Healthy Fruit and Ricotta Breakfast English Muffin Recipe

Ingredients

4 English muffins (whole wheat or multi-grain, cut in half and toasted)
TOPPING
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
4 tablespoons nuts, fine chopped (use your favorite - see some of my suggestions below)
1/2 teaspoon lemon or orange zest

Pinch of nutmeg
FRUIT
1 cup fresh sliced fruit (use fruit that is in season)
2 to 3 teaspoons fruit juice (use the same as you zested)
1 to 3 teaspoons honey (depending on how sweet the fruit is)

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (185.5 g)
Calories 617.4
Total Fat - 30.5 g
Saturated Fat - 9.7 g
Cholesterol - 68.9 mg
Sodium - 913.1 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 68.9 g
Dietary Fiber - 1.4 g
Sugars - 37.6 g
Protein - 19 g
Calcium - 291.3 mg
Iron - 2.5 mg
Vitamin C - 23.7 mg
Thiamin - 0.2 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Possible Combinations ... These are some of my favorites. 1) pears or apples, orange juice/zest, walnuts or pecans; 2) berries or kiwi, lemon juice/zest, macadamia nuts/pistachios; 3) cherries, orange juice/zest, walnuts/pecans; 4) peaches plums apricots or nectarines, orange juice/zest, pecans/walnuts/pistachios; 5) mango or papaya, lemon juice/zest, macadamia or pistachios. So, you can see ... lots of possible combinations.

Step 2

Fruit ... First, decide what fruit you are using. They are all good. But, you should always use what is in season. Then, pick your citrus to go with it - I gave you a few of my favorite combinations above - but; feel free to make up your own favorites. I have even used lime and grapefruit juice too.

Step 3

Note: Which ever citrus you decide to use; make sure to zest your fruit first - before juicing.

Step 4

Slice your fruit, or dice if you prefer; then, add to a bowl, with the citrus juice, and honey. The amount of honey will depend on how sweet your fruit is. Mix, and let it set to the side. You can always use sugar; which tends to break down the fruit a bit more; but, I love the natural sweetness of the honey. Let it set 5-10 minutes; and, I prefer room temperature.

Step 5

Ricotta ... Add the ricotta, fruit zest, and nutmeg to a small bowl; and, mix to combine. Keep chilled until ready to use.

Step 6

English Muffins ... I use the toaster; but, they can be done in a toaster oven; or oven as well.

Step 7

Finish and Serve ... Spread the ricotta over each toasted/warm english muffin half; top with a few nuts, fruit; and, finish with the rest of the nuts. A simple, healthy, yet filling way to start the day. ENJOY! If you have any fresh mint - a little chopped is really nice to add to the fruit as well. ENJOY! On the weekend - delicious to serve with a poached egg.