If you like your cheese with a little "bite" back, the Central Fiore Piccante is your soulmate. This is a spicy Italian sheep's milk cheese wheel that has been intentionally crafted to wake up your taste buds. It’s a "Fiore Sardo" style cheese that has been given the "piccante" treatment, resulting in a firm, slightly smoky, and delightfully sharp experience. The "piccante" doesn't necessarily mean "chili pepper hot"—it refers to that wonderful, tongue-tingling sharpness that comes from expert aging and high-quality rennet. The wheel itself is a work of art, with a dark, rustic rind that hints at the intensity within. This is the best sharp sheep's milk cheese for the person who thinks "mild" is a wasted opportunity. It’s a bold choice for a holiday cheese platter, providing a fantastic contrast to sweeter fruits and jellies. When you serve this, you’re telling your guests to buckle up for a serious flavor journey. The Recipes Recipe #1: The "Spicy" Quattro Formaggi Pizza For your next home pizza night, replace your standard parmesan with grated Fiore Piccante. Pair it with mozzarella, gorgonzola, and fontina for a four-cheese pizza that actually has some "oomph." The sharpness of the Fiore Piccante cuts through the richness of the other cheeses, making for a gourmet pizza recipe that the adults will love. Recipe #2: Sharp Cheese & Mushroom Risotto Stir a cup of finely shredded Fiore Piccante into your favorite mushroom risotto. The smokiness of the cheese enhances the earthiness of the mushrooms perfectly. It’s a sophisticated vegetarian dinner that feels much more complex than it actually is—perfect for a dinner party with close friends. The Appetizers Appetizer #1: Fiore Piccante & Green Apple Wedges The sharpness of this spicy Italian cheese is perfectly countered by the tart, crisp snap of a Granny Smith apple. It’s a refreshing party appetizer that cleanses the palate and keeps guests coming back for more. Appetizer #2: "Hot" Cheese & Chorizo Dates Stuff a date with a small chunk of Fiore Piccante and wrap it in a thin slice of chorizo. Bake until the date is sticky and the cheese is soft. This intensive flavor-bomb appetizer is the ultimate conversation starter for a festive gathering. Size: 7 lb. Origin: Italy
