End-of-Summer Fruit Flatbreads
I know, I know, last week I boldly stated that summer is over and we are all revved up and ready to go. Right? Did I say something like that? I can’t remember. I’m still just so tired.
You see, my oldest child started middle school which means that we now need to wake up an hour earlier than ever before so that he can stumble, tousled hair and all, out the door at 7:10am. We are sleepers, all five of us plus the great big dog, so this new routine is taking its toll on our household. Add to that the fact that after-school sports practices have kicked into full gear and we are truly burning the candle at both ends.
In an effort to hold onto the summer’s simplicity and make the most of a few recaptured hours each day (that precious time between morning wake-ups and after-school carpools), I am clinging to the ease of the three-ingredient summer meal. You know those dinners that are entirely dependent on the freshness of your ingredients and your desire to spend less time in the kitchen and more time outdoors? Well, they still work even when your days aren’t being spent at the beach, by the pool or in the country. As long as the fruit or vegetables are at their prime, simple is the solution.
You really can spread anything on a flatbread and call it a day, or more specifically “a pizza.” I recently covered one piece of nan with ricotta and peach slices and another with ricotta and tomatoes. I started by slightly toasting the nan in a 350 degree oven and seasoning the ricotta with salt and freshly ground black pepper. After spreading a 1/4-inch thick layer of ricotta on each piece of bread, I layered them with slices of peaches or tomatoes. I put the assembled breads back in the oven for about 10 minutes, until the fruit had softened slightly. Both breads were finished with a scattering of basil chiffonade, a squirt of balsamic reduction (purchased) and a healthy sprinkle of Maldon sea salt. Both were equally delicious and were ready to serve in the amount of time it takes to pour two glasses of rose and set some plates on the patio. Enjoy!
Ricotta and Tomato Flatbread
Ricotta and Peach Flatbread