Randy Chandler
Arroz con Pollo, or ACP, is a Mexican dish that combines rice, chicken, and a delicious cheese sauce. While there is no definitive recipe for ACP, one key ingredient is the cheese used in the sauce. The type of cheese can vary according to taste and availability, but it typically forms the base of the sauce, giving it a creamy texture and a mild flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | White cheese |
| Type of dish | Mexican |
| Other ingredients | Half and half or heavy cream, diced green chiles, butter |
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What You'll Learn
White cheese
White American cheese is a common choice for the cheese sauce in ACP. To make the sauce, shredded white American cheese is stirred into a mixture of milk, cornstarch, and diced jalapenos until the cheese is fully melted. The sauce is then drizzled over the chicken and rice.
Another option for the cheese sauce is queso blanco, which translates to "white cheese". This can be made with a combination of queso blanco velveeta, diced chilies, and grated pepper jack cheese. Alternatively, Chihuahua Cheese, a mild white cheese that melts smoothly, can be used to make a queso sauce for ACP.
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Italian four-cheese blend
An Italian four-cheese blend is a great way to add flavour to your dishes. The exact cheeses included in the blend vary depending on the brand, but they are all Italian cheeses. Here is a list of the cheeses included in different brands' Italian four-cheese blends:
- Sargento: Reduced Fat Low Moisture Mozzarella, Smoky Provolone, Romano, and Fresh Asiago.
- Tillamook: Low Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella, Medium Cheddar, Provolone, and Parmesan.
- Land O'Lakes: Asiago and Deli American.
The Sargento blend is shredded, and the Tillamook blend is shredded and fine-cut. The Land O'Lakes Italian blend is described as creamy, and it can be used to add flavour to a crisp turkey panini or a hot burger. The Sargento blend is recommended for use in pastas and pizzas.
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Creamy cheese
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese with a high moisture content, originating from Italy. It is usually made from Italian buffalo's or cow's milk. Mozzarella has a lower sodium and calorie content compared to most other cheeses, making it a healthier option. It also contains probiotics that may have gut health and immunity benefits. Its mild flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a popular choice for pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes.
Ricotta
Ricotta is another Italian cheese with a creamy texture, often described as a lighter version of cottage cheese. It is made from the watery parts of cow, goat, sheep, or Italian water buffalo milk that are left over from making other cheeses. Ricotta is high in whey protein, which is easily absorbed and may promote muscle growth, lower blood pressure, and reduce high cholesterol levels. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, such as salads, pasta, lasagna, and desserts.
Burrata
Burrata is a decadent Italian cheese, similar to mozzarella. It is a hollow ball of mozzarella filled with scraps and shreds of mozzarella, sometimes soaked in cream. This cheese is all about freshness, with a sweet and clean milk flavour and a slight briny finish. Burrata has a delicate texture, and its thin exterior skin can easily burst, releasing milky rivers. It is highly perishable and best enjoyed as fresh as possible. Burrata is a true delicacy, perfect for enjoying on its own or with a simple accompaniment like fresh tomatoes and basil.
Feta
Feta is a salty, white cheese that originated in Greece. It is typically made from sheep's or goat's milk, with a tangy and sharp taste. Feta is packaged in brine to preserve its freshness, which can make it high in sodium. However, it is usually lower in calories than other cheeses. Feta is a versatile cheese that can be crumbled over salads, added to eggs, or whipped into dips. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid associated with reduced body fat and positive changes in body composition.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is a tangy and soft cheese made from goat's milk. It has a creamy texture and is available in various forms, including spreadable logs, crumbles, and brie-like varieties. Goat cheese is highly nutritious and lower in lactose than cow's milk cheeses, making it easier to digest for some people. It can be added to salads, pizzas, eggs, or whipped into a dip for fruit or vegetables.
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Cheese that melts slowly
When it comes to cheese, there are two types: those that you nibble off a platter and those that you melt and stretch. The best melting cheeses are usually younger and fresher, with higher moisture content.
If you're looking for a cheese that melts slowly, you might want to opt for harder, aged cheeses with lower moisture content. These include:
- Parmesan
- Pecorino
- Goat Cheese
- Feta
These cheeses are better suited for grating over dishes rather than melting. For example, shredded Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top of pasta dishes, while feta cheese can be crumbled over salads.
When choosing a cheese for melting, it's important to consider the moisture content and the fat content. Cheeses with higher amounts of fat will melt better than those with lower fat content. Additionally, freshly grated cheese will melt better than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains ingredients like potato starch and natamycin to prevent clumping.
While softer cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and American cheese melt quickly and easily, harder, aged cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino are more resistant to melting and will hold their shape. So, if you're looking for a cheese that melts slowly, opt for one of the harder varieties with lower moisture and fat content.
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Cheese that can be whisked
Cheese is a key ingredient in many dishes, and when it comes to whisking, some varieties work better than others. While different types of cheese can be whisked, a few stand out for their melting properties and flavour. Here are some cheeses that can be whisked, along with some tips and suggestions for creating delicious cheese sauces.
One of the most popular cheeses for whisking is the Italian cheese mozzarella. Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese with a high moisture content, making it ideal for melting and whisking into a smooth sauce. It blends well with other ingredients and has a mild flavour that complements a variety of dishes.
Another excellent option for a whiskable cheese sauce is cheddar cheese. Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese that ranges in colour from white to off-white to yellow. It has a rich, sharp flavour and is a good source of protein and calcium. When whisked, cheddar cheese adds a creamy texture and a bold taste to your recipes.
For those who enjoy a tangy flavour, feta cheese is a great choice for whisking. Feta is a Greek cheese typically made from sheep's or goat's milk. It has a salty and sharp taste, adding a unique flavour to sauces and dips. However, due to its high salt content, it should be used in moderation.
If you're looking for a creamy and mild-flavoured cheese to whisk, consider using Swiss cheese. Swiss cheese is semi-hard and has a mild, nutty taste. It is lower in sodium than most other cheeses, making it a good option for those watching their salt intake. Swiss cheese melts well and can be added to sauces, sandwiches, or enjoyed with fruit.
Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is another whiskable option. It has a tangy and soft texture, making it perfect for whipping into dips or spreads. Goat cheese is lower in lactose than cow's milk cheese, making it easier to digest for some people. It adds a unique flavour to dishes and can be crumbled over salads or pizzas.
When creating a cheese sauce, it's important to note that not all cheeses are created equal. Some cheeses, such as blue cheese, may not melt as smoothly as others and can become greasy when heated. It's also essential to consider the fat and moisture content of the cheese, as this will impact the final texture and consistency of your sauce.
Additionally, when whisking cheese, it's recommended to add a liquid such as milk, cream, or wine to create a smoother sauce. This helps to thin out the cheese and prevent it from becoming too thick or clumpy. Adding a small amount of starch, such as flour or cornstarch, can also help stabilise the sauce and prevent it from separating.
In conclusion, while there are many types of cheese that can be whisked, the key is to experiment and find the ones that suit your taste preferences and the specific dish you're preparing. By choosing the right cheese and using the appropriate techniques, you can create delicious, creamy cheese sauces to elevate your culinary creations.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 6 main types of cheese: blue, fresh, soft, semi-soft, semi-hard, and hard. However, there are over 2,000 types of cheese in the world.
Brie, Camembert, and Chaource are some examples of soft cheese.
Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano, and Pecorino Romano are some examples of hard cheese.
