Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 wheel of Toma Alpigiana cheese (about 8 oz)
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Non-stick skillet
- Cheese knife or wire cutter
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until they start to soften.
3. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the onions for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown.
4. Add the balsamic vinegar to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vinegar has evaporated.
5. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
6. Cut the Toma Alpigiana cheese into thin slices using a cheese knife or wire cutter.
7. Arrange the cheese slices on a serving platter.
8. Top the cheese with the caramelized onions.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for cooking onions
- Room temperature for serving cheese
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200 per serving
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toma Alpigiana cheese can be substituted with any other semi-soft cheese such as Brie or Camembert.
- Balsamic vinegar can be substituted with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Serve the Toma Alpigiana cheese with crackers or bread for a complete appetizer.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the onions on low heat to prevent them from burning.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the onions from sticking to the bottom.
- Let the cheese come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover cheese and onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the caramelized onions in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
- Do not reheat the cheese as it may become too soft and lose its shape.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Toma Alpigiana cheese and caramelized onions on a wooden board or platter for a rustic look.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary
- Drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh bread or crackers
- Sliced apples or pears
- Mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the onions are burning, reduce the heat and add a splash of water to the skillet to prevent them from sticking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to properly store any leftover cheese and onions in the refrigerator to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Toma Alpigiana is a semi-soft cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Toma Alpigiana has a mild and creamy flavor with a slightly nutty taste.
- Caramelized onions have a sweet and savory flavor with a soft and tender texture.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or as part of a cheese board.
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Region: Italian