Smashed Peas with Ricotta Toasts

I came across this fantastic recipe the other day while I was sitting in the waiting room of my husbands Chiropractor. I picked up the February issue of Better Homes and Garden and while flipping through it, I found this and I instantly knew I was going to make it.

For a split second I thought about silently ripping the page out, but then that wouldn't be very nice, so I started fishing through my purse but couldn't find a pen, so I finally just asked the office girl if she would kindly make a copy for me and she did, I was happy!

It's hard to explain how good this is, but think fresh lemon juice, sauteed garlic, fresh mint and cracked pepper swirled into a puree of peas and edamame flavored with salt and a healthy drizzle of olive oil, but then the best thing is, you take it and smear it on top of a baguette slice that was slathered with ricotta and toasted under the broiler! Oh my, it's addicting!

This is such a great appetizer, it makes a ton and it's really healthy, no mayonnaise, sour cream or cream cheese to make you feel guilty about eating it.

The thinly shaved garlic is a must as well as the coarsely cracked pepper, that along with the lemon and mint make a wonderful flavor combination.

Here's the recipe:

Adapted from BHG February 2010 issue

1 16oz. pkg, frozen peas

1 12oz. pkg frozen or precooked and shelled edamame

1 T olive oil

4 cloves thinly sliced garlic

2 T lemon juice

1 to 2 tsp. freshly cracked pepper

kosher salt to taste

1/4 cup snipped fresh mint

1/2 lb.of sliced baguette

1 cup ricotta cheese

Extra olive oil for drizzling

1. In a large pot cook peas and edamame for 5 minutes in a small amount of boiling water. Drain, transfer to food processor and puree.

2. In a small skillet with olive oil, add garlic and cook till tender. Stir into pureed peas along with the lemon, pepper, salt and mint.

3. Meanwhile, for ricotta toasts, spread baguette slices with ricotta cheese, arrange on a baking sheet and broil until ricotta is warm and bread is toasted. Sprinkle with salt and cracked pepper.

4. Before serving drizzle pea mixture with olive oil and additional cracked black pepper.

Buon Appetito!