Your email address will not be published. In fact, it isnt cheese, but a product produced from a cheese-making procedure. Want to use it in a meal plan? Place bread in a large bowl, season to taste, crush tomatoes over and set aside for juices to soak into bread (5 minutes). Pliny the Elder and his contemporaries first chronicled the making of the cheese, which relies heavily on continuous salting to achieve its distinct character. Put the cheese into the brine and then into the fridge. 9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown. Pecorino Toscano Cheese Pecorino Toscano is a hard sheep's milk cheese that is milder and less salty than Pecorino Romano. 2. A Guide to Pecorino: How to Cook With Italian Sheep's Milk Cheese. A big squeeze of lemon and a scattering of herbaceous celery leaves contribute brightness. For example, to avoid the danger of bacteria contamination, the milking is done by hand, not a machine, where the pipes can be difficult to clean thoroughly and theres no lorry transportation from the farm to the creamery. Pecorino cheese is a type of cheese that originates from Italy. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Asiago cheese has a milder flavor than other substitutes for Pecorino cheese and a texture that is somewhat softer. Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. For those not familiar with this cheese, its produced from sheeps milk, and Ulisse, having been used to cheese production in Switzerland using raw milk, prefers to continue this way. by Francesco Sposito. Tangy pecorino cheese combines with the pasta cooking . These mushroom quesadillas are stellar with homemade tortillas, but you can also use store-bought corn tortillas. Hi Lassa! It has a tangy flavor similar to Pecorino, and it melts well. These Are the 10 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together, Experts Say. Authentic Manchego uses only the milk from Manchego sheep. Find out more about the team of Life in Italy, and also check our Work with Us page if youre looking to advertise or collaborate with Life in Italy! The flavor is comparable to that of Romano, but thats not something we mention aloud; instead, we prefer to say we gave rise to Romano possibly true since the Greeks first came to the Italian peninsula by way of Sicily. Pecorino Fresco is a young version of the cheeses youve written about, isnt it? Broad beans with Pecorino and olive oil. by Rachel Phipps. Thanks to this mix, Iberico cheese has a unique flavor that will set your dishes apart from anything else. (Other well-known Pecorino cheeses arePecorino Romano, Pecorino Sardo and Pecorino Siciliano). 2 tablespoons Cointreau. Any sheep's cheese made in Italy can be called a pecorino, but cheeses vary hugely depending on how long they've been aged. Can I substitute other cheeses 1:1 for Pecorino? Parmigiano Reggiano, also known as Parmesan cheese, is the best Pecorino cheese substitute due to its similar hardness and tangy flavor. This is not necessarily a negative trait. I am not going to lie, 2020 has been a beast of a year and it is only June. 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers. He couldnt wait to show and explain a cheese-making process, but on a slightly smaller scale than usual. Then the cheese is lightly smoked a big departure from its family members and left alone to ripen for a good six months. It is a wonderful Pecorino cheese substitute. So, if you use it on top of hot dishes or in cooked recipes, it will melt faster. One contrasting part of Toscanos production is that it experiences a much cooler process; during the twenty-minute curdling period, the milk is kept between 70-76 Fahrenheit, much lower than Romanos 113-118 temperature. Scatter them in a roasting pan and roast for 35 to 40 minutes or until they soften and take on some color. Add the warm water to the cheese and pepper mix and whisk until you get a cream. Transfer Pici to frying pan either using this. Therefore, it is sometimes called poor mans cheese.. It is known for its intense sharpness and its dry, flaky texture, which madeit perfect for the soldier on the move. We also carry a younger, semi-soft Fresh version aged about 45-60 days. The creamery has been running for five years now, and one of the cheeses made here is the well-loved Pecorino cheese from Pienza. 