Sunnys Winning Pesto And Ricotta Toast Recipes

SUNNY'S BBQ BUFFALO CHICKEN ON TEXAS TOAST

Steps:

• For the toast: In a large pan on medium heat, add the butter and garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add the toast, soaking up a bit of the butter on one side, then flipping it to the other side to soak up the rest. Toast on one side until a peek beneath reveals a golden toasty color, then flip and toast the other side as well. Remove the toast to a plate.
• For the sauce: In the same pan, add the butter, onions and bell pepper. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add the ketchup, brown sugar, chicken stock, beer, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, chile flakes and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and the sugar is completely dissolved, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add the chicken to the sauce and stir to coat and re-heat. Spoon over the toast and serve.

SUNNY'S WINNING PESTO AND RICOTTA TOAST

Steps:

• For the pesto: Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over low heat until fragrant and lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• In a food processor add the pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, a pinch of salt, lemon zest, basil and pepper flakes and pulse. Slowly add olive oil while you pulse until the pesto comes together into a consistency that can be scooped without dripping. Transfer to a bowl or resealable container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• For the toast: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place the bread slices on a baking sheet lined with nonstick aluminum foil and brush gently with olive oil on both sides. Bake until the edges are golden and the bread is crisp, about 15 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
• Spoon some ricotta onto each crostini. Top with the pesto and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon and pinch of flaky salt if you like. Serve.

RICOTTA RAVIOLI WITH SPINACH PESTO

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix together ricotta, 1/4 cup hazelnuts, nutmeg, lemon zest, and salt and pepper to taste. Lay several wonton wrappers on a work surface. Scoop a generous tablespoon of the ricotta filling into the center of each wrapper, and brush outside edges with egg white. Lay another wonton wrapper on top of each, and press firmly with fingertips to press out air and seal ravioli. Transfer ravioli to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining wonton wrappers and filling, making 18 to 20 ravioli total. Cover baking sheet with a damp paper towel and transfer to refrigerator to set up, about 30 minutes.
• To make the spinach pesto:
• In a food processor, combine remaining 3/4 cup hazelnuts, lemon juice, spinach, garlic, parmesan, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste and puree until smooth.
• Fill a large pot with water, salt liberally, and bring to a boil. Cook ravioli in three batches, until they are cooked and float to the top, about 2 to 3 minutes. Strain and transfer to serving bowls with a dollop of spinach pesto.

MASHED PEA AND RICOTTA TOAST

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
• Blanch the peas in briskly boiling salted water until a little soft, 1 to 2 minutes, then retire to ice water and remove. Blanch the snow peas for about 30 seconds, then place in the ice water. Drain and set aside in a small bowl.
• Place the peas in a food processor, then break up or pulse until coarsely crushed. Incorporate about 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and the juice of 1/2 lemon. It should be bright but not overly acidic. Season with salt and pepper and add 2 tablespoons julienned mint.
• Mix together the julienne of snow peas and red onion in a small bowl and dress with about 2 tablespoons olive oil, the remaining lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.
• Brush the bread slices with about 2 tablespoons olive oil and grill on both sides until nicely charred, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Place the ricotta in a bowl, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, zest of 1/2 lemon, salt and pepper and mix well.
• Spread each piece of bread with the ricotta and top with the crushed peas. Place on top of the snow pea mixture, then garnish with the mint leaves and Parmesan.