Some Popular And Recognizable Italian Cheeses

By Frank Zaftra

There are over 400 different types of Italian cheeses. The Italian cheeses will have a specific designation that is listed under the protected designation of origin. This states that the cheeses form specific areas were all made in a specific way that is traditional to that region. If the cheese is not made in the correct way then it cannot carry the designation of origin.

Asiago is a very famous Italian cheese. Many times the aged versions of this cheese are confused for parmesan as they are very similar in taste and texture. The texture of Asiago will vary depending on its age. Fresh Asiago has a smooth texture and aged Asiago is very crumbly. Asiago originates from the town of Asiago outside of Venice. This cheese is used frequently with cooking and can be added to sandwiches, salads, soups, pasta and sauces.

A soft mild cheese that is quite well known is Bel Paese. This cheese was specifically designed to be a more delicate style of cheese. It is made in many parts of the world but was first produced just outside or Milan. It has a very short aging time of up to 2 months and is made primarily from cow's milk. The name Bel Paese means Beautiful country and is taken from the name of a famous Stoppani book of the same name.

A popular type of unripened cheese is bocconcino. This cheese was traditionally made using water buffalo milk and can sometimes be confused for fresh mozzarella. However the bocconcino cheese are bite size pieces. The first bocconcino was made in Naples and the name actually translates to small mouthful. Bocconcini is always packaged in why or water in order to keep its soft and spongy texture.

Another type of cheese made from water buffalo milk is called burrata. This cheese has two different layers and is made of mozzarella and cream. The out layer of the cheese is firm and made of only mozzarella while the inside is much softer and is made of a mixture of mozzarella and cream. It originates from the region or Apulia and is considered an artisanal cheese. You will want to eat this cheese within a day as the flavors will begin to decrease.

Caciocavallo was first made in Sicily of cow's and sheep's milk. It has a European Union protected designation of origin. This cheese is shaped in a tear drop and the taste is like provolone. The name actually means cheese on horseback as the very first versions of this cheese may have been made of mare's milk.

A very ancient Italian cheese is casciotta d'Urbino. There are many different forms of casciotta and this type is very old and is traditionally made of mainly sheep's milk with about 20% cow's milk. Casciotta d'Urbino was a favorite of Michelangelo and Pope Clement XIV. The body of this cheese has a mild flavor and is white or yellow in color and is surrounded with a yellow rind.

A cheese that is typically used in fondues of veloutees is castelmagno. This cheese is half fat and classified as semi hard. You use whole cow's milk and the cow must eat fresh hay from a pasture. Castelmagno goes particularly well when paired with honey or fortified wines. - 30210

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on Italian cheeses, then visit www.italianfoodimports.com to find the best advice on Italian cheeses for you.

Tantalize Your Taste Buds With Italian Cheeses

By Luigi DeMarco

If you begin to look for Italian cheeses, you will find more than four hundred varieties. Most of the time, we only think of four cheeses as we think of Italian foods.

For many people, they cheeses of Italy include the kind on pizza, what you sprinkle on spaghetti, the stuff for a sandwich, and something to add to lasagna. In other words, we think of mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone and ricotta.

Since we have such a limited view of the Italian cheeses, what we purchase at the market is nothing near the original in flavor or texture.

Our mozzarella is made of cows milk, while traditional mozzarella is made of the milk from a water buffalo. Our mozzarella often sits for weeks on the grocer's shelves, while Italian mozzarella is served freshly made. In fact, many people in Italy enjoy a fresh slice of mozzarella with freshly baked bread. The people of Italy also make a great salad that uses mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and olive oil. The tomato and cheese are sliced and topped with the oil and crushed fresh basil.

Of course it does not take a genius to recognize that the dried stuff in a shaker can is nowhere near the parmesan cheese of Italy. There parmigiano is prepared, pressed into cheese cloth and allowed to ripen for a full two years before being freshly grated and served.

Italian provolone is a table cheese. Provolone is made from whole cows milk and is aged for four months or longer. It is traditionally in the shape of a pear.

Ricotta is another fresh cheese. Ricotta dates back to the time of the Romans. In Italy, it is made with whole milk and is a sweet cheese that is often used in deserts. The part-skim ricotta sold by grocers tends to be less sweet and is watery. If you want a true ricotta, it is easily made using whole milk, cream, salt and lemon juice. The milk, cream and salt are brought to a boil. Lemon juice is added to cause the boiling mixture to curdle. Everything is strained through a cheese cloth and drained until firm. Ricotta should be used within two days.

In Italy, Italians do not buy cheese at a grocery store but at a dairy store. Many of these stores make their own cheeses. This means that the fresh cheeses such as mozzarella or ricotta that is purchased may have been made earlier during the day.

As stated earlier, there are many other types of Italian cheeses are available in Italy. Many of these cheeses are local to one region or another. There is an Italian blue cheese that is wonderful when melted over pasta with butter and garlic.

