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A new twist on cheese and crackers

  • By ELIZABETH KARMEL
  • Associated Press
  • Published Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, at 9:49 p.m.

HOMEMADE CRACKERS

Start to finish: 30 minutes

Serves: 12

12 round fresh flour or corn tortillas, at room temperature

2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings (such as fleur de sel, truffle salt, dehydrated minced garlic, minced dried onion, sesame seeds, etc.)

Heat the oven to 350 F.

Brush the tortillas on both sides with a thin layer of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt or the seasonings of your choice. Arrange the tortillas on 2 baking sheets (or bake them in batches). The tortillas can be close together, but not touching. Bake on the oven’s center rack for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans after 12 minutes, until slightly puffy and golden brown.

Let cool and break into irregular shapes.

THE WICHITA EAGLE — Dec. 26, 2012

BUTTERMILK RICOTTA CHEESE DIP

Start to finish: 2 hours

Serves: 12

3 cups whole milk

1½ cups buttermilk

1 cup heavy cream

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

To serve:

Fleur de sel or pink sea salt, about 1/8 teaspoon

1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Fresh herbs, such as thyme, oregano or basil

Zest of ½ lemon or orange

In a large, stainless steel saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, buttermilk, cream and salt. Slowly bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. As the milk solids begin to separate from the whey, give it a stir, then return it to a gentle simmer. When you see steam rising and solid chunks (curds) forming, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, line a mesh strainer with several layers of cheesecloth. Using a ladle, spoon the cooled curds and whey into the strainer. Place one layer of the cloth over the cheese. It will strain quickly at first. The longer you let it sit, the drier and more concentrated the cheese will become. Strain the cheese at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.

Once strained, discard the liquid. The cheese can be used immediately, or covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

When ready to serve, place the ricotta in a decorative bowl. Use a spoon to form a well in the center. Sprinkle the cheese with the fleur de sel, then fill the well with olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and citrus zest.

THE WICHITA EAGLE — Dec. 26, 2012

When it comes to entertaining, I often find that the casual gatherings and impromptu parties outshine more elaborate affairs. I think it’s the combination of a relaxed atmosphere and last-minute inspiration.

The best thing about these crackers is that they require almost zero prep and can be seasoned however you like – a simple sprinkle of coarse sea salt, or a more complex blend of seeds and spices. My favorite is pink Himalayan sea salt and dehydrated minced garlic. It’s like the best part of an everything bagel.

These crackers also cook so quickly, you could make them fresh just before – or even during – the party.

And if you really want to put people over the edge, consider pairing the crackers with homemade ricotta cheese dip.

You’ll need no special ingredients or equipment to make this treat, which relies on slightly acidic buttermilk to form cheese out of a blend of heavy cream and whole milk. Add a touch of salt and that’s all you need.

Once the cheese is strained and cooled, I put it in a pretty bowl, add a sprinkle of good salt, best quality extra-virgin olive oil, fresh herbs and citrus zest. You can customize it and add your favorite herbs, or take a sweet approach and add a little jam and country ham or prosciutto. Delicious.

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