Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 Spazzacamino Formaggello cheese wheel (about 8 oz)
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Slice the Spazzacamino Formaggello cheese wheel into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
4. Arrange the cheese rounds on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Top each cheese round with a slice of tomato.
6. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the tomatoes.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped basil over the top.
9. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Total fat: 11g
- Saturated fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total carbohydrate: 3g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 11g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Spazzacamino Formaggello cheese can be substituted with any other semi-soft cheese, such as brie or camembert.
- Tomatoes can be substituted with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Basil can be substituted with parsley or oregano.
Variations:
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top for extra flavor.
- Top with sliced prosciutto for a savory twist.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to slice the cheese evenly so that it melts evenly.
- Use fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Don't overbake the cheese or it will become tough and rubbery.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the cheese rounds on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a platter with fresh basil leaves and sliced baguette.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, try slicing it thinner or using a different type of cheese.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator and discard after 2 days.
Food history:
- Spazzacamino Formaggello is a type of cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It is named after the chimney sweeps who used to sell it door-to-door.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy and tangy cheese, sweet and juicy tomatoes, and fresh and herbaceous basil.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or light lunch.
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Region: Italian