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These four ingredients make a delicious — and simple — dessert you’ll love

By whipping cream, ­ricotta, honey and vanilla ­together, you get a luscious, ­voluptuous cream that’s heavenly.

The easiest of desserts. Photo: Nikki To/TWAM
The easiest of desserts. Photo: Nikki To/TWAM

One of my favourite after-dinner sweets is a simple bowl of ricotta slightly warmed in the microwave, drizzled with honey and topped with fresh raspberries. Inspired by this, I’ve created a more decadent version that’s perfect for entertaining. By whipping cream, ­ricotta, honey and vanilla ­together, you get a luscious, ­voluptuous cream that’s heavenly served with fresh berries and a biscuit for dipping. I like to serve it with crostoli, the crispy fried Italian pastry you see around, but a biscotti or shortbread works well too.

I’ll leave you with one final thought that truly highlights ricotta’s perfection: its preparation has changed little since ancient Roman times. It was perfect from the start.

For another ricotta dish, try my easy ricotta and greens tart.

Deliciously easy and sweet. Nikki To/TWAM
Deliciously easy and sweet. Nikki To/TWAM
Ricotta creams. Nikki To/TWAM
Ricotta creams. Nikki To/TWAM

Vanilla and honey ricotta creams

Any berries work well here, as would stone fruit when we hit the season.

Ingredients

  • 300g ricotta
  • 120g pouring cream
  • 2 tablespoon honey (plus extra to drizzle)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste (1 bean)
  • Fresh raspberries (or any berries of your choice)
  • Crostoli, biscotti, or shortbread for dipping

Method

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream, honey, and vanilla. Using a stand mixer or whisk with a strong arm, whip the mixture until it becomes light, smooth and well combine. Spoon the whipped ricotta creams into small glasses or bowls. Top with fresh berries and drizzle with extra honey. Serve with crostoli, biscotti, or shortbread for dipping.

Serves 4

Elizabeth Hewson
Elizabeth HewsonContributing food writer

Elizabeth Hewson is a recipe writer, cookbook author and head of creative at leading hospitality group Fink. Find her recipes in The Weekend Australian Magazine, where she joins chef Lennox Hastie on the culinary team.

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/weekend-australian-magazine/these-four-ingredients-make-a-delicious-and-simple-dessert-youll-love/news-story/fb7833f92cc91e7827309054ba2ef929