Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Toma di Mendatica cheese
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cut the Toma di Mendatica cheese into 1/4-inch slices and arrange them on a serving platter.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped olives, capers, olive oil, thyme, and black pepper.
3. Spoon the olive and caper mixture over the cheese slices, making sure to cover each slice.
4. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: None
5. Temperature:
- Serve at room temperature.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 16g
- Sodium: 820mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toma di Mendatica cheese can be substituted with any semi-soft cheese, such as Fontina or Gouda.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with any other type of olive.
- Capers can be substituted with chopped pickles or sun-dried tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the olive and caper mixture for added flavor.
- Top the cheese slices with chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for added texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover cheese and olive mixture 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 slices in a circular pattern on a large platter and spoon the olive and caper mixture over the top.
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for added color.
Garnishes:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Pairings:
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a delicious appetizer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is too cold, it may be difficult to slice. Allow it to come to room temperature before slicing.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean utensils and a clean serving platter to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
- Toma di Mendatica is a semi-soft cheese from the Liguria region of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, nutty flavor.
Flavor profiles:
- This recipe has a salty, tangy flavor from the olives and capers, which pairs well with the mild, nutty flavor of the Toma di Mendatica cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer before a meal or as a snack with drinks.
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Region: Italian