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• Preheat your oven to 375°F
1. Make the Whipped Ricotta:
• Mix together the ricotta cheese, parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, and about 1-2tbs of the syrup from the peaches (more or less depending on desired sweetness). You can whisk by hand, put in a food processor or Blend with a hand mixer until the mixture is light, creamy, and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Prepare the Crostini:
• Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
• Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of the spices used in the ricotta mixture
• Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crostini are golden brown and crisp. You can also grill the bread slices for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly charred.
2. Grill the Peaches:
• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat
o Note: if using a grill pan or cast iron skillet, make sure there is olive oil on the pan because the sugar on the peaches will get stuck to the pan
• Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the peaches are slightly softened.
• Flip the peaches and grill for another 1-2 minutes.
• Remove the peaches from the grill and let them cool slightly before slicing them into wedges or slices.
4. Assemble the Crostini:
• Spread a generous spoonful of whipped ricotta onto each toasted crostini.
• Top with slices of grilled peaches.
• Garnish with fresh mint and a drizzle of the syrup from the peaches.
Enjoy this delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors!
Tips and Variations:
• Cheese Swap: Try using whipped goat cheese, mascarpone, or burrata.
• Fruit Variations: Experiment with grilling other fruits like nectarines, plums, or figs instead of peaches.
• Add Prosciutto: Top the crostini with a thin slice of prosciutto or speck for a salty and savory element. Add it after the peaches are placed on the ricotta.
• Citrus Zest: Add lemon, orange, or lime zest to the whipped ricotta for a brighter flavor. You could even mix in some lemon infused olive oil to the ricotta
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds, walnuts, or candied pecans over the assembled crostini for added texture.