This Cheese Doesn't Suck: 3 Month Manchego

The Cheese from La Mancha.  Three month aged Manchego is a prime example of Spanish cheese.  Made from the milk of Machega sheep, this cheese has a texture and flavor unique to its origins.

The particular fattiness of sheep's milk ensures a texture that is supple, springy under tooth, but not rubbery.  Really shining textually, as most cheese does, when eaten at room temperature.  The flavor profile is strong on the grassy olive oil note, with a good measure of piquant and clean lanolin-sheepiness on the finish.

 Three month Manchego is truly best when consumed in late fall and though out the winter.  Which means those wheels of cheese will have been made with the fattiest, richest milk from summer-autumn grazing.  Do it up right like a Spaniard with a sparkling glass of Cava and a slab of membrillo on the side. 

Bresaola with Mascarpone + Sour Cherry Spread

     Uniting a few of my favorite flavors into a surprising post-dinner hit is undoubtedly a tiny thrill.  I'm sure by now it's no secret how much Mascarpone is adored in these parts.  Which today's paring just reinforced.  Matched up with Creminelli Bresaola and Dalmatia Sour Cherry Spread, Mascarpone plays quite nicely. 

The Mascarpone gives a cushioned, lactic mouth feel to soften the sour edge of the cherry and bring out it's sweetness.  While the Bresaola adds a wine like note with its subtle herb and rich bloody/iron tang.  Trust me, this simple (and slightly messy) arrangement brings the ol' "sweet and salty" classic flavor combo to a decadent grown-up level.

Deconstructed Strawberry "Tiramisu"

     Yes, that's right, readers.  What you see above is the beginnings of one rad dessert.  While pouring hot liquid onto fluffed Mascarpone cheese seems counter intuitive, I promise you only good things come of it.  Sugared strawberries (this is still high strawberry season. get on it, people!) milky-sweet Mascarpone, and the bitter edges of espresso all swirl into a creamy, sugary, delightful mess.  Thankfully it's easy enough to go back for seconds...or fourths.  Just don't expect to sleep for a month. 

Deconstructed Strawberry "Tiramisu"

Serves 1

8 good-looking Strawberries (plump, glossy, no green spots)

2 Tbs softened Mascarpone cheese

1 Tbs Sugar

1/4 c Espresso (or to taste)

• Thoroughly wash strawberries, remove tops, and slice as desired into your heat resistant container of choice
• Sprinkle with sugar and carefully toss until evenly coated
• In a microwave safe dish heat the Mascarpone on medium power for about 15 seconds or until just softened.  Stir gently until creamy but not edging in on liquid.  Alternatively heating the Mascarpone slowly in a small sauce pot on the stove  works well, too.
• Brew or heat your espresso. ( i use a stovetop espresso maker. however, instant espresso is easily obtainable these days.  lacking both of these things, a strongly brewed dark roast coffee is an acceptable substitute.)
• While your espresso is preparing top the sugared strawberries with the softened Mascarpone.
• Gently pour the hot espresso over the mascarpone.  Use as much or as little as you desire.  
• Try not to dissolve the cheese entirely.  I find part of the appeal of this dessert is getting a spoonful of berry, cheese, and espresso all in one go.  Bitter-sweet.  Invigorating.  Heady. 

    Also, the variations on this "Tiramisu" are endless.  I'm curious to find out what booze soaked, alternative ingredients, etc. versions you all come up with.  Share away, dear readers!

{Google Reader is gong offline 5/1 (soon!) keep up with TBAW on Facebook or Bloglovin'!}