Garlic Herb Butter Candle Over Whipped Ricotta

Elevate your culinary experience with the Garlic Herb Butter Candle over Whipped Ricotta—a theatrical starter that melts before your eyes and into your heart. This stunning appetizer features a silky ricotta base, a flavorful candle made from rich herb-infused butter, and a bowl that evolves with each delightful dip. Perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party, this dish is sure to be a memorable highlight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This charming starter is more than just delicious; it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that will spark conversation and intrigue. As you dip warm sourdough or flatbread into the ricotta, the butter candle melts, creating a rich, flavorful experience that evolves with each bite. It flickers, flows, and fills the room with aroma—offering flavor layering at its finest.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Butter Candle Over Whipped Ricotta

• Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing—room temperature is ideal.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs to customize the butter candle flavor to your preference.
• Use a silicone mold for easy unmolding of the butter candle—alternatively, parchment paper can help create a log shape.
• For added flair, light the candle just before serving to create an inviting atmosphere.
• Let your ricotta sit at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture before whipping it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

• Whipped Ricotta Base:
  • 400g full-fat ricotta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• Edible Herb Butter Candle:
  • 100g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp finely chopped rosemary
  • 1 tsp finely chopped thyme
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
• To Finish:
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • Warm sourdough or flatbread, for dipping

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Garlic Herb Butter Candle over Whipped Ricotta:

• Step 1: Make the butter candle by mixing softened butter with herbs, garlic, chili flakes, and salt until well combined.
• Step 2: Scoop the mixture into a cylindrical silicone mold or shape it into a log using parchment paper. Press a food-safe candle wick into the center and freeze until firm (about 1 hour).
• Step 3: For the ricotta, blend the ricotta, olive oil, lemon zest, and grated garlic until smooth and airy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Spoon the whipped ricotta into a shallow bowl, forming a slight well in the center.
• Step 5: Once the butter candle is firm, unmold it and stand it upright in the center of the ricotta.
• Step 6: Just before serving, light the candle so the butter slowly melts into the dip.
• Step 7: Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and serve immediately with warm bread for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use low-fat ricotta for this recipe?

While you can use low-fat ricotta, the dish will lack the richness and creaminess that full-fat ricotta provides. For the best flavor, it’s recommended to stick with full-fat.

2. How can I store leftovers?

If you have leftover whipped ricotta or butter candle, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days for best quality.

3. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The butter candle can be made in advance and frozen. The whipped ricotta can also be prepared a few hours ahead and kept in the fridge until serving.

4. What alternatives can I use for herbs?

Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill, based on your taste preferences.

5. Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly, making it an excellent option for a diverse range of diets.

Conclusion

Garlic Herb Butter Candle over Whipped Ricotta is the perfect blend of visual and culinary delight, making it an impressive starter at any gathering. Its balance of creamy ricotta and savory melted butter ensures a memorable tasting experience. Elevate your dining occasion and treat your guests to a dish that will leave them in awe.