For the Love of Cheese

I don’t know if cheese is really an aphrodisiac, but I sure love it and as long as you aren’t allergic to casein or lactose, I think you’ll love this recipe, too.  It’s for Pão de queijo, a Brazilian cheese roll, which just happens to be gluten free!  (And horribly addictive.)  Nothing more romantic than feeding some to your sweetie on Valentine’s Day, or just keep a bunch in your freezer for your next party as a quick appetizer.

Pão de queijo

1 c water

1 c milk

½ c oil

1 tsp salt

1 pack tapioca starch (450 g/1 lb)

2 eggs

200 g grated Parmesan cheese or other grated cheese

Bring to boil in a big pan the water, milk, oil and salt.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the tapioca starch. Mix well and let cool.

Put the mixture in a bowl, add the eggs and knead well.

Add the grated cheese and keep kneading until the dough is smooth. (Like a play-doh texture.)

Roll into balls and place onto parchment lined baking sheet. (It helps if you put a little bit of oil on your hands and wash them occasionally while rolling.)

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden.

This recipe makes about 40-60 small cheese rolls.

The tapioca starch can be found in Asian grocery stores usually in a clear plastic bag and the standard pack has 450 grams.

Brazilians usually knead the dough by hand. It’s really hard work. I have never used a mixer, but apparently it’s a lot easier!

Pão de queijo can be frozen and baked directly from the freezer! Tip: Place the cheese rolls on a tray lined with baking paper. Put the tray in the freezer. When the cheese rolls are frozen, put them in a plastic bag and put them back in the freezer.  When you want to bake, don’t defrost, just take them straight from the freezer and pop them in a 360° oven for 22-25 minutes, until golden.

If you don’t feel like going through all of these steps, you can find Pão de queijo mix in the store.  The Chebe line of mixes are based on Pão de queijo and very tasty!  Fewer steps than the recipe and just as rewarding!

So, if you make it for your next party or to share with that special someone, spread the love of cheese!

Cheers!

Lindsay

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