Berry Crostata with Lemon-Honey Ricotta Cream - A fabulous dessert for berry season! This free form pie is wonderful for holidays when dishes are in high demand.
For the crust: Add the first flour, sugar, and salt to a food processor. Pulse once or twice to mix. Chop the cold stick of butter into cubes. Add the butter to the processor and pulse until the butter clumps are the size of peas. Add 3 tablespoons of very cold water to the processor. Pulse it a few more times, until the dough comes together. Dump the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Form the dough into a round disk and wrap well. Place in the fridge for at least thirty minutes.
Place the blackberries and cut strawberries in a medium bowl. Add one-quarter of the lemon zest, along with 2 ½ tablespoons flour, 2 ½ tablespoons sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Toss well.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Once cold, roll the dough into a 12 inch free-form circle. Fold half the dough over the rolling pin and move it to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Pour the fruit mixture in the center of the dough and spread out, leaving a 1 ½ - 2 inch rim around the edges. Gently fold the edges up over the fruit, making sure not to let the fruit poke through the dough. It looks best when you go around the circle in one direction while folding.
Mix 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush the egg wash over the exposed dough. Sprinkle the dough edges with Turbinado sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Pour ¾ cup of cream into a clean food processor. Process for about 1 minute—until a stiff cream forms. Add the ricotta, honey and the remaining three-quarters of the lemon zest. Process another 30 seconds, or so, until well combined. Serve the cream with the Crostata.
Notes
The ricotta cream is a very loose cream because of the honey. I personally love it this way. If you want a stiffer version, either use whipped honey or substitute sugar.In a hurry? Buy a premade roll-out pie crust and skip making the dough!