Whipped Ricotta with Smoked Paprika & Honey

By Amanda Paa – Updated December 3, 2021


You know those things you grew up believing you didn’t like because your mother and father didn’t like them? That’s really the only way I can make the connection here between black cats and this Whipped Ricotta with Smoked Paprika & Honey.

Whipped Ricotta & Walnuts in Lettuce Wraps
There was never an option to have a cat, as my dad had deemed them worthless. Not that I minded though, as I spent my childhood tagging along with our black hunting lab Sally, whom I proudly picked out of the litter myself at the age of 3.

Girl and Best Friend
Sally and I were the best of friends from day one. She even put up with me painting a white stripe down the middle of her back one summer as my dad worked in the garage. Always a curious child, I wanted to see what she’d look like as a skunk. That didn’t keep her from snuggling next to me every night in my twin bed, all 80 pounds of her, protecting me from monsters under the bed.

Whipped Ricotta with Smoked Paprika & HoneyTwenty odd years later, I fell in love with black cats instead of dogs after I was unhappily assigned the task of watching Brian’s sister’s cat while she was out of town. After just one evening with her curled up in my lap I began stalking the Human Society website for a black beauty I could call my own. A week later I came home with Grace. She’s got more diva and pizzazz than I ever thought possible in an animal. Her presence and companionship have provided me with so much happiness. She’s even won my dad over too.

Cat on Farm TableHence the reason I just had to buy these impractical tiny cat plates about a year ago —  way too awesome to pass up.  And now I find myself using them to serve this dreamy ricotta, that’s whipped until fluffy with smoked paprika and a drizzle of amazing Bare Honey. Ironically I never thought I liked ricotta because as a child I thought “if mom doesn’t like, I don’t either” – wrong! This rich, fresh cheese is now one of my favorites. 

Whipped Ricotta with Smoked Paprika & HoneyI think you’ll enjoy how the smoked paprika and honey compliment each other, a little warmth coming from each of them. The recipe comes together so quickly, perfect for when you’re short on time. You can serve it with crackers or a nice, crusty french baguette. And if you want to add a little color and fanciness, spoon it into lettuce leaves with crunchy walnuts and eat it like the queen with one pinky raised.

Signing off for now as I’m off to Aruba for a week – Meow!

Whipped Ricotta with Smoked Paprika & Honey

adapted from this recipe by Joy the Baker
serves 4

8 oz fresh ricotta
2 tablespoons greek yogurt  or my new my favorite that I used in this recipe, Smari Icelandic Yogurt – unbelievably thick and smooth)
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
zest of one lemon
local raw honey (my favorites are Ames Farm and Bare Honey, which is what I used this time)

Combine ricotta, yogurt, smoked paprika and salt in a medium bowl. Mix with a stand or hand mixer on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy. Empty into serving bowl and top with zest of one lemon and a good drizzle of honey. Will last in the refrigerator, covered for 4 days.

Whipped Ricotta with Smari Yogurt

Did you make this?

tag @heartbeetkitchen on instagram and hashtag it #heartbeetkitchen

April 1, 2014

COMMENT & RATE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

10 comments

  1. heather @french press

    sounds SO delicious – I never thought I liked ricotta until I made my own, and now I cannot get enough

    • Amanda Paa

      Yum! It’s been on my bucket list to make homemade ricotta. I’ve heard it is so easy.

  2. emily (a nutritionist eats)

    Love this idea Amanda! Beautiful story and pics as well!

    • amandapaa

      Thanks Emily :) Fun to look back on times when life was so simple, right?!

  3. Elaine Paa

    What a beautiful bit of writing you have done with this. Gosh you are something – your writing makes me feel you are right here with me. Love you

    • amandapaa

      Thanks Grandma :) Love you and miss you!

  4. Haley @ Cheap Recipe Blog

    Looks great, Amanda! Also, love the new logo (the heart that is a beet, or vice versa :))

    • amandapaa

      Thanks so much Haley! The beet logo was a work progress for quite awhile but I love it too! Really thankful for a good graphic designer! Hope you’re having a great week, xo.

  5. Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough

    I have yet to try whipped ricotta but smoked paprika and honey are a few of my favorite things (also, cheese) so, obviously, I need to make this and love it.

    Have SO much fun in Aruba!

    • amandapaa

      Thanks Stephanie! This was my first time making whipped ricotta and I can envision so many ways to make it. I also topped some leftover quinoa and roasted vegetables which I really liked too!

      And so nice to meet you in person last week – xo.