Are you fascinated by the world of cheese? Do you want to immerse yourself in the art of Italian cheese-making? Look no further! This beginner’s guide will teach you the essential techniques you need to master for creating delicious Crescenza cheese right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in!

What is Crescenza?

Crescenza, also known as Stracchino, is a soft and creamy Italian cheese originating from the Lombardy region. It has a delicate, tangy flavor with a slightly grainy texture. Crescenza is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a popular choice for cheese lovers around the world.

Ingredients for Making Crescenza

  • 2 liters of fresh cow’s milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon of mesophilic starter culture
  • 1/16 teaspoon of liquid calcium chloride
  • 1/16 teaspoon of liquid animal rennet
  • Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sterilize and Prepare Equipment

Proper hygiene is crucial when making cheese. Start by sterilizing all your equipment, including the cheese pot, thermometer, stirring spoon, and draining molds. Cleanliness ensures that no unwanted bacteria interfere with the cheese ripening process.

Step 2: Heat the Milk

Pour the fresh cow’s milk into the cheese pot and heat it slowly to 40°C (104°F), stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.

Step 3: Add the Starter Culture and Calcium Chloride

Dissolve the mesophilic starter culture in a small amount of cool, chlorine-free water. Pour the solution into the warmed milk and stir gently. Next, add the liquid calcium chloride to the milk, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Coagulate the Milk

Add the liquid animal rennet to a few tablespoons of cool, chlorine-free water. Stir this solution gently into the milk for about a minute. Cover the pot and let the milk coagulate undisturbed for 45 minutes, maintaining the temperature at 40°C (104°F).

Step 5: Cut and Cook the Curds

After 45 minutes, the milk should have coagulated into a custard-like consistency known as curds. Cut the curds into small cubes, about 1 cm in size. Allow the curds to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. Then, slowly increase the heat and bring the curds to 49°C (120°F), stirring gently to prevent matting.

Step 6: Separate Curds and Whey

Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the curds to cheese molds lined with cheesecloth. Allow the whey to drain naturally for about 24 hours or until the desired consistency is reached. Turn the cheese molds occasionally to ensure even draining.

Step 7: Salting

Once the Crescenza has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the cheese molds and lightly sprinkle it with salt on all sides. This step adds flavor and aids in preservation.

Step 8: Aging

Place the salted Crescenza on a cheese mat or aging container and let it age in a cool, humid environment for approximately one week. The cheese will become softer and creamier over time, developing its characteristic tangy flavor.

Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

Congratulations! You have successfully mastered the art of making Crescenza cheese. Now, it’s time to savor the delightful flavors of your homemade creation. Serve it on a cheese platter, use it in sandwiches, or enjoy it with fresh bread and a glass of wine. The possibilities are endless!

  • Pair it with fruity red wines like Pinot Noir or Barbera for a delectable combination.
  • Enhance its creaminess with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of herbs.
  • Spread it on toasted bread and top it with fresh tomatoes and basil for a delightful bruschetta.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and let your kitchen transform into a mini cheese factory. Experiment with flavors and techniques, and soon enough, you’ll be impressing your friends and family with your artisanal Crescenza cheese creations. Buon appetito!

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
Quanto è stato utile questo articolo?
0Vota per primo questo articolo!