Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 wheel of Toma del Pastore cheese (about 1 lb)
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Small bowl
- Cheese knife or wire slicer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Wrap the garlic in the foil and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the garlic in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
4. Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them with a fork in a small bowl.
5. In another small bowl, mix together the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Using a cheese knife or wire slicer, cut the Toma del Pastore cheese into thin slices and arrange them on a serving platter.
7. Drizzle the herb and oil mixture over the cheese slices.
8. Spoon the mashed roasted garlic over the cheese slices.
9. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
5. Temperature:
400°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 20g
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 400mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toma del Pastore cheese can be substituted with any semi-hard cheese, such as Gouda or Cheddar.
- Rosemary and thyme can be substituted with any herbs of your choice, such as basil or oregano.
Variations:
- Add sliced cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami, to the platter.
- Top the cheese with chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds.
- Use the roasted garlic and herb mixture as a marinade for grilled chicken or vegetables.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use a sharp cheese knife or wire slicer to cut the cheese into thin slices.
- Serve the cheese at room temperature for the best flavor.
- Use leftover roasted garlic in soups, stews, or mashed potatoes.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
This recipe is best served cold, but if you prefer to serve it warm, you can microwave the cheese slices for a few seconds or place them under the broiler for a minute or two.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cheese slices in a circular pattern on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs and sliced fruit, such as grapes or figs.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, sliced fruit, chopped nuts, or sliced cured meats.
Pairings:
Serve this cheese platter with a crusty baguette, crackers, or sliced apples.
Suggested side dishes:
A green salad or roasted vegetables would be a great side dish for this cheese platter.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is too hard to slice, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftover cheese in the refrigerator and discard any cheese that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Toma del Pastore is a semi-hard cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a nutty, buttery flavor.
Flavor profiles:
This cheese platter has a rich, savory flavor from the Toma del Pastore cheese and roasted garlic, with a hint of freshness from the herbs.
Serving suggestions:
This cheese platter would be a great appetizer for a dinner party or a romantic date night.
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