La Festa della Donna may fall once a year, but it’s a reminder to cherish women everyday. Italians recognize this concept well, as it’s no secret that women are the stewards of our culture. Few things compare to the love and generosity of an Italian mamma or nonna, not to mention their fiery wit. So when trying to develop a recipe for La Festa della Donna, nothing felt more fitting than a lemon and honey ricotta mousse accented with candied ginger by Fabbri.
Having grown up surrounded by a group of incredible Italian women, I can say with certainty that this dessert is the perfect embodiment of their love. The honey lends a sweetness and the ginger a hint of warmth, much like the comfort of their hugs and advice. Meanwhile, the lemon zest adds a citrusy kick, reminiscent of their sharp humour; always ready to make us laugh when most needed. To some it may sound poetic, to others a bit cliche, but until you’ve been loved by an Italian mom, grandma, wife, daughter, sister or friend, it’s hard to relate.
This lemon and honey ricotta mousse is an excellent no-bake dessert for novice bakers looking to treat the special women in their lives. It also delivers a hit of yellow, a nod to the occasion’s color, which is perfect for those unable to replicate the design of the holiday’s signature mimosa flowers. Lastly, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great dessert for anyone with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. So without further ado, let’s get cooking! Buona festa della donna!
INGREDIENTS
Serves 4-6
- 600 g (about 21 oz) ricotta
- 6 tbsp sour cream
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 4 lemons
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp Fabbri ginger syrup
METHOD
1. In a bowl, whip the ricotta, sour cream, honey, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and ginger syrup using a whisk or an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer the mousse to a piping bag and portion into serving glasses or bowls.
3. The mousse can be enjoyed immediately, but chilling for at least two hours is recommended for the best texture and flavor. For convenience, it can also be prepared and kept in the refrigerator overnight.
4. Garnish with Fabbri candied ginger before serving. Buon appetito!
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