As the weather gets warmer and the nights get longer, the backyard beckons. I fill it up with the people that I love. Our dog, Sunny-Cosette, finds a friend's lap to perch in, my kids craft the playlist, and I make the snacks. I have always been an avid snacker, so I simply fill the kitchen island with my favorites - all manners of charcuterie,( I've never met a cheese or olive I didn't like), green salads; chopped romaine for crunch mixed with peppery arugula, a little olive oil, and mainly something to dip.  I really dig, what we are calling "make-as-you-talk recipes."  As a mom and business owner I'm lucky to make it to the party, let alone spend more than 5 minutes preparing for it. I know I'm not alone in this, so this summer I'll be sharing some recipes that are ideal for last minute entertaining. The one we are sharing today is one of those that started with "what's left in the cheese drawer" and ends every party with "you have to give me that recipe." So I finally pinned myself down and wrote a recipe and it is actually spot-on! Enjoy making the easiest most popular dip ever and serve it with some allergen friendly crackers. (Glutino makes awesome cracker options), or roll that prosciutto up with the good stuff.    

It was hard to find a name for this dip because every component of it is worth mentioning, but we'll stick with Ricotta + Honey dip for the sake of brevity. Unlike most cheese dips, this one is light, bright, and has just a touch of sweetness. I love Laughing Cow's little cheese wedges, especially the original Creamy Swiss variety (preferably full fat). I cream four wedges together with mascarpone and ricotta, drizzle in a bit of honey, add some fresh thyme, lemon zest, and salt + pepper. And you're there!  My goal in summer is ease, it is the way things should feel and be. When we do not have to be zipped-up and buttoned-up, then let's not!

Be Sweet &

See you soon.

Geri

Ricotta + Honey Dip

Ingredients 

• 4 ozs. mascarpone cheese

• 4 wedges Laughing Cow Swiss cheese (preferably full fat)

• 6 ozs. ricotta cheese

• 2 tsps. good local honey

• zest of one lemon

• 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• dash of pepper

Directions

1. Cream the first two cheeses together with the back of the spoon.

2. Add honey, cream again.

3. Cream in ricotta cheese.

4. Add lemon zest, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.

5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.