Peach & Ricotta Toast!

Y'all. It is so hot outside. I'm tempted to post a picture of the thermometer inside my car but I'm sure you have had your fair share of those from facebook friends (also, Gertrude the Grand Am was born prior to these fancy car contraptions so I lied, I couldn't have posted a pic if I wanted to). 

 I swear, like 15 feeds in a row on my homepage consisted of different varieties of vehicle temperature gauges. Thankfully my faithful friends are keeping me up to date on the weather or I would have worn that knit sweater to work today and made a steaming pot of soup for dinner. 

Speaking of food (see how I did that transition there), what is one to eat when it is too miserable to consider any form of cooking that removes them from their cozy air-conditioned recliner? Let me suggest to you this phenomenal little masterpiece I discovered from my absolute FAVORITE place to eat in Nashville: Marché. A) It only requires one pan for a very short amount of time. B) It is so good, you would stand out in the 100 + degree weather for hours to make it if you needed to (maybe not, just humor me - you can't have an A point without a B point)  This simple dish combines fresh, juicy peaches with smooth, creamy ricotta cheese for an impressive little nosh that will just make you swoon. Truly. 

My friend, Jane introduced me to Marché a few weeks ago. I have been twice since then. I will also be returning for a dinner date with my pal Candice tomorrow night. And as if that isn't enough Marché in my life, I have done my best to recreate this wondrous peach and ricotta starter for the days that I am experiencing withdrawals. 

This Parisian-style gem of a restaurant finds its home in an old telephone switching building in East Nashville. They feature a mouthwatering menu that changes monthly and always stars fresh ingredients, the majority of which are local products. Marché has adorable, rustic, family-style farm tables and cozy smaller tables for more intimate seating. The building has big, wide open windows making you feel like you are sitting right out on the sidewalk. They also make their own delectable pastries. Pair one of these with a latte and grab a seat next to the window... next thing you know you'll think you just stole a trip to Europe! 

Now. I insist you try this perfect haven of food yumminess in your immediate future. Should you not be able to jump right up and head there this minute, I have prepared a dish that can tide you over until you can make it to East Nashville. 

Peach & Ricotta Toast

Ingredients:

2-3 tbsp ricotta cheese

1 fresh peach, thinly sliced wedges

honey, warm

butter

cinnamon (optional)

2 thick slices of bakery bread (I like a multi-grain or flax seed bread but french bread would work too)

Directions:

1. Heat a skillet to med-high. Spread a little butter on each side of your bread. Toast each side until golden.

2. Place bread on a plate. Spread 1-1/2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese on each slice of toast. 

3. Arrange half of the peach atop ricotta on each slice of toast.

4. Drizzle a bit of warm honey over top of peaches.

5. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. 

6. Devour. 

This dish could also be made for parties or picnics as a crostini. Matter of fact, I'm not sure of many occasions that this wouldn't be a welcome dish...