Gouda cheese
is versatile and contributes toward a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Gouda cheese originated from Holland and is commonly known as the round cheese with the red wax coating. This nut- and buttery-flavored cheese is a medium-textured cheese containing approximately 39 percent moisture. Gouda is frequently served as an appetizer sliced with crackers or cooked into main dishes. Because it has a nutty flavor similar to that of brie cheese, gouda makes a good substitute for baked recipes. Due to the fact that gouda has 11 percent less moisture than brie, it needs a little bit more baking time for some recipes but the resulting taste is well-worth the wait of a few minutes.
Instructions
1. The proper knife makes all the difference when slicing food.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel the wax casing off the round of gouda cheese using a paring knife. Discard the wax.
2. Slice the gouda cheese into four portions of equal thickness. Cut the cheese slices into portions big enough to sit in the bottom of the individual muffin cups; this normally results in 12 pieces. Lay the slices of cheese in the muffin pan.
3. Sliced almonds enhance the nutty flavor of gouda.
Spread the butter thinly over each gouda cheese slice. Sprinkle almond slices over half the gouda pieces and crumbled bacon over the other half.
4. Bake the gouda cheese in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until it melts, puffs up and browns a bit on the top. Remove from the oven and allow the cheese to sit for three minutes.
5. Stir 1 tbsp. each balsamic vinegar and light molasses in a bowl to create a tangy accompaniment for the cheese. Drizzle the sauce over the plate before scooping out one or two cheese pieces to place on top.
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