Berry Topped Ricotta Tarts
Recipe: #12577
May 19, 2014
Categories: Desserts, Cheese, Walnut, 5-Minute Prep, Birthday, Mothers Day, Romantic Dinner, Valentine's Day, Oven Bake, more
"Such a simple and easy dessert; and, perfect for company. Make the filling and berries ahead of time; then, it takes less than 5 minutes to put it together and serve. Now, for those who know me ... they know - I hate to bake. There are us who love to cook - and those who love to bake. Guess which one I am? So, when making sweet dishes, I take advantage of pre-made items. In this case; it is a small graham cracker pie crust/or tart - I used one by 'Keebler.' Although, there are other companies with similar products. Or, you can also use a mini puff pastry tart shell too, if you prefer that. Both work equally as good with this recipe. Or ... you can make your own tart shells. But, I do prefer the sweetness of the graham crackers with this. Prep time does not include time to marinate the berries. #recipe2142"
Ingredients
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- RICOTTA
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- BERRIES
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- Garnish
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Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (113.5 g)
- Calories 223
- Total Fat - 9.9 g
- Saturated Fat - 5 g
- Cholesterol - 19.8 mg
- Sodium - 289 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 23.8 g
- Dietary Fiber - 2.3 g
- Sugars - 12.3 g
- Protein - 11 g
- Calcium - 336.6 mg
- Iron - 0.5 mg
- Vitamin C - 6.4 mg
- Thiamin - 0.1 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Note: Minted Sugar - 2 parts white sugar, 1 part fresh mint leaves. Simply add to a small food processor; and, pulse several times until combined. Keeps up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Perfect with any fresh fruit. I usually make around 1/4 cup or less at a time (8 teaspoons sugar; 4 teaspoons mint); this doesn't have to be exact; just taste. For this berry recipe, I use approximately 1/2-1 tablespoon of the sugar, depending on the sweetness of the fruit. In the peak of summer many of the berries, need very little sugar.
Step 2
Berries ... Add your berries, lemon juice (I use 2 teaspoons, I like a bit of a 'tang'), and minted sugar to a small bowl; then, toss to combine. The amount of sugar, depends on the sweetness of the fruit. Cover with plastic wrap; and, let it set on the counter for 30 minutes up to 1 hour before serving. You can also refrigerate; but, I prefer them room temperature. This will allow the berries to macerate, or break down. Also, use berries in season - blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, boysenberries, blueberries, etc.; or, use a mix of your favorites. I prefer berries for this recipe; however, you could also use - peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, or cherries.
Step 3
Ricotta ... Also, good to make in advance. I love to make it from scratch, use my recipe listed above - it is SO easy; and, so delicious. Or, buy a good quality brand. Add the ricotta, lemon zest, and sugar to a small bowl, and mix. It's that simple.
Step 4
Crust ... Now, the graham cracker crust does NOT need to be baked; and, some of the puff pastry ones from the freezer, don't need to either. But, you can buy tart shells that do need to be baked. Simply follow package directions. I find that either of these crusts works equally as well.
Step 5
Plate ... As mentioned, I love the graham cracker tart shells for this; but, my friend, happens to love the mini puff pasty ones. I guess, it is a personal preference. Add a drizzle of honey to the bottom of each tart shell (1/2 teaspoon); and, add the walnuts. Fill the shell with the ricotta; and top with the berries (using a slotted spoon, so NO extra juice is added). Finish, with another drizzle of honey, and garnish with a mint sprig. A very easy, and delicious dessert. It's sweet - but, light and refreshing too. Serve and ENJOY!
Tips
No special items needed.