1. First, we’re making the blini batter. Mix all the ingredients together until smooth, then let it chill for like 5-10 minutes. Once the batter’s had its lil rest, heat up a pan with a bit of oil or butter and spoon in small circles of batter. I usually use 3/4 of a tablespoon. Here’s the pro tip: when you see those cute little holes popping up on the surface, it’s time to flip them. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they’re golden and gorgeous. Boom, your blinis are born. Pop them on a cooling rack to chill out – no soggy bottoms here.
2. Grab a bowl and mix the ricotta cream. For this, stir together ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper until it’s smooth and creamy. Then load it into a piping bag if you’re feeling fancy, or just keep a spoon handy for the easy aesthetic.
3. Once your blinis are cool, dollop or pipe some ricotta cream onto each one. Get creative – a little swirl, a casual blob, whatever your heart desires. Now they’re ready for toppings.
4. For Blini topping 1, toast the walnuts in a pan without adding additional fat. Take them out and let them cool. Thinly slice the shallots into delicate rings and fry them in a bit of oil until crispy. Set aside to cool. Add half a walnut onto the blini, as well as about 1 tsp of the crispy onions. Finish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of pink peppercorns. Toss on a few fresh thyme leaves and finish with a few drops of chili oil for a spicy kick that ties it all together.
5. For Blini topping 2, slice fresh figs into eighths. Place one fig wedge on the ricotta cream, then crumble some blue cheese on the other side – as much or as little as your vibe calls for. Add a few drops of truffle oil, sprinkle with freshly ground pepper, and garnish with a touch of chopped chives to seal the deal.
6. For Blini topping 3, flake some cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and nestle it onto the ricotta cream. Slice red onions into thin strips, then scatter a few pieces on top along with some capers. Add a few drops of olive oil, a grind of fresh black pepper, and finish with a couple of dill sprigs.
7. For Blini topping 4, tear thin slices of pastrami into strips, roll them into little spirals, and press them onto the ricotta. Diagonally halve some cornichons and place one half on the blini. Drizzle a few drops of walnut oil for a rich, nutty twist. Top it all off with a sprig of fresh parsley for a classy finishing touch.
8. For Blini topping 5, thinly slice radishes into delicate rounds and place two slices on one side of the blini. On the other side, gently press on a little bunch of radish cress for that pop of green. Finish with a few drops of basil oil for a fresh, herbaceous flair.
9. Serve these cute appetizers on a platter and watch them disappear in seconds.

PREPARATIONS

• Chop the shallot and garlic cloves into small, fine pieces. Take the salsiccia sausage out of its casing—either tear it into chunky bits with your hands or crumble it up, whichever feels less chaotic. Slice the gorgonzola into chunks—don’t overthink it; it’ll melt anyway. Wash the baby spinach thoroughly and spin it dry. Set everything aside.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt some butter in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the shallots and cook until they’re glossy and translucent. Add the garlic and stir it until your kitchen smells incredible.
2. Deglaze with a splash of white wine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to let the alcohol cook off. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the cream. Let this dreamy mix simmer gently for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the salsiccia.
3. Toss the sausage bits into a cold pan. Slowly heat it up so the fat renders out—no extra oil needed! Cook until the pieces are golden and crispy on the outside. Deglaze with another splash of white wine, simmering until most of the liquid evaporates and you’re left with a creamy coating. Toss in the walnuts, a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt, and a drizzle of honey. Stir everything and let it caramelize for 1-2 minutes. Add fresh oregano and thyme, mix, and let those flavors pop.
4. Keep your cream and broth mixture on low heat. Stir in the Gorgonzola until it’s completely melted into the sauce—smooth, rich, and irresistible. Grate in some fresh nutmeg, then stir in more oregano and thyme. Add the spinach and stir until it wilts down. Keep everything warm and cozy over low heat.
5. Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil, and add the gnocchi. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi and toss them directly into the Gorgonzola-spinach sauce. Stir until every pillowy bite is coated in the sauce.
6. Plate the gnocchi in deep bowls. Spoon the crispy salsiccia-walnut mixture on top and finish with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan.

1. For the dough, add water, salt, olive oil, and flour into a bowl. Stir with a spoon until just combined. Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead by hand for about 3 minutes until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Slice the pumpkin into thin pieces and place them in a shallow dish. Rub with oil and thyme, then set aside to marinate.
3. Cut the bacon into chunks (or use pre-cut bacon) and place it in a cold pan. Fry over medium heat until golden brown without adding extra fat. Once you’ve got a nice crispy base, add walnuts, rosemary, and cayenne pepper. Deglaze with white wine and let it simmer until the wine has evaporated. Add honey at the end, season with salt and pepper, and stir well. Set aside.
4. For the other toppings, cut the red onion into thin half-rings and set them aside. Have the Gorgonzola, crème fraîche, and pepper ready. Preheat the oven to 250°C (482°F) on the grill setting.
5. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll them out as thin as possible. Place each dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread an even layer of crème fraîche over the top. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper. Then, layer the other toppings: first the bacon-walnut mixture, followed by the pumpkin slices and onion rings, and finally small dollops of Gorgonzola. Bake in the oven for about 8-11 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the crust is golden and crispy.
6. While the dough is baking, prepare the salad and dressing. Wash the lamb’s lettuce thoroughly and place it in a large bowl. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top and slice the chives into rings. Set some of the chives aside to garnish the tarte flambée.
7. For the dressing, mix oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper well. Add the dressing to the salad right before serving to avoid sogginess.
8. Remove the tarte flambée from the oven, slice it up, and serve with the salad.