Award-winning chef. Successful restaurateur. Iron Chef judge. Social media star. Donatella Arpaia has done it all. Still her favorite thing to do is working in the kitchen, creating inspiring dishes using the freshest, most authentic ingredients—including Galbani® cheese. Explore her latest menu ideas and learn tricks of the trade from this inspirational entrepreneur.

Galbani® Sweet & Salty Ricotta Board

INGREDIENTS

Whipped Ricotta

6 cups Galbani Whole Milk Ricotta
1 tbsp. Sugar, powdered or regular
  Zest of a lemon (preferably Meyer)
  Juice of half a lemon (approx. 1 to 2 tbsp)
  Sea salt to taste
   

Toppings

½ cup Sugar
6 Figs, cut in half
¼ cup Golden berries, cut in half
¼ cup Pistachios, roughly chopped
¼ cup Walnuts, roughly chopped
  Juice of half a lemon (approx. 1 to 2 tbsp)
  Micro basil for garnish
  Edible flowers for garnish
  Honey for garnish
  Grilled bread slices for dipping
   

METHOD

  1. For whipped Ricotta, add the ingredients into a food processor and whip until velvety smooth, up to 5 minutes. Remove, and with a wide spatula spread thickly on a serving board using a swirling motion. Set aside.
     
  2. For the toppings, add the sugar and lemon juice in a sauté pan on medium heat.
     
  3. When sugar begins to liquefy, gently place the figs and golden berries (sliced side down), and nuts in the pan. Warm them on low to medium heat for 30 to 45 seconds.
     
  4. When warm, carefully turn the fig halves over and, sliced side up, gently place each half on top of the whipped Ricotta in a scattered pattern. Do the same with the golden berries and nuts so that the toppings are scattered prettily over the whipped ricotta.
     
  5. Garnish the board with micro basil, edible flowers and a drizzle of your favorite honey. Serve the board with grilled bread slices for dipping.
Donatella's Tips

Pairings

  • Wine & Spirits
  • Beer
  • Proteins
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Nuts, Grains & Starches
  • Flavors, Spices & Condiments