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Parmesan–Asiago Cream with Orange Zest & White Balsamic Honey Drizzle

A luxurious and creamy cheese blend infused with orange zest and drizzled with a sweet honey reduction, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Cream
  • ¾ cup heavy cream Gently warmed
  • ¾ cup finely grated aged Parmesan-style cheese
  • ¼ cup finely grated Asiago cheese
  • ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
  • tablespoons fresh tarragon, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • pinch white pepper (optional)
For the Honey Citrus Drizzle
  • cup white grape vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons mild liquid honey (or agave syrup) Agave syrup can be used for a vegan option
For Garnish
  • small fresh tarragon sprigs
  • optional extra orange zest

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small saucepan, pour the heavy cream and gently warm it over medium-low heat until it’s steaming, but not boiling.
  2. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan-style cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth.
  3. Mix in the Asiago cheese until the cream is glossy and well-combined, adding a teaspoon of cream if it thickens too much.
  4. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve to achieve a silky texture; discard any solids.
  5. Gently fold in the toasted almonds, chopped tarragon, orange zest, and a pinch of white pepper, if desired.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish lined with plastic wrap, smoothing out the top. Cover and refrigerate for 4–5 hours until firm but still scoopable.
Honey Citrus Drizzle
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar and honey over medium heat, gently bringing it to a simmer while stirring occasionally.
  2. Allow the mixture to reduce by about one-third until it achieves a light syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool completely; it will thicken as it sits.
Serving
  1. Once the cheese mixture is chilled, use a teaspoon or small scoop to portion it out into little mounds on a serving plate.
  2. Lightly drizzle the cooled honey citrus syrup over the cheese portions, and garnish with tarragon sprigs and an extra sprinkle of orange zest if desired.

Notes

This dish is best enjoyed chilled and can be served with crunchy crostini or fresh vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The drizzle can last about two weeks.