Blueberry Ricotta Muffins Recipe

On cold, rainy Vancouver days like today, the long, hot sunny days of summer seem far way indeed. Thankfully, during the summer we froze at least 5 lbs of plump, succulent local blueberries! They are perfect in recipes like this one for blueberry ricotta muffins. Maybe summer isn't that far away afterall.

Ingredients 

2 c all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/3 c white sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
2 eggs, large
1/3 c honey
1/3 c milk
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 c ricotta
1 tbsp lemon or orange zest
1-1/2 c blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Spray or grease 12 muffin tins.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
4. In another large bowl, whisk together eggs, honey, milk, zest and vanilla.
5. Stir ricotta into the egg mixture.
6. Gently fold in the berries.
7. Add the flour mixture into the egg mixture.
8. Gently, combine until just mixed.
9. Divide equally among 12 muffin tins.
10. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
11. Place on wire rack.Remove muffins after pan has cooled for 10 minutes.

How to Make Ricotta Cheese

I love ricotta cheese - on bread, mixed with chocolate, sprinkled with herbs, in lasagna, in a lemon tart...ricotta is so versatile and delicious. But for most of us ricotta comes from a tub that we buy in our local grocery store. Some of us are lucky enough to buy fresh ricotta from specialty stores. But have you ever thought to make your own fresh ricotta at home? Why not? It's easy, fast and your taste buds will thank you.

You will need cheesecloth and colander.

Ingredients
4 cups 1% milk (or 2% or whole)
2 cups whipping or heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp white wine vinegar

What to do

1. Dampen cheesecloth and line a colander with it.
2. Place colander over a large bowl.
3. In a large sauce pan, bring the milk, cream and salt to a boil over medium heat. Stirring often to prevent burning.
4. Take off heat and add vinegar.
5. Let rest 2 minutes while mixture separates.
6. Pour mixture into colander.
7. Wait 30 minutes while liquid drains into bowl. You may want to run a spoon through it a couple of times to let the liquid escape.
8. Use immediately or place in air tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.