Fruit & Honey

Each month we share a recipe featuring a local product or farmer! This month we are featuring Hindu Hillbilly, a family owned apiary just west of Alberton, MT. It is their mission to strive for environmental sustainability in their beekeeping practices, to educate and foster understanding and appreciation of honey bees through community outreach and youth programs, and to provide the purest quality raw honey and handcrafted honey skin care products from their hives to our community. They are proud to be members of a growing community of small farmers dedicated to producing local and sustainable products. There are many benefits of local honey. It's been said to aid in allergy relief, heal wounds, and is just plain tasty. 

Summer is a season with a bounty of fruit. We are lucky to have so many local farmers and producers in our little piece of paradise that makes a summer salad that much sweeter. 

This fruit plate is easy to assemble with an assortment of local fruits. We used Flathead cherries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries! Antioxidant and anthocyanin rich foods help with inflammation and helping you heal from summer fun. The ricotta is from local creamery Tucker Family Farm located in Victor, MT and made from sheep milk. Many people with cow dairy sensitivities are able to digest goat and sheep milk without much difficulty. 

Honey Ricotta Dip
1 cup ricotta
1/4 cup honey
pinch of salt

Combine the honey and ricotta in the blender. You may have to scrape the sides down periodically. Blend until completely smooth. You will know it's right when the contents are all whirring around easily. Pour into a bowl or container to keep in the fridge. As it cools it will set up a bit. Plate up your favorite fruits and sprinkle the dip with sea salt to serve. 

What's your favorite summer treat?