Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g Mató cheese
- 100g dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 orange, zested
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- Pinch of salt
Special equipment needed:
- Cheese cloth
- Mixing bowl
- Serving dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Line a colander with a cheese cloth and place it over a bowl.
2. Crumble the Mató cheese into the cheese cloth.
3. Gather the corners of the cheese cloth and twist to form a ball.
4. Place a weight on top of the cheese ball and let it drain for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator.
5. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate until smooth.
6. Add the orange zest, honey, and salt to the melted chocolate and stir until well combined.
7. Toast the chopped almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown.
8. Remove the cheese ball from the cheese cloth and place it on a serving dish.
9. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cheese ball.
10. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the chocolate.
11. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 2-3 hours
Temperature:
Refrigerate at 4°C
Serving size:
Serves 4-6
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 300
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mató cheese can be substituted with ricotta cheese or cream cheese.
- Dark chocolate can be substituted with milk chocolate or white chocolate.
- Almonds can be substituted with any other nuts or omitted altogether.
Variations:
- Add a splash of orange liqueur to the chocolate mixture for an extra kick.
- Top with fresh berries or sliced fruit for a pop of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use a good quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate to prevent burning.
- Toast the almonds for added crunch and flavor.
Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
This dish is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a white platter to showcase the colors of the dish.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a touch of elegance.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with crackers or sliced baguette for a delicious appetizer.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the chocolate mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use pasteurized cheese to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Mató de Pedralbes is a traditional Catalan cheese made from cow's milk. It is typically served with honey or sugar for a sweet and savory flavor.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a creamy and tangy flavor from the cheese, a rich and sweet flavor from the chocolate, and a nutty and crunchy flavor from the almonds.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or appetizer at a dinner party or special occasion.
Related Categories
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Region: Spanish
Taste: Creamy, Sweet, Chocolatey, Citrusy, Tangy