Easter Schmeaster

As the defining traditions of Easter have become processed we thought so would be our approach. In hopes to break traditions out of their shell (see what I did there) we thought we would use the commercial influence already in place and have fun with it. It was a large sugary mess.

Now not all items were used, but more so used as inspiration. There was no spark for anything spectacular. Lori had been talking all week about Sushi Peeps she had seen done in the Serious Eats Community. It was a lot of fun assembling them, but eating the scraps produced from the assembly was enough to not partake in eating a roll. 

Ever since the weather has gotten warm I've been enjoying flavors that I had not gotten into for awhile. I had a wonderful drink that included gin and turmeric while out with a friend one evening. I enjoyed it so much I went back the following week to have it again. I have also been starting my mornings lately with yogurt or ricotta. While thinking of what could be done for an Easter dish these flavors were still bouncing around in my head. This was the result and all the problems that came with it:

RICOTTA turmeric jelly beans, coffee

Ricotta

My first attempt at the cheese came out a little firm and hard to work with due to its long hanging time. After observing the rate in which the whey drains I was able to hold the right amount of moisture to maintain a silky texture on the tongue.

Turmeric Jelly Beans

I found Tapioca Starch, Xanthan Gum, and Agar Agar gave me the texture I was looking for to go with the Ricotta. I also added a little Sriracha for heat.

Coffee

Instant Coffee Crystals 

Problem: 

I lacked the proper molds to form the beans so I made indentions with my pinky finger in tapioca starch to get the desired shape. I then poured the fluid gel at room temp into the "molds". The result left a milky film effect on the part of the bean that settled in the starch. 

Fix:

I was unable to think of a fix with the items I had on hand. Though, I was able to find jelly bean molds online for a decent price.

As the beans sat in the bed of white starch I couldn't help, but notice they looked like eggs so I thought I'd have some fun and make some Sunny Side Up Ricotta. Timing the setting of the Agar just right I was able to still have a runny yolk.

Throw in some comforting Chicken Adobo, Lumpia, and Cava and that was our Easter Sunday.