Latest post

Sweet Pea And Ricotta Crostini

Sweet Pea And Ricotta Crostini

When it comes to hosting summer gatherings, this sweet pea and ricotta crostini is a versatile and elegant choice. This delectable appetizer combines the rustic charm of crostini with the vibrant flavors of sweet peas and creamy ricotta cheese. Embrace the summer season and the abundance of healthful vegetables and fruits that come along with it. This is a recipe my husband absolutely adores, so in his honor (and in recognition of our 21st wedding anniversary today), I’m sharing it.

sweet pea and ricotta crostini

History of Crostini

Crostini, meaning “little toasts” in Italian, dates back to medieval times when stale bread was in need of use. Over time, this humble dish transformed into a beloved appetizer served at formal and casual gatherings.  Today, crostini is synonymous with toasted baguette slices, topped with various sweet and savory ingredients that tantalize our taste buds.

sweet pea and ricotta crostini

Fresh vs. Frozen

Sweet peas, are a spring and summertime delight, that are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. These vibrant green gems are a loaded with fiber as well as vitamin A, C, and K. Peas are also a great source of essential minerals like iron and potassium. In addition, they also contain powerful antioxidants that promote overall well-being.

  • Fresh Green Peas: Fresh peas are harvested at peak ripeness to retain their optimal nutrient content. They are known for their beautiful vibrant color, crisp texture, and sweet taste. The downside is fresh peas have a shorter shelf life and may require more preparation time, such as shelling.
  • Frozen Green Peas: Frozen peas are harvested at peak freshness and frozen immediately to preserve their nutrients. Freezing helps retain the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present in the peas. The best part, frozen peas are readily available year-round.

Ultimately, the choice between fresh and frozen peas really depends on personal preference, availability, and convenience and each work perfectly this recipe.

sweet pea and ricotta crostini

Summer Simplicity

One of the many charms of sweet pea crostini is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen, you can create a visually stunning and flavor-packed appetizer. The vibrant green color of the pea spread atop crispy bread is an instant eye-catcher. Moreover, the delicate sweetness of peas pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta cheese and crispy salty bacon crumble.

sweet pea and ricotta crostini

Sweet pea crostini is a wonderful appetizer that combines the historical tradition of crostini with the delightful flavors and health benefits of sweet peas. With its simplicity and versatility, this dish is perfect for entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a delightful snack. So, gather your loved ones, toast some baguette slices, and savor the fresh and vibrant taste of sweet pea crostini.

Sweet Pea & Ricotta Crostini With Crispy Bacon

June 1, 2023
: 6
: 15 min
: 10 min
: 25 min
: easy

By:

Ingredients
  • 1 sourdough (or other) baguette, sliced diagonally 1/2-inch thick
  • 5 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen organic sweet green peas
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese, divided
  • dash of cayenne pepper
  • 4 slices thick slab bacon, cooked until crispy and roughly chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
  • flaky sea salt, for garnish
Directions
  • Step 1 Preheat the oven 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Step 2 Lay the bread on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush one side of the bread with three tablespoons olive oil. Place in the oven and bake until lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Step 3 Fill a small saucepan halfway with water and place over high heat. When boiling, add the peas and blanch until the peas are a vibrant green, about 1 minute. Drain the peas and run under cold water to stop the cooking process, set aside.
  • Step 4 Using a food processor, such as a Cuisinart, fitted with a blade attachment, add the the peas, salt, pepper, mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese and a dash or two of cayenne pepper.  Blend on high, scrapping down the sides as needed, until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Add the 2 remaining tablespoons of olive oil and pulse until combined.
  • Step 5 To assemble the crostini, spread a generous tablespoon of the pea- ricotta puree on the toasted crostini. Top with some additional ricotta, crispy bacon, parsley, and flaky sea salt.

 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin


Breakfast Inspo

Brussels Sprout And Feta Frittata

Brussels Sprout And Feta Frittata

A shredded Brussels sprout and feta frittata may seem fancy and complicated, but the truth is, it’s not. It’s also the perfect dish for mom if a breakfast in bed is on the menu for Mother’s Day. For those unfamiliar, a frittata is an Italian 

Coconut Raspberry Chia Pudding

Coconut Raspberry Chia Pudding

Chia pudding has been an Instagram favorite for years now with no signs of slowing down, and I totally get why. The luster of the presentation is intoxicating. Beautiful works of art, served in overflowing, handmade earthenware, or in adorable petite glass jars, all highlighting 

Savory Potato Waffles With Smoked Salmon

Savory Potato Waffles With Smoked Salmon

This is my latest and greatest obsession; savory shredded potato waffles topped with sour cream, smoked salmon and scallions. As if breakfast could not get any better, or truthfully, more effortless. I’m talking, crispy, buttery potatoes, made in minutes in a standard waffle maker, garnished 

Glazed Donut Bundt Cake

Glazed Donut Bundt Cake

In case it’s not clear from the title, yes, this is a giant glazed donut cake. Seriously, I almost don’t need to say any more. This Bundt cake is outrageously good and if you are a donut fan, think no more, skip this post, and 

Chocolate Babka

Chocolate Babka

Babka, (Yiddish for “little grandmother”), is one of the most iconic Jewish sweets there are. Considered part bread, part cake, babka is traditionally baked in a loaf pan, but can also be braided into a wreath-shape (called a krantz). The secret to making a great babka