The main differences between parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano are their aging processes and how their ingredients are regulated. For a cheese to be classified as Parmigiano-Reggiano, it must come from particular regions of Italy and contain only certain approved ingredients. Parmigiano-Reggiano is also aged at least one year and up to three years. Parmesan, on the other hand, is not regulated, and may be aged as little as 10 months.
Shop All Parmesan CheeseWhen you're trying to find the best cheese for pizza or your signature pasta dish, it's important to know what makes each cheese unique. Find out what makes these cheeses different and why some people say that parmesan is simply an imitation of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Parmesan Cheese in Italy
The laws that regulate Parmigiano-Reggiano in Italy are called DOP laws, or Denominazione di Origine Protetta laws. The DOP laws determine exactly where Parmigiano-Reggiano has to be made and where its ingredients originate. This area includes the Parma, Modena, and Reggio Emilia regions, with some areas of Bologna and Mantua also included. In the European Union, “parmesan” is accepted as a translation of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Within these countries, the two terms refer to the same cheese.
What is Parmigiano-Reggiano Made of?
DOP laws restrict Parmigiano-Reggiano’s ingredients to skimmed cow’s milk, salt, and an enzyme called rennet for curdling.
What is the Purpose of DOP Laws?
DOP laws exist in order to preserve traditional methods and ensure consistent quality from product to product. They are similar to the laws that regulate what is classified as Neapolitan pizza in Naples, Italy.
Parmesan Cheese in the United States
Outside of the European Union, parmesan does not refer to the same cheese as Parmigiano-Reggiano. In America, parmesan cheese is a different product because it is not subject to DOP regulations. This being said, parmesan is often considered an alternative to or imitation of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Because of Parmigiano-Reggiano's precise requirements, not many cheesemakers produce it. As a result, Parmigiano-Reggiano is relatively expensive. Parmesan, on the other hand, offers a similar flavor profile and texture at a lower price point because of its unrestricted production processes.
How is Parmesan Cheese Made?
The methods for making parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano are similar. Here is a basic process cheesemakers follow:
- Fresh cow’s milk is allowed to sit until the cream rises to the top.
- The cream is skimmed off the top, and the remaining milk is combined with whole milk.
- Rennet (an enzyme that naturally occurs in calves) is added to produce soft curds.
- The curds cook for some time until they settle together at the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- The mass made from the curds is raised out of the liquid, cut, and put into wheel molds.
- The wheels then soak in a brining solution for anywhere from 20-25 days.
- After brining, the wheels sit in a maturing room to age for 1-3 years for Parmigiano-Reggiano and a minimum of 10 months for parmesan.
- Once fully aged, the cheese will be prepared for selling. If it is Parmigiano-Reggiano, the wheel will be marked with the cheese's signature branding.
Parmigiano-Reggiano and parmesan are both flavorful cheese with the perfect texture for grating over pasta, into sauces, or on top of pizza. Which cheese is best for you depends upon your budget and how robust of a flavor you would like to incorporate into your dish, but parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano can help you achieve a similar final product. Incorporate parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano into your trendy charcuterie board offerings for a classic element on a novel appetizer.
