Heavenly Herbed Cheese Spread



Heavenly Herbed Cheese Spread


The Tease

This dish is influenced by Italian, French and Greek culinary cultures. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Soft cheeses such as feta, goat cheeses, fresh herbs, thyme, garlic. Serve it cold or at room temperature.

Time To Cook:
• Novice cook: 30-40 minutes
• Experienced cook: 15-20 minutes

Factoid

Ricotta cheese is a wet, creamy, mild, fresh cheese that is soft in texture and has a slightly sweet flavor. Traditional Italian cheese-makers originally produced ricotta from the whey that remained after making mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Ricotta literally means "re-cooked."


Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter

• 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic

• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 1 cup of crumbled feta or goat cheese

• 1 cup of ricotta cheese

• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme

• 1/2 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley

• 1/2 tablespoon of chives

• 1/2 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil

• 1 tablespoon of fresh ground pepper

• Juice of half a lemon

Equipment

• Large bowl

• Small saucepan

• Hand blender, blender or food processor

Preparation (Do it!)

1) In a small frying pan, heat the butter over medium heat and let it melt. Add the garlic and cook the garlic until tender, about 1 minute. Don't let the garlic turn brown.

2) Transfer butter and garlic mixture to a food processor or hand blender and add the rest of the ingredients.

3) Salt and pepper to taste. If the flavor is too strong, you can add more ricotta cheese.


Source: http://www.culinaryseductions.com/