Appenzeller Cheese Crisps Recipes

MACARONI 'N' APPENZELLER CHEESE WITH CREME FRAICHE

Steps:

• Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. *Important*: Reserve 1 cup of the pasta liquid.
• Return the hot, cooked pasta to the pot. Toss with the garlic, shallot, shredded cheese, creme fraiche, nutmeg, salt, pepper and butter. Heat should be on low but no higher to avoid burning the cheese.
• Ladle in approximately 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking liquid, tossing ingredients gently.
• If the cheese does not melt right away, increase heat to medium for a few moments. The cooking liquid will help create a light, saucy coating of cheese for the pasta. Most importantly, be extra careful not to burn the ingredients!
• If the pasta seems dry, ladle in a bit more liquid, only 1/4 cup at a time, until the macaroni is creamy but not watery.
• Transfer to pasta platter and serve hot.
• Garnish with fresh minced parsley if desired.

APPENZELLER CHEESE CRISPS

Steps:

• Bring milk just to a boil over moderate heat in a 3-quart heavy saucepan and remove from heat. Whisk in cheeses until melted, then cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
• Stir eggs and beer into cheese mixture, then stir into flour mixture until combined. Force batter through a medium-mesh sieve into a 2-quart measure or bowl and let stand, uncovered, 30 minutes.
• Transfer batter to squeeze bottle.
• Heat oil in a deep 10-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) until thermometer registers 320°F. Working very quickly, squeeze batter into hot oil in loose swirls to form 4 (2 1/2-inch) lacy rounds, then fry, turning over once, until golden, about 1 minute total. (Rounds will expand to about 3 inches as they cook.) Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain in 1 layer. Make more crisps in same manner. Serve warm or at room temperature.