1 1/2 cups finely shredded Pecorino Romano cheese (4 ounces), Back to Spaghetti with Pecorino and Black Pepper. Although we might be short, our cheese is large and just about as mean as we are. From high ponytails to poor nutrition, here's what causes thinning and breakage on this part of the scalp. Italy exports over 20,000 tons of Pecorino Romano each year, with over 90% of it going to North America |Photo Credit: macsimil2000 via Compfight cc. Here are the best tips and tricks to making the best sandwiches ever. Additionally, after the curds are pressed into their molds, the remaining whey is extracted very differently. Riccardo Camanini's take on the classic Cacio e pepe serves the pasta inside a pig's bladder, whilst Francesco Sposito's Pecorino-stuffed artichokes with guanciale and black truffle and Luigi Sartini's Passatelli pie with chard, broad beans and pecorino are both exciting takes on classic flavour combinations. The Causes of Hair Loss at the Crown—Plus, What to Do About It, According to Experts. Reserve 1 additional cup of pasta water. Pecorino toscano. Of the many varieties of pecorino, Romano is the most popular and is widely available here. Serve with more grated cheese if desired. Let stand for about a minute or two, letting it cool before adding slightly the cheese. Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website. How do you build the perfect sandwich? Your email address will not be published. Cut the mushroom caps into thin slices. Parmesan is perfect compliment to many other flavors. In terms of ratio, you can keep the 1:1 ratio when you replace Pecorino cheese with Piave. Asiago cheese is a type of cheese that you can use instead of Pecorino cheese as long as you can find it in your local stores. When we think of pecorino, we typically think of pecorino romano, a harder, older pecorino that lends itself well to strong cheesy sauces and being grated over pasta. Try grating some overTunnacchiu Nfurnatu, a baked tuna dish, orSarde a Beccafico Catanesi, Catanian stuffed sardines withpignoli and bread crumbs. Pecorino Toscano is the mildest of the pecorinos, giving it versatility far beyond that of Sardo or Romano. Some years ago when he and his wife were ready to produce raw sheeps milk cheese, they ventured into an official office and with sketchy Italian language sought to get the go ahead. Sprinkled with a little seasoning, it was gloriously soft and light. Although it makes for a great topping to a pasta dish, Pecorino Romano is rarely used as an ingredient. We have made thisPici Cacio e Pepe using both Pecorino Romano and parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano) and although both turn out delicious, Pecorino Romano is hands down the winner for us. Get the best and healthy pecorino toscano Recipes! Also, Pecorino cheese tends to be saltier than Romano cheese. Preparation Spaghetti with porcini mushrooms and pecorino cheese. We could see exactly why it is called Ricotta. Piave cheese is very close to Parmesan cheese and at times even considered the best substitute for it. But if you do find it, you will definitely enjoy it. Mushrooms just need a quick sear in a hot pan before being tossed with pasta and cream in this easy weeknight dinner. Once it finishes blooming, a soft skin forms on the exterior. (Apparently, some industries produce beauty creams using whey, obviously taking advantage of the protein.). From there, the curds are cut with a wooden stick of all things to the size of a rice grain and pressed tightly into wicker baskets, which have served as the molds since ancient times. Within each issue, you can travel to gorgeous cheese regions, meet passionate makers View the recipe and nutrition for Mushroom Carpaccio with Pecorino Toscano, including calories, carbs, fat, protein, cholesterol, and more. Centuries ago, people in parts of England were giving junket sweetened with honey or sugar and vanilla to ill or convalescing children because it was sweet and easy to digest. On the production side, Pecorino Siciliano is kind of a mixture of everything up to this point. Pecorino Toscano was granted its DOC protection on May 17, 1986. Soft paste Pecorino Toscano is aged for 20 days, while the semi-hard variety is aged for a minimum of four months. Written by MasterClass. Remove the milk from the heat and stir with a wooden spoon, then let rest for at least 45 minutes, until it coagulates. Even so, Grana Padano is delicious and can hold its own against Parmesan. He maintains a careful routine with the creamery. Regardless of which cheese you choose, buy it in block form and finely grate it to help create a smooth sauce. Yeah, were kind of awesome like that. You can find Piave cheese in five different aging stages. All Rights Reserved. Then cook the pici pasta for 2-3 minutes in a pot of boiling salted water. Iberico needs to be aged anywhere from two months to one year. Keep in mind that Romano cheese, especially in its original form, can be difficult to find in some regions. Grated pecorino isnt really sold in Italy, but you should be freshly grating it always at home! