Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 Formaggella di Scalve cheese
- 8 slices of pancetta
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Cooking twine
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the pancetta slices in half lengthwise.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the pancetta slices to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove the pancetta from the skillet and set aside.
6. Cut the Formaggella di Scalve cheese in half horizontally.
7. Place a slice of pancetta on top of each cheese half.
8. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary on top of the pancetta.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Place the cheese halves back together and tie them with cooking twine to hold them in place.
11. Place the cheese in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
12. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pancetta can be substituted with bacon or prosciutto.
- Rosemary can be substituted with thyme or oregano.
- Formaggella di Scalve cheese can be substituted with any soft, creamy cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced garlic to the skillet when cooking the pancetta for extra flavor.
- Top the cheese with a drizzle of honey before baking for a sweet and savory twist.
- Serve with sliced baguette or crackers for dipping.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to tie the cheese halves tightly with cooking twine to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
- Let the cheese cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burns from the hot cheese.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cheese in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cheese on a platter with sliced baguette or crackers for dipping.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Pair with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the cheese is not melting, try increasing the oven temperature by 25°F and baking for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the pancetta until crispy to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Food History:
Formaggella di Scalve is a soft, creamy cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish is savory and creamy with a hint of smokiness from the pancetta.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as a light lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian