# What You’ll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
02 - 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
→ Hot Honey
04 - 1/3 cup honey
05 - 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce (sriracha or similar), to taste
06 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
→ Flavorings & Seasonings
07 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
08 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ To Serve
11 - Crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables
12 - Fresh herbs (chopped chives, basil, or thyme), optional
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally without boiling. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
02 - In a food processor or using a hand mixer, blend ricotta, cream cheese, heavy cream, grated garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
03 - Spoon the whipped ricotta mixture into a shallow serving bowl. Employ the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern on the surface.
04 - Drizzle the warmed hot honey generously over the ricotta, swirling it to achieve a marbled effect.
05 - Optionally garnish with chopped fresh herbs. Serve immediately accompanied by crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
