Piedmontese tomini with speck

Tomini Piemontesi allo Speck – An Italian Delicacy in 30 Minutes

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

In this recipe, we will indulge in a specialty from Northern Italy that combines the intense flavors of cheese with the crispy texture of speck. Tomini Piemontesi allo Speck is a simple yet refined appetizer, perfect for an evening with friends or to impress at a dinner.

Ingredients:

- 4 pieces of tomini (Piedmont cheese) - make sure they are fresh
- 8 slices of speck - you can choose smoked or unsalted speck, depending on your preference
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
- Optional: arugula or green salad leaves for serving

Preparation instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. While the oven is heating, prepare the tomini cheese and speck. Cut the tomini in half if they are very thick. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready to work quickly.

2. Wrapping the cheese: Take a slice of speck and place it on a clean surface. Place half a tomini on top and carefully wrap the speck around the cheese, ensuring it is completely covered. Repeat this process for all four pieces of cheese.

3. Arranging in the tray: Grease a baking tray with olive oil and place the cheese packages in the tray. Ensure they resemble small tightly wrapped packages to prevent cheese leakage during baking.

4. Seasoning: Sprinkle the freshly ground pepper over the cheese packages. This will add a hint of spiciness that will contrast perfectly with the salty flavor of the speck.

5. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20 minutes, or until the speck becomes crispy and the cheese starts to melt. I recommend checking occasionally to avoid burning.

6. Serving: Once ready, remove the packages from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm on a bed of arugula or green salad leaves for a fresh contrast. They can be enjoyed on their own or alongside a slice of rustic bread.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the cheese: Tomini is a creamy cheese, but if you can't find it, a good alternative would be goat cheese or fresh mozzarella.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cured meats, such as prosciutto or pancetta, to achieve various flavors.
- Garnishes: A combination of fig jam or red onion jam would add a superb contrasting note to this dish.

This delicious appetizer, Tomini Piemontesi allo Speck, is an excellent choice to bring a touch of elegance to your meals. Try it and turn every meal into a memorable culinary experience!