Fresh Ricotta, Cherries and Lemon Zest Crostini


Cherries.  Plump, red, succulent balls of sweet delight.  


We wait all year for these seasonal gems.  When they finally arrive, we eat them by the bowlful, leaving nothing to show but stems and pits.  When I found this recipe in Whole Living Magazine, it seemed to me to be the perfect Ode to Spring.  Juicy cherries, grated lemon zest and fresh ricotta cheese.  Breakfast al fresco.  What a perfect way to start the summer!


When it comes to cherry season, a good cherry/olive pitter is a must.  Fortunately, I got my husband this really nice one from Williams-Sonoma a couple of years ago for Christmas.  I'm telling you, he gets the best presents!



Macerate the cherries in brown sugar for about 10 minutes.  
Watch the delicious, sweet juices start to flow!


Grate the zest of one lemon and mix it with the ricotta cheese.
Spoon mixture on top of rustic bread, toasted. (I used a cranberry walnut bread.)


Top with the delicious cherries and enjoy the fruits of summer.


Don't forget that evasive little pit that wound up in the photos! :-)




Fresh Ricotta, Cherries, and Lemon Zest Crostini
Whole Living Magazine

  1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Combine 6 ounces (1 1/4 cups) pitted, chopped sweet cherries and 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; let macerate 10 minutes
  2. Brush 4 slices rustic bread with 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and toast until golden, 5 to 7 minutes.  
  3. Mix 1/2 cup fresh ricotta with the grated zest of one lemon.  
  4. Spread bread with ricotta and top with cherries.  Garnish with more zest.
  5. Eat al fresco under the warmth of the morning sun.


Comments

I need to get my hubs cherry pitter as a *cough* belated father's day gift! We've got the cherries, the ricotta and lemons...

Your treat looks absolutely delicious!
Miriam said…
Wow, so simple, so delicious! I love it! Miriam@Mealess Meals For Meat Eaters
Mindie Hilton said…
yum-o
I am just reminding everyone about tonights link party that runs Friday evening through Mondays!

I also have an ongoing give away link party now too.

Hope to see you soon.


http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/


come strut your stuff
Sublime! We plan to go cherry picking soon. You may have inspired me to give this recipe a whirl. I found you from Ekat's kitchen, and would love for you to link up to my Friday Food Linky. Have a great weekend!

http://www.momtrends.com/2011/06/friday-food-farmers-classic-pickle-event/
This is a childhood favorite of mine. I had completely forgotten all about it. Thanks for posting this. I love your pics. :-)
Miz Helen said…
Hi Rachel,
What a delicious treat! I would just love a serving right now. Your photo's are awesome. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and I look forward to seeing you again real soon. Hope you have a great week end!
Miz Helen
Elsa said…
This looks delicious. I am going to go buy cherries just for this recipe.
Ann Kroeker said…
Oh, my, this looks so amazing! This is the kind of thing that I could eat way too much of, so fresh and light! Thanks for linking to Food on Fridays!
Jo said…
This looks delish! It will be perfect for our music night at the winery. Thank you for sharing.

Jo
How wonderful! That crostini is making my mouth water. All of your picture look absolutely beautiful :)
Wow, these look really delicious!!
Thank you so much for linking it up to {nifty thrifty sunday} last week!
Hope to see more of your creativity tonight! :)
xoxo,
Vanessa

Popular posts from this blog

Butter Bean Soup

Dr. Seuss Snacks!

Candy Cornucopia