Crescenza-Stracchino was developed in the Lombardy region of Italy many centuries ago. It was traditionally made in the autumn when cattle were brought down from their summer Alpine grazing pastures. The journey down the mountain made the cows tired and caused them to produce milk that was richer in fats and more acidic allowing the cattlemen to make this distinctive, tangy cheese. The cheese starts semi-firm and becomes soft and spreadable as it ages. The name Crescenza-Stracchino is derived from two Italian words/phrases: “Crescere” which means “to grow or expand” and “vacca stracca” which means “tired cow.”
Created by our Master Cheesemakers, La Bottega di BelGioioso’s Crescenza-Stracchino pairs well with many delectable flavors, including berries, honey, prosciutto, and nectarines to create these 3 easy and unforgettable no-cook cheese appetizers.
Crescenza-Stracchino Raspberry Salad
Photo credit: Culture Magazine
The raspberries in this delicately not-too-sweet salad can be made the night before your party, and the vinaigrette may be refrigerated for up to a month. You’ll get half your prep work done ahead of time, making this one of our favorite low-prep cheese appetizers.
Vanilla Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- 1 pint raspberries
- 4 ounces La Bottega di BelGioioso Crescenza-Stracchino cheese
- 6 cups baby spring mix
- 2 nectarines, sliced
Stuff each raspberry with La Bottega di BelGioioso Crescenza-Stracchino and refrigerate until ready to use. Just before serving, place baby spring mix on salad plates. Divide stuffed raspberries among the salad plates. Place sliced nectarines on salad and generously drizzle with vanilla vinaigrette.
CRESCENZA-STRACCHINO WRAPPED WITH PROSCIUTTO
Cheese appetizers need not be a solo act, and an antipasto platter is always in season. It offers just enough flavor and substance for your guests without overfeeding them before a meal.
- 4 ounces La Bottega di BelGioioso Crescenza-Stracchino cheese
- 6 slices of prosciutto
Slice La Bottega di BelGioioso Crescenza-Stracchino into stick-sized pieces. Wrap each piece with a slice of prosciutto, folded side up. Serve alongside olives, peppers, and artichoke hearts.
CRESCENZA-STRACCHINO AND PEACH CROSTINI
Only have a few minutes? Cheese appetizers go great with sliced fruit, and crostini is always a hit.
- 1 loaf crusty bread
- 4 ounces La Bottega di BelGioioso Crescenza-Stracchino cheese
- Thinly sliced peaches
Cut the crusty bread into quarter-inch slices. Lightly toast them together in one batch in the oven, then spread with cheese and top with thinly sliced peaches.
Elegantly delicious cheese appetizers don’t have to be difficult or time consuming. With these easy appetizer recipes using handcrafted Crescenza-Stracchino, you can create mouthwatering starters in just a few minutes. For more recipe ideas and pairings using La Bottega di BelGioioso cheese, visit us at SavorLaBottega.com.