The best way to experience Italian cheese is to visit Italy. As you spend time visiting the country, you will find many local cheeses. Do not be afraid to try them and look for a new favorite. Many of these authentic cheeses can be ordered online. - 30210

About the Author:

Before you buy anything online, make sure you check Italian Food Import's website on the different types of italian cheeses.

The Best Italian Restaurants Bellevue Has For You

By Luigi DeMarco

Some of the best food in the world is from Italian chefs. The kind of food you can get is varied and all of it has a distinct taste that flavors with your palette Italian style. You will be able to try some of the best Italian food at some of the Italian Restaurants Bellevue Washington has to offer.

Italian food has many different kinds of foods that you can try. Some Italian foods are really popular like pizza, spaghetti, and lasagna. Ravioli is another popular Italian food. If you want to enjoy a real Italian dinner, you need to try some of the Italian restaurants Bellevue has and you will walk away full and satisfied.

Maggiono's little Italy is one of the top restaurants for the best Italian food in Bellevue, Washington. Some of the dishes you can get here are next to none in taste. If you get the chance to try Maggiono's, you should try the beef Braciole served with delicious asiago sauce. You can also try some mussels served Tuscan style. You can also have mussels served in Diavolo style as well. You won't ever regret having a meal at Maggiono's Little Italy.

Another great Italian restaurant you will want to try is Adiamo's. Here you can have a nice dinner in a comfortable atmosphere. You could have Piccatta chicken dish or a veal entr?e Parmigiana. No matter what you choose, you will be thrilled at the flavor and you will never leave this restaurant hungry. Washington certainly has some fine Italian cuisine.

No Italian cuisine would be complete without pizza. For some of the best pizza real Italian style, you will need to visit another of the great Italian restaurants Bellevue has to offer: Pagliacci Pizzeria. You haven't tasted pizza until you have tried the pizza here. You can have a vegetable pizza or you can choose a pizza loaded with meats like salami, pepperoni, and Italian sausage. You will have the choices of many cheeses to add as well like Ricotta and milk mozzarella. When you eat one of these pizzas, you will be able to say that you have some real Italian pizza.

Have you ever tasted Italian style Wine steak? If not, you need to visit Angelo's, one of the longest running Italian restaurants Bellevue has. Angelo's has been around since'57 and has absolutely mastered the perfect Wine Steak dish. You will be able to enjoy this and more in the best Italian style ever. Add a salad and a good wine and you will the best Italian meal you could ask for.

You will never have a lack of Italian cuisine in Bellevue Washington. Many people come from longs ways to eat at some of the Italian restaurants Bellevue have. Once you get to taste some of the food at them, you will probably do the same thing. Making the best of a good restaurant is what it is all about and knowing that there is a good place out there to get some great Italian food will help, in making your mind up when it comes to figuring out what restaurant you want to go to.

Some of the Italian restaurants Bellevue has bring visitors from miles away. Some people have found that the places you can get Italian cuisine in Bellevue are well worth the trip. Make your choice and find a favorite Italian restaurant in Bellevue Washington. - 30210

About the Author:

Want to find out more about Italian Restaurants Bellevue, then visit the site on how to choose the best gourmet meal ever.

The Most Popular Italian Cheeses

By Jack Hanley

Italy is famous for its artisan cheeses. Some of the best cheeses in the world are imported from Italy. We use Italian cheeses on pizza, lasagna, and many more scrumptious dishes. There are many different varieties and flavors and these cheeses are a delicious favorite of many. The making of cheese is considered an art and it has been perfected in Italy.

Refrigeration was not available in the early years of cheese making. The villagers were very creative and used caves to store and age the cheese. The caves stayed at a constant temperature that was perfect for this process. Very few ingredients are needed to manufacture cheese and many villagers became cheese artisans.

Milk is a necessary ingredient in making cheese. Farmers use the milk from goats and sheep to make certain types of cheese and others used buffalo milk. Cows are very valuable because they provide the milk that is needed for many types of cheeses and their meat is also used in many Italian dishes.

The most popular cheese import from Italy is mozzarella. This type of cheese is made from cows milk and comes in two forms. True mozzarella cheese is stored in water and is shaped in a ball form. It is truly fresh and by storing it in water, it keeps its freshness. The second type is a mass produced form that is usually shredded or in blocks. Mozzarella is delicious on pizza and in many different Italian dishes.

Provolone cheese also comes from cows milk and has a mild, smoky flavor. This type of cheese is usually aged slightly for up to one year and the more yellow its color is, the more flavorful it tastes. This type of cheese tastes really good on sandwiches. Many delicatessens offer this type of cheese as a topping choice for their sandwiches. This type of cheese usually comes in slices.

Ricotta cheese is actually whey from other cheeses that is recooked. It has a grainy texture and is used in many Italian dishes such as lasagna, rigatoni, and manicotti. This is also an important ingredient in classic Italian cheesecake. This versatile cheese can be used in sweet dishes as well as, hearty Italian favorites.

Asiago cheese is another popular cheese from Italy. It is also made from cow's milk and can be aged up to one year. This type of cheese is usually shredded and served in Italian dishes or in risotto soup. It can also be used as a table cheese similar to Parmesan. It is best when it is fresh and it is a versatile cheese.

