By: Francesca Montillo, ISDA Food + Travel Writer

Growing up in southern Italy, I ate my share of ricotta. I have now traveled to much of Italy leading food and wine tours, and have eaten some amazing food all over the peninsula, but I must confess: the flavor of the ricotta in Calabria is second to none.

When I’m in Calabria, I eat it just about daily; it’s just so versatile. 

In the morning, it’s wonderful for breakfast on toasted bread with a drizzle of honey, or as my dad enjoyed it, with a teaspoon of cherry preserve on top.

At lunch it’s great in a panini or added to a frittata, and for dinner, well, stuff some shells, bake some pasta or make some cannelloni!

And let’s not forget how wonderful it is in desserts. It’s just the perfect ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes.  

When it comes to Ricotta & Sun-dried Tomatoes Crostini, serve before dinner to whet the appetite, or prepare a plateful for when guests come over, and enjoy with some white wine.

They also make the perfect light lunch! Of course, this is just one idea, you can also top them with anchovies, olives, capers, honey, or any other flavor that you love!

It’s the simple things that are most enjoyable. 

Serves 4 as appetizers  

Ingredients  

Instructions  

1. Preheat the oven to broil. Place a rack on the very top shelf.  
2. Lightly brush one side of the bread slices with the olive oil. Place bread on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 1 – 2 minutes. Bread should be slightly charred but not burned. (It can quickly burn so do not walk away from the oven.)  
3. In a small bowl, using a fork, gently mix the ricotta to break it up. Add ground black pepper.
4. Top each of the bread slices with a large tablespoon of the ricotta. Add a light sprinkle of salt and top with the tomatoes. Feel free to add a bit of the oil from the tomatoes. 
5. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.  

 

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