Simple Valentine's Day date night dessert

Nestled in the mountains of the northeast Valley, Sassi restaurant reflects the grace and charm of an Italian villa so it's no surprise this quaint restaurant has landed on Open Table's list of most romantic restaurants in the country. 

Sassi serves up handmade pastas, artisanal cheeses, fresh seafood and more than 200 Italian wines with beautiful views.  Enjoy Executive Chef Christopher Nicosia's recipe for Lemon Basil and Strawberry Crispelle.

Lemon Basil and Strawberry Crispelle
Executive Chef: Christopher Nicosia
Yield: 8 Crespelle

Ingredients:  
¾ cup of all purpose flour
2 each eggs
¼ teaspoons of salt
1 cup of milk
Olive oil for the pan
(for the filling)
2 cups of ricotta cheese
2 lemons, zest
3 tablespoons of powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of basil, chiffonade
8 tablespoons of strawberry marmalata
Fresh strawberries, 16 each  

Method:
(For the crespelle)
1. Place flour in a medium sized mixing bowl
2. Add eggs and salt and whisk together
3. Add milk a little at a time until its all used, and whisk until smooth
4. Rests batter for 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator overnight
5. Heat a 6 inch non stick pan over high heat and brush with olive oil
6. Turn heat down to medium and pour 2 tablespoons of batter in pan to coat the bottom
7. Cook until light golden brown on the bottom
8. Flip crepe and cook for 5-10 seconds more
9. Remove from pan and repeat until all batter is used (makes about 15 crepes)

(For the filling)
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, lemon zest, powdered sugar and basil
2. Mix until well incorporated

(To assemble)
1. Place ¼ cup of ricotta mixture on ½ of crepe
2. Add one tablespoon of strawberry marmalata on top of ricotta filling
3. Fold crepe in half and then in half again
4. Place on an oiled baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees until crispy on the outside and hot in the inside (about 10-12 minutes)
5. Serve dusted with powdered sugar and 2 sliced strawberries

SASSI
10455 East Pinnacle Peak Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 502-3335
sassi.biz