A super light, but flavor packed canapé that is perfect for a Kentucky Derby party.
The Kentucky Derby is usually well timed with the very early arrival of peaches to the farmers markets in North Carolina. You can use canned peaches for this, but fresh peaches make a big difference. I like black pepper or sesame crackers with this. Butter crackers will work in a pinch, but they seem to get soggy a little more quickly.
Whipped Ricotta & Pickled Bourbon Peach Canapés
Ingredients
2 Peaches
2 C Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tbs Kosher Salt + More for seasoning
2 Tbs White Sugar
.5 Tbs Whole Black Peppercorns
¼ tsp Ground White Pepper
1 Pinch Cinnamon
2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
1.5 Tbs Bourbon Whiskey
1 Pint Whole Milk Ricotta
2 tsp Honey
Fresh mint leaves
One package black pepper or sesame crackers
Technique
Cut the peach into medium large pieces, no larger then.5” x .5”. See the photo to the right for an idea on size. Add to a heatproof bowl or heat proof plastic container and set aside for later
To create the pickling brine: In a small saucepan, bring the bourbon, apple cider vinegar, whole black peppercorns, cinnamon, thyme, white sugar, and .5 Tbs kosher salt to a boil.
Once at a boil, reduce heat to low and continue simmering while stirring until salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
Remove brine from the stove and immediately pour over the reserved peaches. Place in the refrigerator, uncovered until completely chilled.
As the peaches are chilling, prepare the whipped ricotta. Begin by straining the ricotta to remove as much water content as possible.
Add the ricotta, white pepper, honey, and a pinch of salt to a food processor. Process on high until smooth and fluffy, at least 1 minute. Place into a piping bag and reserve in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble.
To assemble, pipe a quarter sized amount of ricotta onto a cracker, top with one piece of pickled peach, and garnish with a small mint leaf.
Canapes should be consumed shortly after assembling. After about 30 minutes, the crackers will begin to get soggy. But most of the time they won’t even last that long.
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