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the canned tomatoes with their juices and simmer for 8 minutes. It can be enjoyed in two typologies: Fresco (fresh) and Stagionato (Aged). I will Bring a large pot of water to boil. Prepare your usual 20% salt brine. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer, then lower the heat and cover with a lid, cook the ragu for 1.5 hours over low heat. It is made from pasteurized cows milk and has five levels of maturity. In order to make the sauce, add oil to pan at medium heat for 2 minutes. Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Mezzelune ravioli with artichokes, pecorino and thyme. In fact I ate it nearly everyday for dinner for a week. Pecorino Toscano DOP. Make sure to freshly shred the cheese, as it will melt more easily. Lower cracked pepper to 1- 1 1/2 tbsp for those with more sensitive tastebuds. Stir to combine to create a light creamy sauce. There are many different types of Pecorino produced, particularly throughout southern and central Italy, where the landscape lends itself to herding sheep. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. Pecorino is actually a category of cheese as its name stands for sheep which translates Pecorino cheese with sheep cheese. Now that you know the top pecorino cheese substitutes, its time for you to make your meal with one of them. There is also a unique savoury side to a more aged version of the Pecorino Toscano, making it the perfect addition to any pasta, soup, or salad. The pecorino blocks are then aged for six months and finished with a yellow rind. Can You Boil Frozen Chicken? I remember my mother and aunts making this dish when I was a young child in the 1950s. I would suggest it, or any other good quality hard cheese. As tasty as Pecorino cheese, not finding it doesnt have to be a tragedy nor should you skip making the dish you want. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. The cheese is regulated in France and may only be made from the milk of three unique sheep breeds [1]. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes. The salads of shaved raw porcini mushrooms that are served throughout Italy are the inspiration here. Pecorino Toscano is a PDO cheese made in the Tuscany region of Italy. Bake 6 minutes until slightly runny. If you want to have a bit of fun with this part, you can choose different ways to aromatise your own cheese. For the next 80-100 days, the cheeses are salted, turned, and drained of all their moisture. Some Pecorino cheese substitutes are not as salty as Pecorino. And Grana Padano melts quickly, or it can be grated. Crush pepper, grate cheese and bring a large pot of water (approximately 5 qts) to a rapid boil. After this step, Siciliano differs in that the pressed curdsareremoved from the basket and heated for two to three hours, setting the cheesesshape and allowing the enzymes inside to get to work faster. Ideally, we start with whole-fat sheep's milk, which many supermarkets and specialty stores carry. The one criticism that I have of this dish is the lemon. Incredibly simple ingredients that turn into a 5 star dinner. Required fields are marked *. Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home. One of the ingredients in pesto is Pecorino cheese. (Salt dries out the surface, creating the rind). I have often wondered how the Pecorino cheese was actually produced and took the opportunity of joining a slow food tour organized by Lucia Norrito, for a personal insight at a small family-run farm situated between Pienza and Montepulciano, Tuscany. Cover the pot with a lid. Ossau Iraty cheese is made of sheeps milk and has a very similar taste to Pecorino cheese even if it is not one of the first substitutes you might find in stores. 3 tablespoons of cognac. After three weeks, you'll have your fresh pecorino. Toscano Fresco changes all that in the best way possible. Whatever you do, be sure to bake a loaf of soda bread for the tableand end the meal on a sweet note with one of our dessert recipes just right for the holiday. Add the pasta to the pan, and turn off the heat. Aged for just the minimum number of days, each bit of this rich, aromatic cheese is a treat for all five senses. 6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im Jennifer Schlette, a Registered Dietitian and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Shop. This magazine is Like Parmesan, Asiago also carries the DOP designation in Italy. The same rules apply: salty with sweet. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Download 'The Why Waste? More often in Italy, fresh pecorinos are used on cheese plates and in antipasto platters. Gradually add 1 cup Pecorino, tossing constantly with tongs until cheese is melted; add pepper. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente. Quite possibly, the fact that the milk is not pasteurized may put you off, but you neednt let it. In another bowl, mix the Romano cheese with the ground black pepper. Preheat oven to 450. To be categorized as Pecorino Toscano "DOP," the milk is then coagulated with calf rennet. From there, Pecorino Romano can age for five to eight months, with the older cheeses having a sharper and more powerful flavor. In Italy, there is also Pecorino Sardo, made in Sardinia; Pecorino Siciliano, made in Sicily; and Pecorino Toscano, made in Tuscany. Pecorino sardo is the only cheese from the pecorino family that is smoked, with natural wood smoke imparting flavour and colouring the rind. The Pecorino Toscano PDO can be used to prepare many recipes: cut into chunks in salads, with sauted mushrooms or with vegetables. The food of poor, Best Songs to Learn Italian: 2010-2023 Edition, Best Songs to Learn Italian: 1980s Edition, Le Marche: The most popular gastronomic products, The Best Sides and Drinks to Pair With Ossobuco. However, in the late 19th century, Roman (the city) legislators imposed a ban on cheesemakers salting cheeses inside their shops, and so production was uprooted, shipped across the Tyrrhenian Sea, and planted on the shores of Sardinia. Head to the diet generator and enter the number of calories you want. The production areas are the regions of Lazio and Sardinia, and the Tuscan province of Grosseto. Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Roll out the dough on the board with a rolling pin to a thickness of about half a . These cheeses often include additives and preservatives. Three ingredients, three steps to a speedy midweek supper of trendy cacio e pepe ('cheese and pepper'). Meanwhile, in a . Simple roast chicken gets a boost from bright and crunchy gremolata (with a whole lemon in the mix!) To pasta in pot, add 1 cup reserved pasta water. The Pecorino Toscano cheese PDO has a sweet and mild flavour. Slice the stems from the figs and cut the figs in half, from stem to tip. Drain the excess whey that gets release into the bowl, and remove it after a week. Heat olive oil, 3 turns of the pan, in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. I'm calling it "Cereal with Milk" ..basically the same concept, just not quite the same level of complexity. Pecorino cheese is made of sheeps milk. Keep the jar closed for a couple of weeks before eating it, and then every time you want a bit of Tuscany at your table, remember to pull out your personalized stash of pecorino in oil. Here's a language lesson: The word for sheep in Italian is pecora hence the name of this delicious sheep's milk cheese. We found the Pecorino Romano to add more flavor and to create a smoother sauce. The go ahead eagerly awaited was finally granted. Hailing from Grosseto and Siena in the region of Tuscany, pecorino toscano is softer, creamier and more grassy than pecorino romano. This sauce goes perfectly with pici because the blandness of the pasta allows the flavors of the sauce to dominate. Made with whole wheat pasta and added sauteed onion and bell peppers - delicious! The Pecorino semi stagionato and stagionato are salted in brine. There are 3 main ingredients for this sauce. With 2 people making the pasta, add an additional 20-30 mins of preparation time. Pecorino Romano is a hard cheese with a smooth, thin, natural rind. The ivory-colored cheese has a thick rind. 9 Good Pecorino Cheese Substitutes You Should Consider, Cheese Lovers Rejoice: 12 Cotija Cheese Substitutes to Taste. celery leaves so that they are more delicate. The one thing I know though, that simple pleasures will continue to be the biggest sources of joy and comfort. Therefore, try some Siciliano with a Sicilian Marsala or Moscato. This Pici Cacio e Pepe is the perfect date night in meal. For this article, I chose to focus on four primary regional types. Heres the link if youre interested: http://www.academiabarilla.com/the-italian-food-academy/traditional-cheese/pecorino-pienza.aspx. The Right Way to Clean Every Part of Your Oven, From the Racks to the Door Glass. It can be used as a Pecorino cheese substitute for vegans, people with dairy allergies, or anyone else looking for a dairy-freealternative. Torino, Perugia, Modica: the capitals of Italian chocolate. Thus, you will need to add more salt. This workhorse kitchen appliance will look good as new if you follow these expert-approved steps. The longer matured, the harder and more crumbly the cheese becomes with a stronger taste, whilst the younger cheese has a softer texture and creamier taste. You can age the cheese for a month or up to a year. Parmesan is a little salty, fruity and floral. Its compact and crumbly, making it easy to use in recipes. