Archive for the ‘Italian’ Category

Cheese #7 (Pinna Ricotta Salata).

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

A dried aged ricotta, new to me. Intriguing to say the least so we’re giving it a whirl. I was told it’s good for baking so that’s the plan.

Upon unwrapping I gave it a tasty tasty. Dry yet moist, crumbly like feta with a nice mild saltiness. Made from sheep’s milk I couldn’t wait to get it into a dish and fully dig in.

I instantly thought lasagna.

Homemade noodles from scratch, two sauces from scratch (red and white), roasted zucchini, of course the ricotta and topped with a smokey mozzarella. It’s embarrassing to admit but J and I ate the whole damn pan, giddy up!

Cheese #2 (Fresh Asiago from Italy).

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

This fresh Asiago intrigued me because of its softness and smell. I normally expect Asiago to be a hard cheese so this I had to try. It ended up feeling and smelling better than it tasted. It wasn’t “bad” just not strong. I guess I like more potent cheeses. The smoked Provolone from yesterday blew this one away flavor wise. I ended up slicing up both of these cheeses and putting them on some homemade pizzas tonight. The smoked was so good all melted and smokey and Provoloney. The Asiago was good and melty too but nothing stand out.

J is very particular about cheeses. She looks as though shes sampling with caution or just really thinking about what she’s tasting. I like that.

Usually when I get home from work J will sit up on the kitchen counter and stretch her feet across to the center island and we will talk about the day. I’m usually busting out some snack like cheese and crackers to keep us going until dinner. I really enjoy this time of day with her.

This flicker photo set of vintage photos had my attention for a good while today as well as the sad news about Steve Jobs.

Cheese #1 (Blazzo Provolone smoked).

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Yesterday I was at Whole Foods grabbing my usual lunch, an apple and maybe a cheese stick or some nuts. I’m having some minor withdrawals from the closing of Borders book store next door and found myself wandering around the cheese island for what seemed like forever. Mesmerized by all the different names, colors, textures and smells I ended up with this wonderful little idea. Instead of grabbing that same old cheese stick, I would pick up a small wedge of a different cheese from this beautiful island every other day or so. I’ll get two or three dollars worth and a piece of fruit until I have tasted most if not all of the cheeses. Sounds like a lot of cheese but I think I’m up for the challenge.

The first cheese I picked up was this awesome smoked Provolone. I went with the butt end piece to get the more of the smokey flavor. It was a super nice soft Provolone with just the right amount of smoke so I’m very happy with my first choice. Jenn, I think she’s the manager of the cheese section, informed me that it was the best seller of of the smoked cheeses and I can taste why. It’s also one of the more affordable cheeses so that I’m sure adds to it’s popularity.

I started with the smoked because I know it’s one of J’s favorite kinds of cheese but I soon found out that she’s not very fond of Provolone. As a matter of fact she doesn’t really like it at all. So a major fail in her book but my question is this. Who doesn’t like Provolone? I mean really, is that even possible?