Grilled Peach Ricotta Crostini (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Creamy Ricotta Base

01 - 15 oz fresh ricotta cheese
02 - 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
04 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
05 - 3/4 teaspoon Morton kosher salt, separated
06 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, separated

→ Bread & Peaches

07 - 1 French baguette, cut into 3/4-inch thick slices
08 - 4 perfectly ripe peaches, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch slices
09 - 6 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil, divided

→ Fresh Garnishes

10 - Fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin ribbons
11 - Balsamic glaze for drizzling

# Instructions:

01 - Get your gas grill heated to a nice medium-high temperature, around 400°F. This gives you that perfect balance of heat for both bread and fruit.
02 - In a medium bowl, blend together the ricotta, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, half the salt, and a quarter of the pepper until smooth and creamy. Pop this mixture in the fridge to let the flavors mingle while you prep everything else.
03 - Drizzle the bread slices with 4 tablespoons of olive oil and season with the remaining salt and pepper. Gently coat the peach slices with the last 2 tablespoons of oil. Arrange everything on a metal baking sheet for easy transport to your grill.
04 - Place the seasoned bread rounds on the grill and cook covered for 1-2 minutes per side until they're beautifully golden with those classic grill marks we all love.
05 - Cook the oiled peach slices covered for 2-4 minutes on each side until they're tender and have lovely grill marks. Use a thin metal spatula and handle them carefully - grilled peaches can be delicate little things!
06 - Arrange the grilled bread on your serving platter. Top each slice with about a tablespoon of that lemony ricotta mixture, add a piece of grilled peach, and finish with fresh basil ribbons and a artistic drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve these beauties right away while they're still warm.

# Notes:

01 - Make sure to clean your grill grates before cooking to prevent any stuck-on residue from previous grilling sessions.
02 - Allow at least 15-30 minutes for your grill to reach the proper temperature before you start cooking.
03 - Planning ahead for a party? You can make the lemon ricotta mixture the night before or morning of your event to save time.

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