Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 wheel of Toma del Maccagno cheese (about 1 pound)
- 4 slices of speck, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan
- Cheese slicer or sharp knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey and balsamic vinegar.
3. Slice the Toma del Maccagno cheese into 1/4 inch thick slices.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat.
5. Add the speck slices to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
6. Add the apple slices to the same pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
7. Arrange the Toma del Maccagno cheese slices in the same pan and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the cheese from the oven and top with the cooked speck and apple slices.
9. Drizzle the honey and balsamic mixture over the top of the cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 310
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 16g
Sodium: 520mg
Sugar: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toma del Maccagno cheese can be substituted with any soft, melty cheese such as brie or camembert.
- Speck can be substituted with prosciutto or bacon.
- Apples can be substituted with pears or figs.
Variations:
- Add a handful of arugula or mixed greens on top of the cheese for a fresh, peppery flavor.
- Substitute the honey and balsamic mixture with fig jam or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the cheese evenly to ensure even melting.
- Use a cheese slicer or sharp knife to prevent the cheese from sticking to the blade.
- Don't overcook the cheese in the oven or it will become tough and rubbery.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and melty.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a wooden board or platter with crackers, bread, and fresh fruit.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese isn't melting evenly, try slicing it thinner or using a different type of cheese.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the speck and apples thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Toma del Maccagno is a soft, creamy cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy. Speck is a type of cured meat from the Alto Adige region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, melty cheese with salty, crispy speck and sweet, tangy apples.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or light lunch.
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Region: Italian