Description
Creamy, savory, and citrus-bright appetizer topped with toasted almonds and a white balsamic honey drizzle.
Ingredients
Scale
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup finely grated aged Parmesan-style cheese
- ¼ cup finely grated Asiago cheese
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1½ tablespoons fresh tarragon, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- Pinch of white pepper (optional)
- ⅔ cup white grape vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons mild liquid honey (or agave syrup)
- Small fresh tarragon sprigs (for garnish)
- Optional extra orange zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pour the cream into a small saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat, keeping it below a boil.
- Slowly add the Parmesan-style cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in the Asiago cheese and continue mixing until the cream looks glossy and cohesive.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of additional cream to loosen it.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to ensure a silky texture.
- Gently fold in the toasted almonds, chopped tarragon, orange zest, and white pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish lined with plastic wrap and smooth the top evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for 4–5 hours, until firm but still scoopable.
- Combine the vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Let the mixture reduce by about one-third, until lightly syrupy.
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely; it will thicken as it rests.
- Scoop the chilled cheese mixture into small portions using a teaspoon or small scoop.
- Shape quickly and arrange on a serving plate.
- Drizzle lightly with the cooled honey citrus syrup.
- Finish with a small tarragon sprig and, if desired, a touch of extra orange zest.
Notes
- This dish is ideal for entertaining. <liServe with crackers or bread.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg