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Expert Yogi
Posts: 5098
Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | Okay, I recently went to a grand opening party of an art studio. She had this wonderful Italian Torta, with a basil pesto and tomatoes. This was very homemade. Anybody got a recipe for this?? I'm looking for all fresh ingredients. If I can't find it, I'm going to get the recipe when I get to Italy. But for now, it would be really nice to experiment with it for the holidays. Any body care to share the art of Torta's?? Yes, I am aware of the ones they sell at Earthfare and Whole Foods..I want to make one myself. Thanks in advance ya'll. |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 8442
| MMMMMMMmmmmm! When you find it, send me a copy! |
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| Cyndi-
describe the one you had for me... I've seen different versions- some held together with cheese.. some with egg... some with crepes (crespelle in Italian)... I can help ya if you describe the version you had for me. |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 5098
Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | Hey ML,
I'm pretty sure that this one did NOT have any eggs. Having that said, it was definitely some type of Ricotta. It was molded about say maybe 6" round?? It had the pesto and tomatoes on top. The way it was served, you just scooped up some with a knife as a type of dip for crackers.
I'm really itching to call this person and ask her where she got it. There was an old Italian Restaurant next door...I have a feeling it was prepared by them.
Thanks for your help. |
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| Here's a start anyway, I'm sure you'll figure it out.
http://www.recipezaar.com/131732
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 5098
Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | Thanks Shelly,
Thats a good start and a good basic recipe.
I was hoping that ML with all her chef abilities and her ties to Italy...would chime in. I'm sure she has a lot to add here...right ML??? |
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| Hey Cyndi- Sorry I haven't chimed in sooner.. I'm now laid up in bed with asthmatic bronchitis- doing my best to breathe so I can't dig into my cookbooks.. But, off the top of my head, here's what I'm thinking:
1. The ricotta probably had a little egg mixed in for it to hold shape- kind of like a lasagna filling. I'd say maybe 1 egg per cup of ricotta... season this with salt, pepper, a tiny pinch of cinnamon
2. I don't know how layered it was, but it was probably made upside down in a dish (maybe use a pie plate?) So make your top layer first into the bottom of your pan- spray or oil the pan first.
I'd layer the ricotta mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan, spinach, tomatoes, basil or pesto, and maybe a mushroom duxelle if you like 'shrooms (a duxelle is basically mushrooms cooked with shallots, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper- cooked dry and made into a rough puree)
Build it up into the dish... pop it into a hot oven.. and cook it to 160 degrees internal temp (to cook the eggs).. then let it set a minute out of the oven to bring the temp up to 165... Let it cool a little bit and then turn out of the dish. Slice some crusty bread thick and toast in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper. Use these for your torta. Enjoy!! |
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