Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Canestrato Crotonese cheese, sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the Canestrato Crotonese cheese slices on it.
3. Bake the cheese for 10-12 minutes, or until it starts to melt and become golden brown.
4. In the meantime, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until they are soft and caramelized.
6. Add the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to the skillet and stir until the sugar dissolves.
7. Cook the onions for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy.
8. Remove the cheese from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter.
9. Top the cheese with the caramelized onions and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Bake the cheese at 375°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 700mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canestrato Crotonese cheese can be substituted with any other hard, aged cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
- Gorgonzola cheese can be substituted with any other blue cheese like Roquefort or Stilton.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- Add some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cheese for some extra crunch.
- Use red onions instead of yellow onions for a sweeter flavor.
- Add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the caramelized onions for some extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the cheese thinly so it melts evenly in the oven.
- Don't overcook the onions, they should be soft and caramelized but not burnt.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the onions from sticking to the bottom.
- Serve the Canestrato Crotonese with some crusty bread or crackers.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the Canestrato Crotonese in the oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Canestrato Crotonese on a wooden board or a cheese platter with some crackers and fresh fruit.
Garnishes:
Garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese doesn't melt evenly in the oven, try slicing it thinner or increasing the temperature slightly.
- If the onions are too dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the skillet.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the onions thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Canestrato Crotonese is a hard, aged cheese from the Calabria region of Italy. It is made from sheep's milk and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
Flavor profiles:
The Canestrato Crotonese cheese is nutty and slightly sweet, while the caramelized onions are sweet and tangy. The Gorgonzola cheese adds a creamy and pungent flavor to the dish.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Canestrato Crotonese as an appetizer or a light lunch.
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Region: Italian