How many times do you read a recipe and see the words “best quality”? If you happen to like Ina Garten, you will see that phrase a lot. “Best quality mayonnaise” – is there a worst quality mayonnaise? Isn’t all mayonnaise the same? Sometimes I think the need for “best” is a little silly. I am more snobby about my food than the average person but I don’t seek out things that are “best”, or more expensive, unless I really feel it is necessary.
Here best really is important. I find that to be true with simple dishes. The fewer the ingredients, the more important that those ingredients are really top notch. If you agree, and you have a few bucks to spend, try this little appetizer at your next dinner party. Buy the best bread you can get your hands on and cut thickish slabs of it. Drizzle it with olive oil – the oil should be good but it does not have to be best. Grill that bread and watch it carefully so that it doesn’t burn. When it is nice and toasty and has a few grill marks, remove it. Slather it with the best ricotta cheese you can find or make your own. Drizzle it with truffle honey. Yes, it’s expensive but a little goes a long way and there is nothing else like it. Sweet, savory, and earthy all at the same time. Then sprinkle your best sea salt over the top and garnish with lemon thyme leaves. Best.
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This is so beautiful. You’re right, sometimes it’s just the quality of the ingredients that make a simple dish so amazing. I keep thinking about those amazing berries in Carmel. I might have to do a renovated version of this, but first I have to go buy truffle honey, which I had never heard of! Hope you are settling in to Oakland well. Hope to see you soon!
Comment by Stephanie, The Recipe Renovator — August 31, 2012 @ 10:29 pm
I have never come across truffle honey. Where do you buy it from?
Comment by Holly — September 1, 2012 @ 4:02 am
I literally just made this appetizer for a dinner party the other week! There’s a great bar in Williamsburg called the Hotel Delmano and they serve this exact appetizer, minus the truffle honey. You get a little bowl filled with the best ricotta drizzled in olive oil and fresh thyme. Next to the bowl is a small pile of sea salt any sliced baguette. I made the same set up for the party, and guests loved it, but I’ll have to try it with truffle honey! Hope you guys are settling in nicely in CA. xx clara
Comment by Clara — September 1, 2012 @ 9:30 pm
man that sounds so good dana.
Comment by vanillasugarblog — September 2, 2012 @ 2:17 pm
This is my go to recipe with homemade ricotta and amazing NYC bread (or mine, if I have time!). I also drizzle w/ honey, but next time will try the truffle honey! yum!
Have happy Labor Day! xo
Comment by stacey snacks — September 2, 2012 @ 4:18 pm
i’m with you on this. I believe there is a BEST for certain ingredients, like bread and ricotta, and most cheeses. But mayo? I prefer not to have it in my life at all. But perhaps that’s because I’ve never had the “BEST”.
Comment by Joanne — September 2, 2012 @ 9:30 pm
Best quality is definitely the way to go. I am feeling hungry looking at those. Not good at 11pm.
Comment by Jacqueline — September 2, 2012 @ 10:05 pm
This weekend I meant to get some truffle oil and forgot since at the store I visited it was kept locked up at the counter and I forgot all about it when paying for my things. Love the sound of truffle honey!! This sound delicious.
Comment by kickpleat — September 3, 2012 @ 5:52 pm