Nutty Roasted Garlic Ricotta Spread Recipes

TEXAS TOMATO TOAST WITH ROASTED GARLIC SPREAD AND HOMEMADE RICOTTA

Steps:

• For the roasted garlic spread: Combine the oil and garlic in a small saucepot, turn the heat on to low and let sit until the garlic floats, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
• Remove the garlic from the oil and place in a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the cooked olive oil and a pinch of salt to the bowl and mash with a fork until coarsely mixed. Reserve the remaining oil for other uses (including griddling the Texas toast).
• For the ricotta: Combine the milk and buttermilk in a heavy saucepot, turn the heat on to medium-low. Stirring very occasionally, check the temperature until the mixture reaches 180 degrees F. (If you do not have a thermometer, watch for curds to begin forming, turn the heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes.)
• Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture sit for 1 hour to let the curds fully develop. Do not stir the mixture during this time.
• Line a colander or other large strainer with cheesecloth and set over a large bowl. Gently ladle or pour the mixture over the cheesecloth. Allow the whey to drain from the curds and collect in the bowl below. (Whey can be saved for other uses, mostly anything buttermilk can be used for). After about 1 hour of draining, transfer the curds to a small bowl and season with salt. (If a creamier consistency is preferred, a few tablespoons of cream can be added to the ricotta to loosen it)
• For the Texas toast: Heat a heavy skillet or pan over medium-low heat for a few minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of reserved roasted garlic olive oil to the skillet, then add a slice of bread. When the one side has reached a deep golden brown color, remove the slice from the skillet. Add 2 more tablespoons of oil to the skillet and proceed to griddle the other side of bread. When it has reached a deep golden brown, remove from the skillet and sprinkle with salt. Repeat with remaining slices.
• Slice the tomatoes into thick slices and sprinkle with salt.
• Smear the Texas toast with 2 tablespoons roasted garlic spread. Assemble tomato slices on top of a slice of toast (1 tomato per slice). Place several small dollops of ricotta on top of the tomatoes. Top with basil. Sprinkle with more salt and a twist of freshly ground black pepper. Eat.

NUTTY ROASTED GARLIC RICOTTA SPREAD

Steps:

• Pulse the pine nuts in food processor until pulverized.
• Remove the garlic cloves from the papery head, add it to the food processor and pulse until it forms a paste.
• Add the ricotta and blend everything together, stopping to scrape down the sides.
• Add salt/pepper to taste.

BAKED RICOTTA WITH LEMON, GARLIC, & CHIVES

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 375°F Lightly grease a 1/2- to 1-quart gratin dish or baking pan.
• Mix the ricotta, lemon juice and zest, garlic, chives, and salt, and a generous quantity of fresh black pepper. Spread in the baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. (At this point you can cover and refrigerate the ricotta overnight, if desired.)
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until hot. Drizzle again with olive oil. Serve immediately with crackers for dipping.

ROASTED ELEPHANT GARLIC CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Trim root end from garlic cloves and remove skin. Place cloves on a large square of aluminum foil. Place thyme sprigs among the garlic, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Fold up the sides of the foil to create a packet and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until garlic is soft and golden brown, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Discard thyme and let garlic cool.
• Place cream cheese into a medium bowl. Add garlic on top and mash cloves with a fork. Season with additional salt and cracked black pepper to taste, and stir mixture until evenly combined. Alternately, you may use a small food processor for a smoother consistency.

ROASTED GARLIC SPREAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450°F. Cut one-fourth off top of garlic bulb; drizzle with oil. Wrap bulb in foil. Bake 30 minutes or until tender. Cool 10 minutes.
• Squeeze softened garlic into food processor; add cheeses, 2 teaspoons rosemary, the lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cover; process with on-and-off pulses 30 seconds. Scrape sides. Process 20 seconds longer or until smooth.
• Spoon spread into serving bowl. Garnish with additional rosemary. Serve with bagel chips. Store remaining spread covered in refrigerator.