Ricotta is the MVP of cheeses. Sure, it doesn't have the allure of a gooey cheese pull, but it can straddle both sweet and savory. I mean, how many cheeses can you bake into cake and calzone? On the sweeter side of things,Cannoli Cheesecaketakes the creamy ricotta filling of the iconic Italian dessert and remixes it into cheesecake form. There's a secret layer of ganache between the filling and crust, andmini chocolate chipsare studded throughout. Or, for something a bit lighter,Ricotta Pieis similar in spirit. While it's a common holiday bake, I'd argue it's just as appropriate anytime you want something creamy and cheesecake-like. (Bonus points for not having to bring cream cheese to room temperature.) From buttermilk to egg whites, everyone has an opinion on what makes the most fluffy, tender pancakes.Ricotta Pancakesare a worthy contender, and if you're not convinced, try topping them with the recipe's ricotta-vanillasauce and then talk to me. Where there's ricotta, there's citrus. Case in point:Lemon Ricotta Cake. And while ricotta makes the crumb super plush, the real secret to its ethereally light crumb may surprise you ...'00' pizza flour! This finely milled flour gives this cake a plush texture beneath the crackly, sugary topping to really highlight the brightness of lemon. And don't forget about dinner! When salty Parmesan, cooked spinach, and a heap of ricotta get bundled up intocalzone dough, it's the perfect harmony of savory flavors. After all these bakes, you may have some leftover ricotta in your container. The best way to use it up, aside from eating by the spoonful? Dollop onpizza, of course. Say cheese, | 
