloupe
    Make a salad of cubed cantaloupe, fresh mint, olive oil, flaky sea salt, and firm ricotta.

    3. Stone Fruit
    Sprinkle nectarine or plum slices with brown sugar and grill until soft and juicy. Serve with a dollop of soft ricotta.


    SAVORY

    1. Eggplant
    Dice and sauté with lemon zest, salt, and olive oil, then toss with freshly cooked pasta and crumbly ricotta.

    2. Bell Pepper
    Stir fresh pesto into soft ricotta and serve as a dip with thin strips of red and yellow peppers.

    3. Onion
    Caramelize thinly sliced onions with olive oil, thyme, and salt over low heat. Use the caramelized onions on thin slices of toasted country bread topped with ricotta.

    Related Links
    Cooking with Fresh Ricotta
    Organic Food Resource Guide
    Jams and Sauces from the Farmer's Market
    Top 10 Grilling Tips
    Limited Time Offer - Order Country Living & Save up to 81%

    Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

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