Ingredients
2.5 ounces fresh ricotta
2 tablespoons mascarpone
2 tablespoons agave nectar or pure maple syrup
½ cup fresh, organic raspberries, washed and patted dry
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 store-bought brioche buns/rolls
1 tablespoons lemon zest (optional)
1 teaspoon slivered almonds (optional)
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
Powdered sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the ricotta, mascarpone, vanilla, lemon zest, almonds, and agave nectar in a bowl and mix well to combine. Fold through the raspberries. Taste the mixture. If it’s too tart, you can add more agave nectar.

Cut the tops off the brioche and remove some of the bread, leaving a 1cm border. (You can use the extra bread to make croutons). Spoon the mixture into the rolls and place on a baking tray. Brush tops with egg and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Healthily, serves 4.

Nutritional Goodness
Raspberries are seasonal to summer and are high in Fiber, Manganese, and Vitamin C. A study revealed that raspberries have almost 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries, three times that of kiwis, and ten times the antioxidant activity of tomatoes. So eat them up while they are in season! Also, make sure to eat only the organic, non-pesticide sprayed varieties.

Lemons are best known for containing a high amount of Vitamin C, but it also has a substantial amount of Fiber, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Potassium, Copper, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Iron and Magnesium. The zest is the colorful outer layer of the citrus peel. The reason that the zest is so desirable is that it contains lots of essential oils that make for a strong, pleasant flavor.

Almonds, which are often referred to as “the gourmet nut”, are among the most nutrient dense tree nuts. Almonds are a good source of protein and are high in antioxidants, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron as well as Vitamin E. They also provide a good source of monounsaturated fat — the good fat that is needed for heart health.

Ricotta is high in Protein, Calcium, Selenium and Phosphorus. However, it is also high in saturated fat, so enjoy in moderation.