Sweet Ricotta Cheese with Honey and Berries
Oh, does it get much better than this when it comes to eating the wonderful joy which is good quality ricotta cheese and berries together. I find this dish so reminiscent of cheese cake and yet some how almost better than it. By all means be as lavish with your usage of honey and berries as you wish, the holidays come but once a year!
Sweet Ricotta Cheese with Honey and Berries
2 cups of whole milk soft ricotta cheese
4 ounces (125 grams) softened cream cheese (at room temperature)
4 tbsp of liquid honey (organic if possible)
4 tbsp caster sugar (fine grain sugar)
1 tsp good quality vanilla extract
4 cups of mixed fresh bladder safe berries (such as blueberries and blackberries)
½ tsp lemon zest or ½ tsp lemon extract (optional)
In a large mixing bowl or food processor beat the cream cheese, ricotta, 2 tbsp of the sugar, vanilla extract and honey together until the mixture becomes very smooth and relatively even in consistency. Scrape the mixture from the food processor and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, so that the ricotta mixture can firm up.
While the ricotta is chilling combine the berries and lemon zest or extract (if using) and the other 2 tbsp of sugar in a medium sized mixing bowl. Let the fruit mixture set on the counter for 30 minutes so that the ingredients can macerate together.
After at least 2 hours, remove ricotta cheese mixture from the fridge and divide it between 6 dessert bowl or wide-bowled wine glasses. Place an equal amount of the berry mixture on each serving and bring to the table at once. This wonderful dessert will become a classic in your family within moments of the first bite.
Serves 6 people (or 1 really hungry ICer with a massive sweet tooth)