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Charcuterie Board Essentials
Charcuterie boards are a trending appetizer for caterers and restaurants, offering a delicious spread of snacks in an artistic presentation. They allow venues to unleash their creativity while using low-cost ingredients they might have left over on their shelves. Before you start building your unique board, use our list of charcuterie board essentials to ensure you have everything you need. Shop All Charcuterie Boards Use the following links to find charcuterie board essentials: Meat Cheese Crackers Bread Dips Garnish Utensils Board Themes Tips
How to Open a Pizza Shop
Pizza shops are one of the most popular types of foodservice establishments in the country. They can be found in countless towns and are often a staple of local culture, with many geographical regions even having types of pizza that are unique to them. Whether you're new to the pizza industry or have worked in it for years, opening a pizzeria can be a great investment. We'll walk you through the steps of starting a pizza shop so that you can position your business for success. Shop All Pizza Shop Supplies and Equipment Click any of the tips below to skip to the pizza shop startup tip that interests you: Write a Pizza Shop Business Plan Choose a Service Style and Brand Create a Menu Identify a Location Secure Funding Buy Pizza Shop Equipment Hire a Staff Advertise Your Business Host a Soft Opening 1. Write a Pizza Shop Business Plan A business plan acts as the roadmap for how to get your pizza shop off the ground. It outlines many details, including short- and long-term goals, financial projections, and market analysis. With a good business plan, you can stay focused on your objectives and make informed decisions as your business grows. Business plans are also extremely valuable when securing funding. Lenders and investors want a well-thought-out plan demonstrating viability and potential success. By including detailed financial projections and market analysis in your business plan, you can provide evidence that your business idea is feasible and has the potential for profitability. 2. Choose a Service Style and Brand When starting a pizza shop, one of the crucial decisions you'll need to make early on is choosing a service style and brand that align with your vision. Your branding is the identification mark of your pizza shop and what sets you apart from the competition. Good branding is clearly defined and encompasses the ethos of your business, making it instantly recognizable. Service style refers to how you serve customers. There are several different service styles, each catering to different preferences and needs. It's important to note that you don't have to pick just one service style and can combine multiple styles to offer a complete dining experience. We've listed the three major pizza shop service styles below: Sit-down: Sit-down service offers a traditional dining experience where customers can enjoy pizzas in a cozy restaurant. Takeout: Takeout service allows customers to order and pick up their pizzas from your establishment, providing a quick and easy option for those on the go. Delivery: Delivery service involves bringing your pizzas directly to your customers' doorsteps, offering convenience and comfort. 3. Create a Pizza Menu A well-crafted menu can influence customer choices, drives sales, and make it easy to order. Conversely, a bad menu will confuse your customers and lead to fewer sales. Follow the tips below to make sure you design a quality pizza shop menu: Include contact information: Place your phone number, website, and location at the top of the menu. This provides customers with essential information and encourages takeout and delivery orders. Reflect your brand: Make sure your menu reflects your brand identity and concept. Consistency in design, font choice, colors, and imagery across all your branding materials helps create a cohesive and memorable customer experience. Organize in sections: Create sections to categorize your offerings. Separate different styles of pizza by section, such as traditional, gourmet, or specialty pizzas. Additionally, highlight appetizers, salads, desserts, or other food items you offer to provide a comprehensive view of your menu offerings. Include prices: Clearly display menu prices for each item to eliminate customer confusion and make ordering easier. You can include prices for individual slices, whole pies, and different pie sizes. Transparency in pricing helps customers make informed decisions and can increase sales. 4. Identify a Location Because pizza shops are so common, location plays a significant role in the success of your business. Not only does location impact your customer base, but it also impacts how easily people can reach your shop. To ensure that you select the best location for your pizza shop, perform a location analysis and keep the following factors in mind: Assess competition: Try to find a location where similar restaurants are scarce to reduce direct competition and allow your pizza shop to stand out. Consider visibility: Find a spot that is easily visible and accessible to potential customers. A location with high foot traffic or visibility from main roads can attract more customers to your pizza shop. Analyze demographics: Build an understanding of the eating habits in your area. Consider factors such as age, income level, and local preferences to tailor your menu and marketing strategies accordingly. Consider supply chain: A convenient location allows for easy access to fresh ingredients and efficient delivery services can help streamline your operations. Consider growth opportunities: Choosing an area with potential for development and expansion can benefit your pizza shop in the long run as the area evolves and attracts more customers. 5. Secure Funding When seeking funding for your restaurant, you will first want to determine the total costs needed to start your pizza shop. Assess how much money you already have available and how much more you will need. With these figures calculated, there are several options available for prospective business owners to obtain funding. It's important to note that you don't have to choose one option and can combine multiple to best fit your needs. Traditional bank loans: These loans typically have fixed interest rates and structured repayment plans, making them a reliable option for long-term financial support. Business line of credit: Business lines of credit provide flexibility for pizza shop owners to access funds as needed. This revolving credit option allows you to borrow up to a limit and pay interest only on the amount you use, providing a safety net for unexpected expenses. Business credit card: Business credit cards offer a convenient way to finance small purchases and manage cash flow. With perks like rewards programs and expense tracking tools, business credit cards can be a valuable funding option for day-to-day expenses. Small business loans: Small business loans are designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. These loans often offer competitive interest rates and terms. Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding has become a popular way to raise capital for new businesses. Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow you to pitch your idea to a wide audience and receive contributions from individuals who believe in your vision. 6. Buy Pizza Shop Equipment Along with traditional kitchen equipment and supplies, there is a large amount of specialized pizza shop equipment that you'll need to make your pizza shop functional. These range from large appliances to small utensils and can play a significant role in the quality of your pizzas. Before you open your pizza shop, be sure to invest in the following equipment: Dough prep equipment: Dough dividers, rounders, and sheeters allow you to prepare uniform batches of dough. Pizza ovens: Based on your production needs and space constraints, you can choose between deck pizza ovens, conveyor pizza ovens, or brick pizza ovens. Depending on your concept, you may also want to invest in outdoor pizza ovens. Pizza bakeware: To ensure your pizzas cook perfectly, stock up on pizza peels, screens, and stones. These tools help to handle and bake pizzas evenly. Pizza prep supplies: Equip your kitchen with high-quality tools for preparing pizza toppings and assembling pizzas, such as pizza cutters, cutting boards, and serving utensils. Pizza refrigeration equipment: Walk-in and reach-in refrigerators are a staple of any commercial kitchen, allowing you to store pizza ingredients easily. Pizza boxes: Perfectly package your pizzas for take-out or delivery by choosing the right pizza box sizes for your menu. 7. Hire a Staff Your employees will be the face of your pizzeria. When interviewing candidates, look for positive, warm personalities, as it's important that customers feel comfortable interacting with your staff. Search for potential employees who match the qualifications you are looking for, are genuinely interested in becoming a part of your restaurant, and fit the culture you want to build. Some of the most important positions in a pizza shop include: Cashier: The cashier is often the first point of contact for customers. They handle transactions, take orders, and assist customers as needed. Pizza maker/builder: The pizza maker is responsible for preparing and assembling pizzas according to customer orders. They must understand different pizza toppings, sauces, and cooking techniques to ensure consistency and quality in every pizza they create. Server: Servers take orders, deliver food to tables, and provide excellent customer service in dine-in pizza shops. Delivery driver: For pizza shops that offer delivery service service, reliable and efficient delivery drivers are essential. A professional and courteous delivery driver can leave a lasting impression. Store manager: The store manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the pizza shop, including staff management, inventory control, customer relations, and financial management. 8. Advertise Your Business With most aspects of your new business in place, you'll need to devise a marketing strategy. There is a wide range of options, ranging from traditional marketing methods to new digital options. Not every type will work for every business, as the effectiveness of different advertising methods can vary depending on where you live and what demographic you serve. Consider your target audience and budget when deciding the best advertising approach for your pizza shop. Use social media: Social media sites are easy to create accounts on and give you the chance to reach a wide range of consumers. Sites like Instagram and TikTok are powerful tools that allow you to post pictures and videos of your signature foods. Create a website: Your restaurant website should be easy to navigate and represent your brand. Include all the necessary information about your pizza place, such as your address, phone number, hours, and menu. Join review platforms: Restaurant review platforms like Yelp and Google My Business offer an easy way for potential customers to find your restaurant. These sites expand your shop's visibility and let customers leave reviews of their experience. Take out print ads: Print media is a simple yet effective way to raise awareness for your restaurant. Examples of this advertising method include taking out ads in the newspaper and posting flyers around town. Launch a rewards program: Whether issuing punch cards or creating a loyalty program through an app, offering customer rewards is an easy way to build brand loyalty. Create an email list: To engage customers with emails, use relevant content for each group of customers. For example, you could send dine-in specials to reservation customers or delivery coupons to online ordering customers. Your email should communicate your brand and forge a relationship with guests. Offer promotions to new customers: Offer guests a free soft drink or an extra side dish with a pizza slice. This will give customers the impression that they are treated well at your establishment. When you execute promotions correctly, guests will be more likely to recommend your pizza shop and return themselves. 9. Host a Soft Opening Consider hosting a soft opening before your official starting date, allowing you to test your service strategies and fix any issues that may come up. Consider offering a smaller menu or just serving for part of the day. You can also host friends and family events with complementary dishes or invite local businesses. These approaches also help you to gain local patrons who may spread the word about your new pizza place before its official opening date. Back to Top With such a high demand for pizza, opening a pizza shop has the potential to yield great returns. A profitable bottom line is more likely with logistical planning, delicious recipes, and a distinctive brand and concept. With the information above, you can make sure you prepare to open your new pizza shop the right way.
