In this hot, sticky weather, it’s wonderful to be able to make a refreshing and sophisticated pupu with very little fuss.
This bruschetta is sure to become a summery favorite. Bruschetta, pronounced bru-SKET-ta, is an Italian word for toast with delicious toppings.
In this version, the topping is creamy ricotta cheese mixed with lemon zest, then sprinkled with sweet basil strips, honey and a sprinkle of crunchy salt.
Former Makiki resident Blair Chinn Humber made this for me two years ago, and I still remember those delicious light bites.
This recipe isn’t new. There have been many versions since Martha Stewart first published her recipe five years ago.
But it’s easy enough and forgiving enough that you can make it your own.
You can easily make your own toast from a baguette, but why, when you can buy them ready made?
Select the best ricotta cheese you can find and use a handy microplane grater to create those yellow bits of flavorful lemon zest. If you don’t have a grater, use a peeler, then cut the peels into small strips.
The zest goes both into the ricotta spread and in a sprinkle on top — if you love lemon, double down here and really lay on the zest.
The mild cheese contrasts with the other bold flavors, and the citrus peel adds a bright note. This pupu is the perfect start to a meal — not too filling, but very tasty.
RICOTTA LEMON BASIL HONEY BRUSCHETTA
By Lynette Lo Tom
>> 1 (4.5-ounce) package baguette toasts (about 40 pieces) or 1 baguette loaf
>> 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
>> Zest of 1 lemon
>> 2 heaping tablespoons sliced basil leaves
>> Honey, for drizzling
>> Fleur de Sel, or any fine sea salt, for sprinkling
If making toast from scratch, use a bread knife to slice baguette into pieces 1/4-inch thick. Place on a baking sheet and broil until toasted and crispy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Flip over and toast other side until brown. Set aside to cool.
Mix ricotta cheese with lemon zest. Spread on cooled toast. Sprinkle with basil leaves, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with salt and serve immediately. Makes about 40 pieces.
Approximate nutritional information, per 4-slice serving (and not including drizzled honey): 50 calories, 1.5 g total fat, no saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 80 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrate, 2 g protein, no fiber or sugar.
”Easy Kine” features simple dishes that start with commercially prepared ingredients. Lynette Lo Tom is excited to hear your tried-and-true suggestions. Contact her at 275-3004, email lynette@brightlightcookery.com or via instagram at brightlightcookery. Nutritional analysis by Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S.
