Crescenza Rezept, Crescenza Recipe

Crescenza Recipe | How to Make Cheese

Crescenza is a delightful Italian cheese that can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. It is a soft and creamy cheese with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. This cheese is perfect for spreading on crostini, adding to sandwiches, or melting into pasta dishes. So, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious cheese!

Ingredients

- 2 liters of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of mesophilic starter culture
- 1/8 teaspoon of liquid calcium chloride
- 1/4 teaspoon of liquid rennet
- Cheese salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the milk in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 90°F (32°C). Stir gently to prevent scorching.
2. Sprinkle the mesophilic starter culture over the milk and let it rehydrate for 1 minute. Stir gently to incorporate.
3. Dissolve the liquid calcium chloride in 1/4 cup of non-chlorinated water and add it to the milk. Stir gently.
4. Dissolve the liquid rennet in 1/4 cup of non-chlorinated water and add it to the milk. Stir gently in an up-and-down motion for 1 minute.
5. Cover the pot and let the milk sit undisturbed at room temperature for 12-18 hours, or until a clean break forms when inserting a knife into the curd.
6. Cut the curd into small, uniform pieces and let it rest for 15 minutes.
7. Slowly heat the curds to 105°F (40°C) over the course of 30 minutes, stirring gently to prevent matting.
8. Once the desired temperature is reached, maintain it for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Line a colander with cheesecloth and gently transfer the curds into it, allowing the whey to drain for 2-3 hours.
10. Remove the cheese from the cheesecloth and shape it into a round or square form.
11. Sprinkle cheese salt over the surface of the cheese, rubbing it in gently.
12. Let the cheese rest at room temperature for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
13. Once the cheese has reached the desired flavor and texture, refrigerate it for at least 24 hours before consuming.

How to Prepare

Now that your homemade Crescenza cheese is ready, it’s time to enjoy it in various ways! Whether you choose to spread it on crostini, melt it into pasta dishes, or use it as a delicious sandwich filling, this cheese is incredibly versatile. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor pair well with a variety of ingredients, making it a fantastic addition to any dish.

Preparation Time

The total preparation time for making Crescenza cheese is approximately 24-48 hours, including the resting and refrigeration periods.

Servings

This recipe yields about 2 cups of Crescenza cheese, which is enough to serve approximately 8-10 people.

Nutrition Facts

Unfortunately, the exact nutrition facts for this homemade Crescenza cheese recipe are not available. However, it is generally lower in fat and calories compared to other types of cheese. It is also an excellent source of calcium and protein.

Tips

- Make sure to use non-chlorinated water for dissolving the calcium chloride and rennet, as chlorine can interfere with the cheese-making process.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the milk’s temperature accurately throughout the process.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding herbs or spices to the cheese before shaping and refrigerating it.
- Store the Crescenza cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Bring the cheese to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors and creamy texture.

FAQs

What can I substitute for mesophilic starter culture?

If you don’t have mesophilic starter culture on hand, you can substitute it with a small amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk. These will introduce the necessary bacteria required for culturing the milk.

Can I use raw milk for making Crescenza cheese?

Yes, you can use raw milk for making Crescenza cheese. However, it is important to ensure that the milk comes from a reliable source and is properly handled to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.

Can I age Crescenza cheese?

Crescenza cheese is best enjoyed fresh, as it has a delicate and creamy texture. It does not need to be aged like other types of cheese. However, if you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can refrigerate it for a few days before consuming.

Can I freeze Crescenza cheese?

It is not recommended to freeze Crescenza cheese, as the freezing process can affect its texture and flavor. It is best to consume it within a week after preparation for optimal taste and quality.

Crescenza Stracchino - One of Italy’s Great Treasures

Crescenza Stracchino is another variety of Crescenza cheese that is highly regarded in Italy. It is made from the milk of tired cows that have returned from the Alpine pastures in autumn. The cows’ fatigue contributes to the unique flavors and characteristics of this cheese. With its soft and creamy texture, Crescenza Stracchino is a true delicacy that can be enjoyed on its own or as a luxurious addition to various dishes.

Ingrediente Crescenza

La Crescenza è un formaggio versatile che può essere utilizzato in numerose ricette. È morbido e cremoso con un sapore delicato, rendendolo ideale per accompagnare crostini, preparare salse e condimenti, o farcire panini e focacce. L’ingrediente principale per questo formaggio è il latte fresco di alta qualità. È anche possibile aggiungere erbe aromatiche o spezie per conferire al formaggio un sapore unico.

Focaccia con la crescenza

La focaccia con la crescenza è una deliziosa preparazione che combina la morbida e cremosa crescenza con la leggera e soffice consistenza della focaccia. Questa ricetta è perfetta per un pranzo leggero o come antipasto durante una cena con amici. La crescenza si scioglie dolcemente sulla focaccia appena sfornata, creando un’esplosione di sapori che delizierà il palato di chiunque la assaggi.

Girelle alle nocciole con crema alla crescenza e prosciutto crudo

Le girelle alle nocciole con crema alla crescenza e prosciutto crudo sono un’idea sfiziosa per un aperitivo o un buffet di finger food. Il ripieno di crescenza, nocciole e prosciutto crudo si sposa perfettamente con la sfoglia dorata e croccante delle girelle. Questa ricetta è facile da preparare e sicuramente sorprenderà i vostri ospiti con il suo mix di sapori irresistibili.

Crescenza - One of Italy’s Great Treasures

Crescenza is considered one of Italy’s great treasures when it comes to cheeses. It hails from northern Italy, specifically Lombardy and Piedmont regions, where it has been produced for centuries. Its roots can be traced back to the Roman era when the process of making soft, fresh cheeses was pioneered. Crescenza is known for its delicate texture, milky flavor, and creamy consistency, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts.

Crescenza | Bellwether Farms

Bellwether Farms is a renowned producer of Crescenza cheese in the United States. They pride themselves on using traditional Italian methods to create their Crescenza, resulting in a high-quality and authentic product. The cheese is made from the milk of their own flock of sheep, which gives it a unique and rich flavor profile. Bellwether Farms’ Crescenza is a true testament to the craftsmanship and dedication required to produce exceptional cheese.