Golden Raisins, Whipped Ricotta & My New Favorite Salad Prep

The Mystery of the Golden Raisins

Some ingredients sneak up on you. You’ve probably walked past golden raisins a hundred times in the grocery store without giving them a second thought (I know I did). But once I tasted their sweet, sun-kissed flavor, I couldn’t rest until I figured out exactly how to use them.

And let me tell you — they belong on every charcuterie board from here on out. Their little pop of sweetness pairs well against salty cheeses, savory meats, and grilled ciabatta. It’s like finding the missing puzzle piece you didn’t even know was missing.

Golden raisin dish close-up

A Whipped Ricotta Obsession

The other star of my kitchen lately? Whipped ricotta. Light, fluffy, and oh-so-creamy, it’s become my new go-to spread. I love it as a base for toast (try it with a drizzle of honey or roasted tomatoes), but it also makes a perfect partner for those golden raisins on a board.

And yes, I may or may not have licked the spoon when nobody was looking.

Whipped Ricotta

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup whole milk ricotta

• 1 Tsp fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 Tsp lemon zest

• A pinch of salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor.

2. Blend until smooth.

3. Taste and adjust - add more salt and/or pepper to taste.

   Serve in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, honey, or top with fresh herbs.

   
   
   
   

Prepping for the Week Ahead

In the spirit of keeping things fresh and easy, I did a little meal prep for the week — jars of golden raisins ready to toss into salads, a batch of whipped ricotta tucked in the fridge, and the promise of dinners that taste a little more exciting than usual.

This week’s star combo? Grilled chicken with a honey chipotle vinaigrette. It’s smoky, sweet, tangy, and just the thing to pull everything together.

Honey Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 Tbsp red wine vinegar

• 3 Tbsp honey

• 3/4 Cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 Tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 Tsp ground cumin

• 1 1/2 Tsp salt

• 1/2 Tsp ground black pepper

• 2 Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

• 2 Garlic cloves

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Taste and adjust — add more honey if you like it sweeter, salt, or more vinegar if you like extra tang.

Drizzle over mixed greens, add grilled chicken, avocado, tomatoes, or roasted corn to elevate to a southwest salad.

https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/copycat-recipe-chipotle-mexican-grills-chipotle-honey-vinaigrette.html

The Takeaway

Sometimes it’s the smallest discoveries that spark the most joy in the kitchen.