Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Need a bite of Spring? Try these Lemon-Ricotta Fritters with Strawberry Curd


Okay as promised,I continued on my strawberry curd quest. Here's yet another strawberry curd recipe and I've got to say this one is pretty terrific! I thought the strawberry flavor was more prominent in this curd than in the first one I tried. This curd can be used just like you'd use a lemon curd, but is a nice change from the traditional lemon.
During my search for curd recipes, I came across a recipe from Martha Stewart for lemon-ricotta fritters that she paired with lemon curd. So I decided to make them to go with my strawberry curd. A.MA.ZING! It took all my will power not to snarf down the entire batch. Lemon and strawberry...yum! Really, I mean should I let Martha know how awesome her fritters are with strawberry curd?? Probably not...haha
Anyway the fritters are light and lemony and with the strawberry curd, they're like taking a bite of spring. Perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or brunch.


STRAWBERRY CURD
1 pint fresh strawberries
finely grated zest of 1 orange
finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 cup sugar
8 TBS unsalted butter, cubed
4 eggs

Wash and dry the strawberries,then hull them. Purée the berries in a food processor
Put the strawberry purée in a double boiler, or in a bowl which will sit over a pan of simmering water. Add the orange and lemon zest and juice, the sugar and the butter. Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture.
Cook, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then continue cooking, stirring often until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and strain the curd through a sieve.
Cover the curd with plastic wrap pressed down on the top to keep a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cold at least one hour.

LEMON RICOTTA FRITTERS
source: Martha Stewart Living

4 cups vegetable oil, for deep-frying
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon coarse salt
4 large eggs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 pound ricotta cheese, drained
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Heat oil in a medium saucepan to 350 degrees. Sift flours, baking powder, and salt into a small bowl.
Mix together eggs and granulated sugar in a large bowl until just combined. Add ricotta, lemon zest, and vanilla, and stir until well combined. Add flour mixture, and stir until smooth.
Using an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, carefully drop a few balls of dough into oil. Cook, turning 2 to 3 times, until golden brown on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes total. Adjust heat as necessary to maintain temperature of oil. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining dough. Place on a plate, and dust with confectioners' sugar. Transfer curd to a serving bowl, and serve with fritters.

Betcha can't eat just one!!

15 comments:

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

This is a beautiful spring dessert.

I gave you an award on my blog.

breadchick said...

OMG!! Those look like heaven. I want to try those so badly.

Anonymous said...

The fritters look just heavenly and so perfect with your amazing strawberry curd! What a great spring dessert!

Sara said...

Your fritters look just perfect. I love the sound of strawberry curd, I can't wait to try it.

Eliana said...

Lemon and strawberry are two of my favorites and compliment each other so well. And to top that, this fritters look wonderful. Great job.

Foodiewife said...

You are so right-- I doubt I could eat only one. These looks sinfully good. I try not to deep fry often, but I just might make an exception.

Debby

Elyse said...

All you have to do is say the word fritter and I'm there. But say the words lemon ricotta fritters and I may never leave!! These look so delicious. I've been on the quest to find a great strawberry curd recipe, too. Every since my last one scrambled, I've been very discouraged...I can't wait to try your recipe! What a great looking dessert...totally dangerous, I'm sure!

Shari said...

I think I'd eat the whole batch! They look amazing!

Brilynn said...

I've been wanting to make fritters for quite a while now, those look awesome!

Steph said...

I know I wouldn't be able to eat only one!

Heather S-G said...

bethca you're right! These look addicting and delicious :P

Helene said...

These look delish! Just made fritters with lemon curd the other day and we practically inhaled them!!

Amanda said...

Completely, utterly, totally droolworthy.

grace said...

oooooh, look at those innards! i'm on board for any and all fritters, and these are particularly fabulous. fabulous, i say. :)

test it comm said...

Those look so good and the strawberry curd is a great idea!