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One of the biggest challenges I’ve had as a new mom so far has been adjusting to my new “normal.” My schedule is different, my priorities have shifted, and I find myself constantly figuring out how to make everything fit into a single day. Before Everett joined our family, I could spend an hour or two in the kitchen putting together an elaborate meal. Nowadays? I’m all about the quick but delicious recipes I can have on the table in a few minutes. That’s why I’m loving the recipe I am sharing today for whipped ricotta toasts with lemon and basil, paired with SANPELLEGRINO® Momenti!
Living life lighter and brighter
If you’ve known me for a while, I am sure you would attest to the fact that this season of life for me is lighter and brighter. Our “wait” for Everett to join our family was pretty drawn out, so the past 5 months with him in our lives have been especially filled with joy. He is the happiest baby (seriously, if you haven’t caught the videos of him I post on Instagram, you should definitely go down the rabbit hole of watching clips of my child giggling). Because he is so joyful, and he is only going to keep growing, I am truly trying to take in every single moment that I can. The hours I would spend in the kitchen in the past? Nope. Mama does NOT have time for that now: I’m busy soaking in all the baby snuggles and all of his squishy cheeked goodness.
Here’s a confession for you. Before Everett was born, I had managed to (mostly) give up soda. When the new baby arrived, all habits went out the window. By mid-afternoon each day, I would start to crave something other than water. I’ve been actively looking for some alternatives so I can kick soda to the curb again, and I was very pleased to try the new SANPELLEGRINO® Momenti Lemon & Red Raspberry! This sparkling fruit drink has only 35 calories per can, and no added sugar! They are a blend of real juice and fine, carbonated water. In addition to the Lemon & Red Raspberry flavor, you can also find Clementine & Peach and Pomegranate & Blackcurrant. It’s definitely a better option to soda, and the flavors are exciting to experience. I really like that it bubbles up when you pour it over ice – very refreshing! Hover over the image below to start shopping for your favorite flavor of Momenti!
SANPELLEGRINO® Momenti comes in chic slim cans, and they’re great to enjoy anytime! Now that summer is pretty much upon us, they would be a lovely option to sip pool-side, or to add to your beach cooler! I sometimes drink them straight from the can, but pouring one over crushed ice in a wine glass makes you feel extra special!
So, how about those whipped ricotta toasts?
Let me take a moment to tell you about my love for Italian food. The love runs deep. It can be so versatile and so fresh! One of my favorite appetizers/small bites to create are crostinis. You can be so creative with the toppings, and just a few simple ingredients really make a special bite. The recipe is so simple, and only requires 4 ingredients (6 if you count salt and pepper) that are very easy to acquire (I purchased all of my ingredients at Walmart, including my SANPELLEGRINO Momenti).
To start, slice a baguette on an angle into about 1/2 inch slices. Brush lightly on both sides with olive oil, and bake until golden brown, turning half way through.
When the toasts are baking, you make the whipped ricotta cheese by simply adding ricotta cheese, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste into a food processor. Set it to high speed and let the ricotta whip up for about 2 minutes until it is fluffy and smooth.
Now, I could probably just dip the toasts directly into the lemon whipped ricotta right then and there and be done with it. But – the next step is simple and completely worth it. Spread the whipped ricotta on the finished toasts, add a few leaves of fresh basil (I picked mine from our garden – it is EXPLODING with herbs right now!), and sprinkle some lemon zest over the top. To me, these whipped ricotta toasts with lemon and basil are the epitome of spring/summer – they are light, bright, and so tasty! They’re a great option to present as an appetizer at a party – I like that they come together so quickly but look impressive!
Now, how do I get my hands on some Momenti?
You’re going to start seeing all three yummy flavors of Momenti on store shelves at Walmart, but if your local store doesn’t have them in yet, you can do what I did and easily purchase online at Walmart! The process is very easy, and you can even opt for free pickup in your nearest store! I opted for in-store pickup, and it was a breeze to collect my order at the pickup counter. At my particular Walmart, they even have parking spaces designated for customers using Walmart Online Grocery – I won’t even have to get out of my car with Everett to collect my Momenti next time!
The recipe
Ok, I know you’re dying to get started on this recipe, so let’s dig in!
- 1 crusty baguette
- 15oz ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon
- Fresh basil leaves (about 1-2 per toast)
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Slice the baguette into ½ inch rounds. Brush lightly on each side with olive oil and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake toasts in the oven for about 10 minutes - flipping half way through, until golden brown. Remove from oven.
- While the toasts are baking, zest the lemon - set the zest aside. Add the ricotta cheese and lemon juice to a food processor. Blend on high about 2 minutes, until ricotta is whipped and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- To assemble, spread a thick layer of the whipped ricotta onto each toast, then add fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle lightly with the lemon zest. Serve, and enjoy!
I love food so much. That’s why I liked your post. All dishes are very good.