3 Things To Do With Fresh Ricotta

My Italian grandmother has this tradition of popping by for a few minutes every week or so, always with something delicious to eat. This week, she brought one pound of fresh ricotta.

This treat is slightly pricey compared to the plastic container variety, but it's flavor is incomparable and certainly worth the splurge.

TIP: Don't forget that keeping a balanced diet means giving into something indulgent every now and then. I truly believe that satisfying foods like these are a great way to add some healthier spunk to your intake. Plus, we need our Calcium - right? ;)


SNACK



















1) Top multigrain crackers with fresh ricotta and honey for a sweet and savory treat (for something mild and citrusy, try orange blossom honey -- full-flavor and robust? buckwheat or sage -- and for a lighter taste, any wildflower blend works well.)

For a saltier snack fix, pair fresh ricotta with this fun mix of favas and peppermint (courtesy of Sunset mag.)

BREAKFAST

2) Start your morning with these zesty Lemon Ricotta Pancakes by The Food Network! For a crispier pancake shell, separate the eggs and lightly fold in egg whites last.

(image: cupcakesandcashmere.com)


LUNCH / LIGHT DINNER


3) Cooking Light's Open-Faced Sandwiches with Ricotta, Arugula and Fried Egg blur the lines between lunch and brunch (deliciously so!) I've always loved arugula for it's peppery taste -- it's got that flair, you know? A perfect summer green.