Melissa Ann Barton travels from Nashville to cook alongside Lauren in a feel-good episode bursting with warmth. Together, they make crostini two ways, homemade ricotta with honey and white bean lemon hummus. Melissa Ann’s kindness, creativity, and hospitality shine through every bite. This episode proves simple dishes can make a big impression.
Spread the Sunshine | Now We're Cookin'
What is a Crostini?
Crostini are small, toasted bread slices and are typically lightly coated with olive oil and baked or grilled until crunchy. They are simple to prepare, easy to customize, and can feed a crowd. They are a great way to use up extra bread! My two recipes below for homemade ricotta cheese and white bean hummus are two examples of creamy toppings for the crostini.
INGREDIENTS
Yields about 25 crostini
- 1 baguette, sliced ¼-inch thick on the diagonal, about 25 slices, depending on size of baguette
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Kosher salt, for finishing
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for about 8 minutes, keeping a watchful eye, as every oven is different.
- Remove from oven, season with salt on the side that is facing up and flip over.
- Bake until edges are crisp, and centers remain slightly tender.
- Immediately after baking, sprinkle with kosher salt to the other side so it sticks to the hot oil.
Homemade Ricotta
Yields about 2 cups ricotta
Making ricotta from scratch is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. All you need is a ½ gallon of milk, vinegar, salt and lemon juice. It is a good way to use up leftover milk! The longer you drain the ricotta, the firmer it will be, so keep that in mind.
INGREDIENTS
- ½ gallon whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- Juice of one lemon
- Optional flavorings for crostini, honey, lemon zest, additional salt, herbs…
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large saucepan, combine all the ingredients and mix gently just once.
- Turn the stove on to medium-high heat and do not stir too much or else you will disrupt the ricotta separation process of the curds and whey. Heat until the mixture reaches 185°F (85°C) when using a digital thermometer. You’ll see it start to foam around the edges. Do not let it boil.
- Turn off the heat and let it sit for 15 minutes so that the whey and curds separate.
- Set a fine mesh strainer so that it is suspended over a large bowl.
- Using a large spoon, gently lift the ricotta curds into the fine-mesh strainer.
- Let it drain for 20 minutes for soft ricotta. Keep ¼ cup of the whey (liquid).
- For whipped ricotta, use an immersion blender, food processor or blender and whip until smooth. Add whey slowly, only as much as needed, to loosen it up.
White Bean Spread
Yields about 2 cups
It is always smart to keep canned beans around. This spread comes together in less than 10 minutes and is versatile as a dip and spread. I sometimes add it to my brothy soups to make the soups creamier.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 15.5 ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Juice and zest of one lemon
- ½ of one jarred roasted bell pepper, rinsed and chopped finely, optional ¼ cup chopped parsley, optional
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a blender, food processor, or with an immersion blender until smooth.
Now We're Cookin' with Chef Lauren Furey teaches viewers how to prepare tasty, locally-sourced seasonal meals that can be served family style— encouraging joy and companionship.
Now We're Cookin' is brought to you by the generous support of William and Prudence Finn & The ETV Endowment of South Carolina.
