Nonna's Lemon Ricotta Biscuits - A Giada Recipe

Mother's Day is just around the corner and I was thinking to myself how good this recipe from Giada would be as part of a Mother's Day brunch.  I have been making her recipe for a couple of years now, and they are a hit with everyone who has had a taste.  They are very dense - kind of a cross between a muffin and a biscuit -  and the lemon/almond flavor is just so good.  I made a batch Monday night and they had vanished by Tuesday afternoon. 

 

Nonna's Lemon Ricotta Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar or more as needed for sprinkling
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced almonds

Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

 Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to blend. 

 Using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup sugar, butter, and lemon zest in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the ricotta. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and almond extract. Add the dry ingredients and stir just until blended (the batter will be thick and fluffy).

 Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle the almonds and then the remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar over the muffins. Bake until the muffins just become pale golden on top, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.