I used to have outsize ambitions about what to prepare when heading over to a friend’s place for a meal or celebration. There were cupcakes that would inevitably arrive with flat frosting or salads that felt a little limp upon arrival. The heartiest of dishes might arrive unperturbed, but my arms would be tired after 30 minutes of keeping the platter flat in transit.
Enter dips. The easiest, most readily transportable offering. This simple ricotta dip funcions as both an appetizer or a light dessert. While there’s likely to be a crudité platter on the table, you’ll probably hold down the category for things-in-which-to-dip-fruit. And while it’s elegant enough for a special celebration, it’s quick enough to throw together for any movie night or casual potluck. I threw together the batch pictured here to ring in 2020 with some dear friends – I’m sure I’ll be toting some more out the door before the year is out.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 454g package ricotta
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/8 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- Fresh fruit or crackers for serving.
Process:
Place ricotta in a larg bowl followed by remaining ingredients. Mix well with a fork until fully incorporated. Alternatively, pulse mixture with an immersion blender.
Keep in the fridge until ready to serve (or transport alongside an ice pack). Plate with fresh fruit, cookies, or crackers. Garnish as desired. I sprinkled a few chamomile flowers over top, but fresh herbs like thyme would also do nicely.
with abundance 