Honey Roasted Cherry & Ricotta Toast

Honey Roasted Cherry & Ricotta Toast: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Looking for a simple yet elegant dish that combines sweet and savory flavors? This Honey Roasted Cherry & Ricotta Toast is the perfect choice. With juicy, honey-roasted cherries, creamy ricotta, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, this toast is a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to impress, making this dish a go-to for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 12 slices of an Italian baguette, each about 1/4-inch thick
• 26 large very ripe cherries
• 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
• 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
• Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
• Sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions:

Step 1 – Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2 – Roast the Cherries:

1. Remove the stems from the cherries, but leave the pits in to prevent too much juice from being released during roasting.
2. Toss the cherries with 2 tablespoons of honey until they are well coated, then spread them out evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Roast the cherries in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they start to release their juices and the skins begin to wrinkle. This roasting process intensifies the cherries’ sweetness and adds a rich depth of flavor.

Step 3 – Prepare the Bread and Ricotta:

1. While the cherries are roasting, arrange the slices of baguette in an even layer on a separate baking sheet.
2. In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the ricotta until it becomes creamy and smooth. This step ensures the ricotta will spread easily on the toast.

Step 4 – Toast the Bread:

1. Once you remove the cherries from the oven, place the baking sheet with the bread slices into the oven.
2. Toast the bread for about 4 minutes per side, or until it is golden and crisp on each side. Toasting the bread enhances its texture, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy ricotta and juicy cherries.

Step 5 – Pit the Cherries:

1. While the bread is toasting, carefully pit the roasted cherries. To do this, make a small slice in the side of each cherry with a knife, allowing the pit to slip out easily. Be careful, as the cherries will be hot.

Step 6 – Assemble the Toasts:

1. To assemble, spread about 2 tablespoons of the creamy ricotta on each slice of toast.
2. Top the ricotta with 2-3 pitted cherries, allowing some of the roasted cherry juices to seep into the ricotta.
3. Drizzle each toast with a bit more honey and a touch of balsamic vinegar for added sweetness and acidity. Finish with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Step 7 – Serve:

1. You can either plate all of the toasts at once for a beautiful presentation, or set out the ingredients so each person can prepare their own toast.
2. These toasts are best served immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 200 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12 servings

Conclusion:

Honey Roasted Cherry & Ricotta Toast is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any meal. The creamy ricotta paired with the juicy, roasted cherries, and a drizzle of honey and balsamic vinegar creates a complex and satisfying bite. Whether you’re serving these toasts at a brunch gathering or enjoying them as a light snack, they are sure to impress with their beautiful presentation and irresistible taste. Enjoy this simple yet sophisticated dish that celebrates the best of summer’s bounty!

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