Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Gorgonzola cheese
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Cheesecloth
- Kitchen twine
- Cheese mold or small container
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cut the Gorgonzola cheese into small cubes and place them into a large pot.
2. In a separate pot, bring the water, kosher salt, honey, white wine vinegar, black peppercorns, garlic, and fresh thyme to a boil.
3. Once the brine has come to a boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
4. Pour the brine over the Gorgonzola cheese in the large pot.
5. Cover the pot with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 2 hours.
6. After 2 hours, strain the cheese and discard the brine.
7. Line a cheese mold or small container with cheesecloth.
8. Place the Gorgonzola cheese into the mold and wrap the cheesecloth around it.
9. Tie the cheesecloth with kitchen twine and place the mold into the refrigerator.
10. Let the cheese sit in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.
11. After 24-48 hours, remove the cheese from the mold and discard the cheesecloth.
12. Serve the Gorgonzola Brined Cheese at room temperature.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Temperature:
Room temperature for brining, refrigerated for molding and setting.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 1 pound of Gorgonzola Brined Cheese.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 100
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Blue cheese can be substituted for Gorgonzola cheese.
- Maple syrup can be substituted for honey.
- Red wine vinegar can be substituted for white wine vinegar.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cheese mold before setting.
- Use different herbs and spices in the brine for different flavor profiles.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use a high-quality cheese for the best results.
- Keep an eye on the cheese while it is in the mold to prevent it from drying out.
- Serve the cheese with crackers or bread for a delicious appetizer.
Storage instructions:
Store the Gorgonzola Brined Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
This cheese is best served at room temperature and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Gorgonzola Brined Cheese on a cheese board with other cheeses and accompaniments.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey.
Pairings:
Pair with a bold red wine or a dark beer.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with crackers, bread, or fresh fruit.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is too salty, rinse it with cold water before serving.
- If the cheese is too dry, add a small amount of olive oil to the cheese mold before setting.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use clean utensils and containers when making this recipe to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Brining cheese is a traditional method of preserving cheese that has been used for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
This cheese has a tangy and salty flavor with a hint of sweetness from the honey.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Gorgonzola Brined Cheese as an appetizer or as part of a cheese board.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian