Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 wheel of Toma del Pastore cheese (about 8 oz)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Cheese knife or sharp kitchen knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Serving platter
Step-by-step instructions:
a. Remove the Toma del Pastore cheese from its packaging and cut off the rind using a cheese knife or sharp kitchen knife.
b. Cut the cheese into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a serving platter.
c. In a small mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
d. Drizzle the garlic and parsley mixture over the cheese pieces, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
e. Let the cheese marinate in the mixture for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
5. Temperature:
Room temperature
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 200
Total fat: 16g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toma del Pastore cheese can be substituted with any semi-soft cheese such as Brie or Camembert.
- Parsley can be substituted with other fresh herbs such as basil or thyme.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
- Use a different type of cheese and herb combination, such as goat cheese with rosemary or feta cheese with oregano.
Tips and tricks:
- Let the cheese come to room temperature before serving for maximum flavor.
- Use a high-quality olive oil for the best taste.
- Serve with crackers or bread for a complete appetizer.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
This recipe is best served at room temperature and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cheese pieces in a circular pattern on a platter and garnish with additional parsley leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley leaves or a sprinkle of paprika.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.
- Pair with sliced cured meats such as prosciutto or salami.
Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is too hard to cut, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftover cheese in the refrigerator and discard after 3 days.
Food history:
Toma del Pastore is a semi-soft cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, nutty flavor.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, nutty, garlicky, and herbaceous.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as part of a cheese board.
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