Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Drain the ricotta cheese: Place the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth and let it drain in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if toasting pistachios.
- Toast the pistachios (optional): Spread the chopped pistachios on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Watch them closely.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat with an electric mixer (or whisk vigorously by hand) until smooth and creamy.
- Lightly brush both sides of each wonton wrapper with melted butter.
- Shape the Wonton Cups (Two Options): Option 1 (Muffin Tin): Gently press each wonton wrapper into the cups of a mini muffin tin. Option 2 (Freeform): Place the wonton wrappers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Slightly overlap the edges of some wrappers.
- Bake the Wonton Cups: Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them.
- Remove the wonton cups from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Assemble the Bites: Once the wonton cups are cool, spoon a generous dollop of the ricotta filling into each cup.
- Garnish: Drizzle each bite with honey and sprinkle with the toasted pistachios. If desired, add a tiny pinch of sea salt to each bite.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality ricotta and honey. Drain the ricotta well to prevent soggy wonton wrappers. The wonton cups can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving. Leftover bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the wonton wrappers will soften. For variations, consider adding orange zest, rose water, or almond extract to the ricotta filling. You can also use different nuts like almonds or walnuts. Fresh berries or diced figs make excellent fruity additions.