Honey-Tomato Bruschetta with Ricotta

This was a hit as a part of the first course of our recent wine dinner. Paired with sparkling wine from the Schramsberg winery in Napa, California, it was sweet, tangy and toasty all at the same time. Just like the wine was.

And I made it a locavore's delight. Homemade ricotta. Organic baguette. Thyme and basil from my garden. And fresh tomatoes and honey from the farmers market. A guilty pleasure without any of the guilt.

Honey-Tomato Bruschetta with Ricotta
From Food & Wine magazine.
Makes 6 servings.

2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons thyme leaves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
12 baguette slices, cut 1/2 inch thick on the bias
1 cup fresh ricotta (8 ounces)
1 tablespoon honey
6 basil leaves, thinly sliced or torn

Preheat the oven to 300°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes with the olive oil, honey, thyme leaves, salt and pepper. Scrape the tomatoes onto the prepared baking sheet and turn them cut side up. Bake the tomatoes for about 1 hour and 25 minutes, until they begin to shrivel and brown. Let cool.

Preheat the broiler. Spread out the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Broil for about 30 seconds on each side, until the edges are golden brown.

Spread the ricotta over the baguette slices and top with the slow-roasted tomatoes. Lightly drizzle the tomatoes with the buckwheat honey, sprinkle with the sliced basil and serve with additional buckwheat honey on the side.

Note: The roasted tomatoes can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.