Recipes

Makes 6 Tartlets

Ingredients

1 batch cornmeal crust, refrigerated
1 pound fresh ricotta cheese
2 eggs¼ cup raw sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
Pinch of cinnamon
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 pint of fresh figs, cut in half
½  teaspoon lavender flowers (optional)

Directions

Make sure the batch of cornmeal crust if cold and in the refrigerator.

Pre heat the oven to 375° f.

In a large mixing bowl beat together the ricotta, eggs, sugar, honey, herbs , zest and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Set in the refrigerator while you embark on the next steps.  Roll out your cornmeal crust into 6 rounds on two baking sheets, making sure they have enough room.  Place a few dollops of the ricotta mixture in the center of each  and spread the mixture evenly leaving room on the side to roll up the crust.  Gently place a few of the fresh figs on top of each and roll or fold the sides of the crust to create an open faced mini pie or crostata.  Place a few more fresh figs on the tops where needed and sprinkle a few lavender flowers on each. Sprinkle with a bit more raw sugar if desired. Place the tartlets in the oven and bake until golden brown or about  20 -25 minutes.

Ingredients

4 egg yolks (reseve whites for meringue)
¹⁄₃ cup cornstarch
1½ cups water
1¹⁄₃ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
½ cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 box gingersnap cookies (2 cups)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4 egg whites
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons sugar

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grind gingersnaps into crumbs. Add butter and press into tart molds. Place on a sheet pan for easy transport. Whisk egg yolks in medium size mixing bowl and set aside.

Over a double boiler, combine cornstarch, water, sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine, stirring frequently. Allow mixture to thicken. Add hot mixture to egg yolks and stir until you have added at least half of the mixture. Return egg mixture to double boiler, stirring constantly, for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and gently stir in butter, lemon juice, and zest until well combined. Pour mixture over gingersnap crumbs and top with meringue while filling is still hot. Cover filling with meringue (can use a piping bag). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until meringue is golden. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

For meringue

Place egg whites and pinch of salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form and then gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.

Makes 2 cups

Ingredients

1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon corn starch
¼ cup grated cheese, parmesan or cheese of choice
¼ cup fresh herbs of choice, chopped fine
4 large eggs, beaten
Pinch of salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions