CHEF CAMILLE COGSWELL
Kubaneh Toast with Brown Sugar Ricotta and Berries
For this Yemenite bread, traditionally baked overnight for eating on the Sabbath, chef Camille Cogswell slow-bakes coiled dough until it's caramelized, giving it a richly flavored, golden-brown interior.
The molasses in brown sugar is naturally acidic and works to turn milk and cream into ricotta while also leaving behind a sweet caramel flavor. Set up the ricotta and start baking the bread the night before you plan to serve the toast; both will be ready as if by magic in the morning. If desired, 3 cups store-bought fresh ricotta may be lightly sweetened to taste with brown sugar.
Adapted from Food & Wine.
Yields 12
Active Time: 15 min
Total Time: 40 min
Make it.
Ingredients:
7 cups best-quality whole milk
2 1/4 cups heavy cream
3/4 packed cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Unsalted butter, for buttering bread
3 cups mixed fresh berries, for topping
Procedure:
Step 1
Combine milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large pot. Slowly bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Stir in lemon juice, and gently simmer, undisturbed, until mixture is curdled and whey is clear, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand 10 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, line a large colander with 2 layers of cheesecloth. Carefully pour milk mixture into prepared colander. Place colander over a bowl so that it rests a few inches above bottom of bowl. Chill, uncovered, at least 8 hours or up to 12 hours.
Step 3
When ready to serve toast, remove colander from bowl, and discard whey in bowl. Squeeze out any remaining excess liquid from ricotta; spoon ricotta into bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed just until creamy and smooth, about 15 seconds.
Step 4
Heat broiler to high. Using a serrated knife, cut cooled kubaneh into quarters. Trim off crust, if desired. Cut bread into 1-inch-thick slices. Lightly butter bread slices on both sides, and place on a baking sheet. Broil on middle rack in preheated oven until toasted, 60 to 90 seconds per side. Spread 1/4 cup brown sugar ricotta on each slice of toast, and top with mixed berries.
Make Ahead: Ricotta may be covered and chilled up to 3 days.