RICOTTA WITH VANILLA-SUGAR CROUTONS AND BERRY SYRUP

Ricotta with Vanilla-Sugar Croutons and Berry Syrup image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 ciabatta loaf (4 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes (4 cups)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tablespoons Vanilla Sugar (recipe follows)
1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from 1 medium orange)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup blueberries
8 strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
3 teaspoons grated orange zest (from 1 medium orange)
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon Vanilla Sugar (recipe follows)
Fresh mint sprigs or leaves, for garnish
2 cups sugar
1 vanilla bean
(makes 2 cups)

Steps:

For the croutons: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a medium bowl, toss together the bread cubes and melted butter. Add the vanilla sugar and toss to coat. Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool completely.
For the berry syrup: In a small stainless-steel saucepan, bring the orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the blueberries and strawberries and simmer until the fruit softens, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool the syrup to room temperature.
For the ricotta: Combine the ricotta, orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar in a medium bowl. Mix well.
To serve, divide the ricotta mixture among 4 decorative dessert bowls. Spoon the berry syrup over the ricotta and top with the croutons. Garnish with the mint sprigs or leaves.
Pour the sugar into the bowl of a food processor. Using a paring knife, slice the vanilla bean in half, lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds. Add the vanilla seeds to the sugar. Pulse 10 to 15 times, until the vanilla and sugar are combined. Put the empty vanilla pod into a glass Mason jar. Add the vanilla sugar to the jar and seal. The sugar will keep for at least 3 months. Shake the jar before using.