Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 wheel of Toma del Pastore cheese (about 8 oz)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Non-stick skillet
- Cheese knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Cut the Toma del Pastore cheese into wedges and set aside.
3. Melt the butter in the skillet and add the sliced onions. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the mixture has thickened and the onions are coated in the caramelized sauce.
7. Remove the onion mixture from the skillet and set aside.
8. In the same skillet, place the Toma del Pastore cheese wedges and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
9. Serve the cheese wedges on a plate and top with the caramelized onion mixture.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
5. Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toma del Pastore cheese can be substituted with any other semi-hard cheese such as Gouda or Cheddar.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the onion mixture for extra flavor.
- Top the cheese wedges with chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use a non-stick skillet to prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan.
- Use a cheese knife to cut the Toma del Pastore cheese into wedges for easy serving.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover cheese and onion mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the cheese in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until melted. Reheat the onion mixture in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Toma del Pastore with Caramelized Onions and Garlic on a wooden board with crackers and sliced bread for a rustic presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Pairings:
Pair with a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is not melting, increase the heat slightly and cook for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftover cheese and onion mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
Toma del Pastore is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a nutty, buttery flavor.
Flavor profiles:
The Toma del Pastore cheese has a nutty, buttery flavor that pairs well with the sweet and savory caramelized onion mixture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
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