Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Pecorino Stagionato cheese
- 10-12 fresh walnut leaves
- 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Cheese grater
- Cheese cloth
- Kitchen twine
Step-by-step instructions:
a. Grate the Pecorino Stagionato cheese and mix it with the red chili pepper and lemon zest in a bowl.
b. Rinse the walnut leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel.
c. Cut the cheese cloth into a square large enough to wrap the cheese.
d. Place the walnut leaves on top of the cheese cloth, overlapping them slightly.
e. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center of the leaves.
f. Fold the cheese cloth over the cheese, then wrap the walnut leaves around the cheese, making sure it is completely covered.
g. Tie the cheese tightly with kitchen twine to secure the leaves.
h. Place the cheese in a cool, dry place to age for at least 2 weeks.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: None
5. Temperature:
Room temperature
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 16g
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 400mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pecorino Stagionato cheese can be substituted with Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged cheddar.
- Fresh walnut leaves can be substituted with grape leaves or fig leaves.
- Red chili pepper can be substituted with dried chili flakes.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the cheese mixture.
- Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds to the cheese mixture for added texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to wrap the cheese tightly with the leaves and cheese cloth to prevent air from getting in.
- Store the cheese in a cool, dry place such as a cheese cave or refrigerator.
- Serve the cheese at room temperature for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
Store the cheese in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
This cheese is best served at room temperature and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cheese on a wooden board with crackers, bread, and fresh fruit.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Pairings:
Pair with a full-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Barolo.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with sliced cured meats such as prosciutto or salami.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese develops mold, simply cut off the affected area and continue to age the cheese.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use clean hands and equipment when handling the cheese to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Pecorino Stagionato is a hard, aged sheep's milk cheese that originates from Italy.
Flavor profiles:
This cheese has a sharp, salty flavor with a spicy kick from the red chili pepper and a bright citrus note from the lemon zest.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as part of a cheese board.
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Region: Italian