Italian cheeses are loved by millions of people and are a vital ingredient in many dishes. They are popular with young and old alike and are consumed all over the world. Cheese lovers everywhere rely on Italy for some of the finest cheeses in all the land. Cheese is a very popular ingredient in many meals such as pizza and lasagna. We definitely love our cheese and would not know what to do without it. - 30210

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on Italian cheeses, then visit www.italianfoodimports.com to find the best advice on cheese for you.

Renowned Italian Cheeses And Their Characteristics

By Chris Perry

Italy has always occupied a place of pride in the ancient European culture due to various reasons and one of them is the Italian cheeses. Although Italy has never ranked among the best dairy industries of the world, its cheeses have always enjoyed a high status in the world in terms of quality and variety. Italian cheeses have been a part of the rich cultural heritage of the nation when they were relished by the famous Julius Caesar, devoured by the invincible Roman armies and served as important constituents of many of the traditional dishes.

Mozzarella is one of the most popular Italian cheeses due to its incorporation in preparations of pizzas and different types of lasagna. This variety of cheese is a by-product of buffalo milk which is unique only to Italy, and its characteristics are that it is white in color and possesses a soft but chewy texture.

The region of Lombardy in Italy boasts of having given the world its only blue cheese named gorgonzola in form of two main varieties namely gorgonzola mountain and gorgonzola dolce. While the former serves as an accompaniment for white wines, soups and stews due to its sharp flavor, the latter is served with fruits and desserts because it is comparatively sweeter. The special feature of this cheese is that it is mild when it is young and becomes progressively sharper in taste as it becomes older.

Mascarpone is a rich, creamy and mild-flavored Italian cheese which is often used as a replacement for whipped cream in many dessert preparations likes cake, rolls and pastries not only in Italy but throughout the world.

Parmesan is counted among the full flavored Italian cheeses and can be consumed in form of slivers or after being grated although both forms are incomparable in taste to the fresh piece of this cheese. This variety of cheese is distinct due to the presence of a hard rind and should be subjected to maturation for a couple of years before being considered fit for consumption.

The Scamorza is distinct among all the Italian cheeses because of its shape which it acquires during its maturation. This cheese is prepared by hanging the fresh and unpasteurized cow's milk by a string and it is usually served with fruits.

Pecorino is probably an exception among the Italian cheeses because it is prepared from ewe%u2019s milk and is available in four main varieties namely Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano, Pecorino Sardo and Pecorino Siciliano. This variety of Italian cheese is salty to taste and is subjected to maturation after which it is normally served as an accompaniment to desserts.

One of the traditional Italian cheeses which have been a part of the Italian culture since the ancient Roman civilization is the Grana Padano which is also prepared from un-pasteurized milk and has a smooth, hard and thick natural rind. This cheese is marked by its pale yellow interior as well as its fruity flavor which would remind one of a pineapple. - 30210

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on Italian cheeses, then visit www.yoursite.com to find the best advice on Italian imports for you.

Cooking Tips For A Delicious Meat Lasagna

By Mike Smith

I love eating lasagna. Such an awesome and delicious treat. You can make a delicious lasagna with just a couple of quick tips. Are you tired of eating a soggy lasagna? Don't you wish you could make a lasagna that was easy to cut and serve nice square blocks that stay together? Making a lasagna can be a tough and intimidating task, but with the right lasagna cooking tips, you can make it delicious. Check out these tips for a better lasagna.

For the meat sauce, I combine a couple types of meat. I like to use 3 meats: beef, pork and turkey for the best flavor. I prefer using dried noodles and I make sure to add a lot of the sauce around the noodles. This will allow the noodles to soften up while baking and the lasagna will not be runny because I did not boil the noodles before adding them to the lasagna.

With the Parmesan cheese, I prefer the freshly grated type, for obvious reasons...taste. As with any recipe, the better the ingredients the better the dish, but this is a dish you can cheat a little. Again, with mozzarella cheese, you have to find the best and the freshest type of mozzarella.

Whatever you do, do not add liquid to your sauce. You want your sauce to be thick, especially if you add veggies to your sauce. Veggies will only add more water to your lasagna and then you won't be able to cut out nice squares that stay together.

Be sure to have aluminum foil on hand to cover your lasagna while it bakes. If you don't use aluminum foil, it will burn on top of the lasagna. Leave it covered for most of the baking time, only uncovering it during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Spray your baking dish AND put a little sauce on the bottom so the noodles won't stick or get tough.

Drain meat VERY well to keep lasagna from being runny.

Use eggs for binder. Try three eggs with meat, spaghetti sauce, cream cheese, cottage or ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and noodles.

There are hundreds of lasagna tips on the internet, but these are the most important lasagna tips, I believe. You can also make vegetarian lasagna, but I absolutely love Meat Lasagna and that's all I usually make. Good luck with your lasagna! - 30210

About the Author:

Try this awesome meat lasagna recipe.

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