John is home for a short time this weekend. I took him to Whole Foods where he picked up some GF cereal and snacks to keep in his dorm room. He likes these crisps as a treat. They are made by "Kitchen Table Bakers", and they are pretty tasty. We got this package today.
A while back I purchased a silicone mat to bake on. I had seen that these crisps can be made on them, and thought it would be fun. I also wondered if they could be baked in a cast iron skillet.
About a month ago I gave it a try. It was a disaster. I used parmesan cheese that I buy in containers next to the tomato sauces in the grocery store. They barely held together. I added oil. Ick. Not for the blog!
As we wandered around Whole Foods today, I saw chunks of "Parmigiano Reggiano" cheese for sale. We purchased a half pound chunk, and I explained to John how I tried earlier to make the parmesan crisps. I had the impression that they may work better with a fresh parmesan.
Well, my college boy had all the information!! When he was in his Italian class, they had quite a discussion about cheese, and how "Parmegiano Reggiano" is different (and superior) to the "parmesan" you buy in the pasta aisle. They use a special heirloom type of cow for it, and it's made with raw milk, and they age it differently. It's only imported from Italy.....it's not made in the U.S.
Okay....we made plans to work on this project right after lunch.
We tried using the silicone mat, a cast iron skillet, and even some baked on parchment paper.
The results?
The silicone mat won, hands down! Those baked on a silicone mat were lacy, crispy, and beautiful to behold. The others were more dense and chewy.
Plus: these are easy!
Parmesan Crisps
(Makes 6 crisps)
Take out a silicone mat. Place it on a cookie sheet.
Preheat the oven to 350.
Take a chunk of solid Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Shred up 1/2 cup into a small bowl.
Add about a teaspoon of Italian Herbs. Blend.
Spoon this in six tablespoon-sized heaps onto your silicone mat,
evenly spaced.
Bake 5 to 7 minutes.
You will see it bubble!
Stop when it browns slightly.
Remove from oven.
Cool.
Carefully remove from mat,
and artfully place it on a plate.
Hold one up to the light and admire its beauty.
Enjoy!
