Hailing from the sunny, coastal region of Calabria, Casearia Crotonese Semiduro is the "hidden gem" of the Italian South. This is a semi-hard sheep’s milk cheese that has been aged just long enough to develop a serious backbone. It’s firm, slightly oily (in the best way possible), and carries a wonderful toasted-nut aroma. The Brugnano family has perfected the balance of "salty and savory" with this one. While it shares some DNA with Pecorino Romano, Crotonese is much more nuanced—think of it as the sophisticated older brother who enjoys a good glass of red wine by the sea. It has a rustic, dark rind and a pale-amber interior that looks stunning when sliced into wedges. This is a connoisseur's Italian cheese, perfect for those who want a sheep's milk experience that is bold but not overwhelming. It’s the kind of cheese that starts a conversation about "where did you find this?" as soon as it hits the charcuterie board. The Recipes Recipe #1: Calabrian "Stuffed" Eggplant Halve eggplants and scoop out the center, mixing the flesh with breadcrumbs, garlic, and plenty of grated Crotonese Semiduro. Stuff the mixture back into the skins and bake until the cheese forms a savory, toasted topping. This authentic Southern Italian recipe is a great way to introduce friends to the bold flavors of Calabria. Recipe #2: Crotonese & Fennel Sausage Pasta Brown some spicy Italian sausage and toss with orecchiette and broccoli rabe. Finish the dish with a heavy dusting of shaved Crotonese cheese. The semi-hard cheese holds up against the spicy meat, creating a hearty family meal that is packed with "umami" punch. The Appetizers Appetizer #1: Crostini with Crotonese & Truffle Honey Place a thin shaving of Crotonese on a toasted baguette round and drizzle with truffle honey. The "funk" of the truffle and the nuttiness of the aged sheep's milk are a high-end match for your next cocktail party. Appetizer #2: Salami & Crotonese Bites Pair a slice of spicy Soppressata with a wedge of Crotonese. The cheese’s firm texture makes it the perfect "cracker" for the meat, creating a low-carb party snack that is pure Southern Italy. Ingredients: pasteurized sheep's MILK, salt, rennet, native lactic ferments Size: 4 Lbs Origin: Product of Italy