Differences between Creme Fraiche, Sour Cream, Mascarpone, and Cream Cheese
Creme fraiche, sour cream, mascarpone, and cream cheese add a rich, velvety consistency and flavor to your culinary creations. These versatile ingredients can be used to cool down spicy dishes, for cooking, or in baking applications. While these creamy ingredients may appear similar at first glance, each one brings a unique taste and texture to the table. Understanding the differences between them will help you choose the right option for your recipe. When done properly, you can substitute them for each other without altering the flavor and consistency of your recipe. Skip to the ingredient that interests you: 1. Creme Fraiche 2. Sour Cream 3. Mascarpone 4. Cream Cheese What Is Creme Fraiche? Creme fraiche is a French-style cultured cream with a rich and velvety texture and a slightly tangy and nutty flavor profile. It's made by combining heavy cream with a culture of bacteria. Its fat content is typically around 30-40%, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel and creamy consistency. Its high-fat content also allows chefs to whip it into soft peaks, making it a popular choice for desserts and pastry fillings. Creme fraiche is used in both cooking and baking. It can be added to pasta sauces, soups, and dressings to provide a rich and creamy base, or used as a topping for fresh fruit, desserts, or even savory dishes like baked potatoes or tacos. Its tangy flavor can help balance the sweetness of desserts or add a depth of flavor to savory dishes. Creme fraiche must be refrigerated at all times to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. It has a relatively short shelf life compared to other dairy products, so use it within a week or two of opening. What Is the Difference between Creme Fraiche and Sour Cream? Sour cream is cream that has been fermented with a culture of lactic acid bacteria. Creme fraiche is traditionally made from unpasteurized cream, where fermentation bacteria are naturally present. If pasteurization laws forbid this (such as in the United States), creme fraiche is produced with a starter culture of bacteria instead. Sour cream may contain thickening agents like gelatin or polysaccharides to create a smooth texture, while creme fraiche's fermentation process naturally produces a thicker texture than sour cream. Plus, sour cream has a tangier taste than creme fraiche, which has a rich and creamy taste. This is in part because creme fraiche contains more fat than sour cream, with 30% compared to sour cream's 20% fat content. Creme Fraiche vs. Cream Cheese Creme fraiche is a French-style cultured cream that is thick, rich, and slightly tangy with a velvety texture. It's commonly used in sauces, soups, and dressings because you can heat it without curdling it. Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that is made from a mixture of cream and milk. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It’s a versatile ingredient that is often used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as cheesecakes, dips, frostings, and spreading atop different types of bagels. What Is Sour Cream? Sour cream is made from pasteurized cream fermented with lactic acid bacteria. It has a smooth and creamy texture with a slightly thick consistency. Its tangy, slightly acidic flavor profile adds depth and complexity to dishes. The level of tanginess can vary depending on the brand and production process, making it important to taste and adjust seasoning when using sour cream in recipes. Sour cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. It is commonly used as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, and walking tacos, adding a creamy and tangy element to these dishes. Sour cream is also used in baking to add moisture and richness to cakes, muffins, and quick breads. It should be stored in the refrigerator at all times to maintain its freshness and quality. Can I Use Sour Cream as a Creme Fraiche Substitute? Yes, you can use sour cream as a substitute for creme fraiche. Substitute 1 cup of creme fraiche with 1 cup of sour cream, but reduce the heat to a simmer or lower because sour cream curdles at high temperatures. Sour Cream vs. Cream Cheese While sour cream is made by fermenting cream, cream cheese is made by curdling milk, draining it, and processing it into a smooth, soft cheese. As a result, cream cheese does not have the same