Baci di Ricotta is basically fried ricotta fritters shaped into small balls. The ricotta cheese can be flavored in many different ways with the help of citrus and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or even fresh ground coffee.
Personally, I like to make them with a little cinnamon and then tossed in some powdered sugar that is laced with a teaspoon or so of fresh coffee grounds.
Once fried and tossed with powdered sugar, these ricotta kisses are mind-boggling and delicious and would make anyone want to jump out of their chair to kiss whoever made them.
So, with that said and Valentine’s Day being just around the corner… now would be a good time to start practicing your kisses. “Sweet Ricotta Kisses!”
Baci di Ricotta
(20-25 sweet kisses)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. – ricotta
- 6 tablespoons, sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups – plain bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon, cinnamon
- Additional breadcrumbs for coating
- Light egg wash (loosened with some water)
- 2 cups powdered sugar, mixed with 2 tablespoons of coffee grinds.
- 3 cups – Canola Oil ( for frying)
Procedure:
- Blend ricotta, sugar, eggs, 1 ½ c bread crumbs, and cinnamon.
- Form into chocolate truffle size balls.
- Roll in bread crumbs, egg wash, then the bread crumbs again.
- Deep fry until golden brown.
- Dust with powder sugar and coffee.
Once deep-fried, drain immediately on absorbent paper-lined trays. Dust immediately with the powdered sugar. Once completely cooled, dust again to give the “kisses” a second dusting of sugar to ensure that they are coated evenly and deliciously!
Tip: The batter, once formed into the ball shape, freezes well.
Happy Valentine’s Day!