Grilled Peaches with Ricotta

Instructions: prepare the ricotta first then grill the peaches

Whole Goats Milk Ricotta Cheese

1/2 gallon whole milk  (I prefer raw goats milk, but any non ultra pasteurized whole milk will work)

1/4 cup vinegar

1 tsp melted butter

1/4  tsp baking soda

Warm the milk to 200*.  Remove from heat. Gently stir in vinegar.  Milk will rapidly coagulate.  Let sit a minute or two (up to 15 for a better yield).

Pour the curds into a cheesecloth lined colander.  Drain for a couple minutes.  Place the butter and baking soda in the warm pan.  Place the drained curds on top of the butter and baking soda.  Gently toss to incorporate throughout curds.  Set to the side until you grill the peaches or place cheese in covered container and refrigerate until ready to use.  If refrigerating, you can whip with a blender and a splash of milk or cream to get a fluffy texture again before topping your warm peaches.  Keeps approx 5-7 days.

Can use 1 qt for smaller portions  Yield from a half gallon: approx 1 lb = 2 cups

Grilled Peaches

1. Prepare the peaches: Choose freestone peaches that are ripe but still slightly firm (easier to remove pits than the cling type, but either is fine). Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits.  Leave skin intact unless you are using a table top type grill like the “Foreman” then take a thin slice off the bottom to expose the flesh as well.
2. Prepare the grill: Oil the grill grates and preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. Grill the peaches: Place the peach halves cut side down on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 5 minutes per side, or until grill marks form and the peaches are softened but still hold their shape. 
4. Assemble and serve: Place the grilled peaches on a plate with the cut side facing up. (Carefully removing the skin now is optional). Spoon a dollop of fresh goat milk ricotta into the center of each peach half.
5. Add toppings (optional):
   1. Drizzle with honey.
   1. Drizzle with balsamic reduction (you can make one by reducing balsamic vinegar with brown sugar).
   1. Sprinkle with chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts.
   1. Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or basil.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!