sour taste that sour cream has. Cream cheese also contains more fat than sour cream: a minimum of 33% milk fat is required for cream cheese, whereas sour cream contains 20% fat. What Is Mascarpone? Mascarpone is a rich and creamy Italian cheese that is a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Made from cream that was coagulated with tartaric or citric acid, mascarpone has a high-fat content, typically around 60-75%. This gives mascarpone its smooth and luscious consistency. Unlike some other soft cheeses, mascarpone is unaged, so it has a delicate flavor and is best consumed fresh. Mascarpone is a luxurious addition to desserts like tiramisu, cheesecakes, and frostings. It's also used in savory dishes to add richness and creaminess. It can be mixed with herbs and seasonings to create a flavorful spread for crackers or used as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables. It should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days of opening to ensure the best flavor and texture. Mascarpone vs. Creme Fraiche Mascarpone is a rich and creamy Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, making it a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Creme fraiche is a French cultured cream that has a tangy and slightly nutty flavor. Mascarpone has a high-fat content, typically around 60-75%, giving it a smooth and velvety texture. It is made by adding bacterial cultures to heavy cream and allowing it to ferment, resulting in a thick and creamy product. Creme fraiche has a lower fat content compared to mascarpone, typically around 30-40%, and is known for its velvety texture and rich taste. Mascarpone and creme fraiche can be used interchangeably in some recipes, but their distinct flavors and textures make them better suited for specific applications. Mascarpone is ideal for adding richness and creaminess to desserts and sauces, while creme fraiche is perfect for adding a tangy and slightly acidic kick to dishes. What Is Cream Cheese? Cream cheese is made from a combination of cream, milk, and sometimes salt. It has a high-fat content, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. Cream cheese also has a high moisture content, which gives it its spreadable consistency. It's commonly used as a topping for bagels, toast, and baked goods. Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. It can also be mixed with herbs, spices, or sweet ingredients to create dips, spreads, cheesecakes, and different types of frostings, Cream cheese should be kept refrigerated. Store cream cheese in an airtight container away from foods with strong odors, as it can easily pick up these flavors. Unopened cream cheese can typically last in the refrigerator for about two to three weeks past the sell-by date. Once opened, cream cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks for optimal freshness. Mascarpone vs. Cream Cheese Mascarpone is categorized as a cream cheese, but it is different than what we know as “cream cheese” in America. Mascarpone is made similarly to American cream cheese, but it uses a base of whole cream rather than milk. Like cream cheese, it is a fresh cheese that is not aged before it is eaten. Cream cheese contains at least 33% milk fat, and mascarpone may contain 60-75% milk fat. Mascarpone has a buttery flavor that makes it particularly suitable for desserts. It adds richness and a creamy texture, while cream cheese brings a creamy consistency and slightly tangy taste to dishes. For this reason, cream cheese is perfect for both sweet and savory foods. Can I Use Cream Cheese as a Mascarpone Substitute? Yes, cream cheese makes a great substitute for mascarpone. There are two methods to substitute mascarpone: Substitute 1 cup of mascarpone with 1 cup of a cream cheese and whipping cream mixture. To make this mixture, use 1/4 cup of cream for every 8 oz. of cream cheese. Substitute 1 cup of mascarpone with 1 cup of a sour cream and cream cheese mixture. To make this mixture, use 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1/2 cup of cream cheese. Back to Top While creme fraiche, sour cream, cream cheese, and mascarpone may look similar, their unique textures and preparation methods offer distinct benefits and drawbacks when added to your dishes. Learning the nuances between them will allow you to select the proper ingredient to impart a luxurious texture and a rich, creamy flavor to your culinary creations.