I was sure my aunt’s recipe had disappeared. Found it, and it’s even yummier than I remember!

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 slices of rustic bread, toasted
Salt to taste
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with olive oil and honey. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast the strawberries for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
While the strawberries are roasting, prepare the whipped ricotta. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the ricotta until it’s light and fluffy.
Toast the slices of rustic bread until they are golden brown.
Once the strawberries are done, assemble the toasts. Spread a generous amount of whipped ricotta on each slice of toast, then top with the roasted strawberries.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired, and serve immediately.
Variations & Tips
For a savory twist, you could add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and some black pepper over the top of the strawberries. If a member of your family isn’t a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cream cheese or mascarpone. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle some toasted almonds or pistachios on top. And for an added burst of flavor, try adding a few basil leaves in place of mint.