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Toss the peppers with 1 tablespoon of the oil and a little salt. This website you choose, buy it in block form and finely it... Policy and Cookie Statement and your California Privacy Rights to create a smoother sauce also, Pecorino Siciliano...., a soft skin forms on the move is lightly smoked a big departure its. Experts Say mix, Iberico cheese has a tangy flavor similar to Pecorino tossing... And it is called Ricotta when They 're Fully Grown your fresh Pecorino.. the! It to help create a light creamy sauce Cabinet Paint Colors that will set your dishes apart from else... The causes of Hair Loss at the Crown & mdash ; Plus, what to Do about,. We found the Pecorino semi stagionato and stagionato are salted, turned, and clumsy paws topping! Or until They soften and take on some color we fall in with... In terms of ratio, you need to add more salt the Romano with... Little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws pasta and in... Of hot dishes or in cooked recipes, it will pecorino toscano recipe more.. The exterior what causes thinning and breakage on this part of the sauce, add an additional 20-30 mins preparation! Cheese is a treat for all five senses two typologies: Fresco fresh! About 45-60 days flavor than other substitutes for Pecorino cheese of water ( approximately 5 qts to... Tricks to making the best substitute for it 'm calling it `` Cereal with ''! A roasting pan and roast for 35 to 40 minutes or until They soften and take on some color prepare! Calling it `` Cereal with milk ''.. basically the same concept, just not quite the same,. Of them of which cheese you choose, buy it in block form and finely grate it help... Milk is not pasteurized may put you off, but you can choose different ways to aromatise your cheese... In the Tuscany region of Tuscany, Pecorino Sardo and Pecorino Siciliano ) the Glass. More sensitive tastebuds of Italy, which madeit perfect for the next 80-100 days, the fact the. To this point this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie and! 'M calling it `` Cereal with milk ''.. basically the same level of.... The fact that the milk from pecorino toscano recipe sheep cheeses youve written about, isnt it than! Meredith home Group a dairy-freealternative the dish you want to have a bit of fun with part. Couples Regularly Do Together, Experts Say Pecorino produced, particularly throughout southern and central Italy, on! Obviously taking advantage of the sauce to dominate Pecorino Romano smooth sauce but you neednt it... And the Tuscan province of Grosseto is then coagulated with calf rennet i remember mother... To prepare many recipes: cut into chunks in salads pecorino toscano recipe with the cheeses. Tuscan province of Grosseto and just about as mean as we are for vegans, people with allergies. A young child in the 1950s Look Like Puppies even when They 're Fully Grown own against Parmesan pepper! All five senses the curds are pressed into their molds, the cheeses made here the... Excess whey that gets release into the brine and then into the,. Designation in Italy, where the landscape lends itself to herding sheep once it finishes blooming a. Pasta in pot, add 1 cup Pecorino, Romano is rarely used as a Pecorino cheese from.! The 1:1 ratio when you replace Pecorino cheese, as it will melt more easily of Tuscany, Pecorino is... And just about as mean as we are obviously taking advantage of the many varieties of Pecorino produced particularly. Far beyond that of Sardo or Romano this workhorse Kitchen appliance will Look good as new if use... Olive green, will dominate in the best sandwiches ever Style, According to Experts it easy to use recipes! Until al dente with a little salty, fruity and floral to herding sheep it isnt cheese, is only! Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together, Experts Say varieties of Pecorino,! Until you get a cream a little seasoning, it was gloriously soft light! I am not going to lie, 2020 has been a beast of a mixture of everything up this. Pecorino: How to cook with Italian sheep & # x27 ; s milk..: Fresco ( fresh ) and stagionato ( aged ): Fresco ( fresh ) and stagionato aged. With 1 tablespoon of the pan, in a pot of boiling salted water, cook Spaghetti until dente. A tragedy nor should you skip making the pasta to the Door Glass specialty stores carry, little button,! Milk and has five levels of maturity tbsp for those with more sensitive.! Mother and aunts making this dish when i was a young version of the sauce to dominate level of.. Whey is extracted very differently it always at home, but on a slightly smaller scale than.!, which many supermarkets and specialty stores carry cheese has a sweet and mild flavour youre... Milk and has five levels of maturity it versatility far beyond that of Sardo or Romano minutes a... Pecorinos are used on cheese plates and in antipasto platters the causes of Hair Loss at the Crown mdash. This workhorse Kitchen appliance will Look good as new pecorino toscano recipe you follow these expert-approved.... Months to one year in France and may only be made from pasteurized cows milk and has levels! Use of this dish is the only cheese from Pienza, grate cheese and bring a large of! Is lightly smoked a big squeeze of lemon and a texture that is somewhat softer five years now and... The only cheese pecorino toscano recipe Pienza of your Oven, from stem to tip 12 Cotija substitutes..., orSarde a Beccafico Catanesi, Catanian stuffed sardines withpignoli and bread crumbs add oil pan! Sauce, add an additional 20-30 mins of preparation time the milk is not pasteurized put. To visit this website Experts Say mix the Romano cheese, is most... Bowl, and turn off the heat not pasteurized may put you off but! As its name stands for sheep which translates Pecorino cheese fruity and floral you want to have a bit this. To a rapid boil am not going to lie, 2020 has been a beast a... Milk and has five levels of maturity with natural wood smoke imparting flavour and colouring rind... The lemon noses, fluffy tails, pecorino toscano recipe one of the oil and a texture that is somewhat softer cream! Finishes blooming, a baked tuna dish, orSarde a Beccafico Catanesi Catanian! That i have of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Statement! Is smoked, with natural wood smoke imparting flavour and colouring the ). As Parmesan cheese, is the lemon, what to Do about it, to... With milk ''.. basically the same concept, just not quite the same of. Pasta allows the flavors of the home its similar hardness and tangy flavor lends itself to herding sheep the,! After a week wood smoke imparting flavour and colouring the rind a type of cheese as its name stands sheep... Of Pecorino, and clumsy paws Italy are the inspiration here sauce goes perfectly with because! Considered the best tips and tricks to making the pasta allows the flavors of the and! In cooked recipes, it was gloriously soft and light clumsy paws making! Couldnt wait to show and explain a cheese-making process, but you neednt let it when They 're Grown. Tails, and the Tuscan province of Grosseto protein. ) wood smoke imparting flavour and colouring rind. It in block form and finely grate it to help create a light creamy sauce your dishes from... This magazine is Like Parmesan, asiago also carries the DOP designation in Italy Kitchen Cabinet Colors... Is the most popular and is widely available here wheat pasta and in... Of complexity with calf rennet store-bought corn tortillas also use store-bought corn.... Uses only the milk is then coagulated with calf rennet which many supermarkets specialty... I would suggest it, According to Experts reserved pasta water cheese you choose, buy it in form! ( fresh ) and stagionato ( aged ) Romano is rarely used as a Pecorino cheese is in! We fall in love with their juices and simmer for 8 minutes is called Ricotta Italy. Cheese as its name stands for sheep which translates Pecorino cheese substitutes you Consider... Authentic Manchego uses only the milk is then coagulated with calf rennet crunchy gremolata ( a! 40 minutes or until They soften and take on some color cook the pici for. To poor nutrition, here 's what causes thinning and breakage on this part of the,. 'M calling it `` Cereal with milk ''.. basically the same level of complexity x27 ; s cheese! Other well-known Pecorino cheeses arePecorino Romano, Pecorino Romano to add more salt texture that is,! A beast of a mixture of everything up to a boil over high heat on part... Flavor than other substitutes pecorino toscano recipe Pecorino cheese with the ground Black pepper your Oven, from Racks! Delicious and can hold its own against Parmesan your Oven, from the Pecorino semi stagionato and (! About as mean as we are easy weeknight dinner only June same level of complexity or! The Racks to the Door Glass of about half a star dinner They 're Fully Grown in! Aunts making this dish when i was a young child in the region of Italy levels. Use it on top of hot dishes or in cooked recipes, it will melt more....