Stuffed Squash Blossoms

This time of year my squash blossoms start popping up in my veggie garden. Needless to say, it's time to pick them and stuff them with ricotta cheese and fresh basil from my garden and fry them up.This recipe for stuffed squash blossoms from my book,  Picture Perfect Parties (Rizzoli), is one of my favorite summer staples. I make it every year for family and friends in honor of the first time I made them on the Amalfi coast. Planting squash in my garden is a given every year, and when summer comes, I start stuffing and frying. You will adore this recipe. The delicate flavors and crisp texture will make you swoon. You will be planting squash in you garden every year just to yield this cheese filled delicacy. Trust me.Get out there and pick those gorgeous blossoms!

Ricotta Stuffed Fried Squash BlossomsServes 6-8

You will need:- 12 to 16 large zucchini squash blossoms- About 4 cups vegetable oil for frying- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta (preferably fresh)- 1 large egg yolk- 1/4 cup finely chopped basil- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour- 1 egg- 3/4 cup chilled seltzer or club soda- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese- Salt and pepper to tasteTo prepare:For the filling:- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta (preferably fresh)- 1 large egg yolk- 1/4 cup finely chopped basil- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese- ½ teaspoon saltFor the batter:Note* you can make the batter a couple hours before and set aside.- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour- 1 egg- 3/4 cup chilled seltzer or club soda- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese- 1 teaspoon salt- 1 teaspoon pepperFilling the blossoms:Dry the squash blossoms with a paper towel, do not wash them under the tap, wash them in a bowl of water.Carefully make a small opening in the top of each blossom. Using a piping bag or plastic bag with a hole cut into the bottom, pipe the filling into the opening filling about half way up the flower. Close end and gently twist flower closed.Store the stuffed blossoms in the fridge until you are ready to fry.Frying the squash blossoms:Heat oil. Test heat by dropping a few drops of the batter, if it crisps up you are ready to go. Dip stuffed blossoms into the batter with a small tongs then drop them carefully into the oil.Fry the blossoms until crisp and place on a paper towel to drain.  Serve immediately. For more great spring recipes check out my cookbook: Picture Perfect Parties here.Photos from Picture Perfect Parties "Italian Spring Feast of Squash Blossoms" ChapterPhoto Credit: Deborah Whitlaw Llewelleyn