Pecorino And Black Pepper Croutons Recipes

CACIO E PEPE PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray an 8" springform pan with nonstick spray. Wrap bottom tightly in foil to prevent any leaks and place on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Mix Fontina, half-and-half, 4 oz. Parmesan, 1 Tbsp. pepper, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt in a large bowl that can rest on rim of pasta pot without falling in.
• Fill pasta pot with 5 quarts water and add remaining 1/2 cup salt. Bring to a boil and cook pasta 4 minutes shy of package directions. Drain.
• While pasta is cooking, place bowl with cheese mixture over pot and whisk constantly until cheese is melted, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in ricotta, then eggs and 2 Tbsp. oil. Add drained pasta to bowl and toss to coat.
• Transfer pasta to prepared pan, pressing down to compact lightly. Pour any leftover cheese mixture evenly over. Using tongs or a fork, pull up a few strands of pasta so they form loops just above surface of pie (these will get browned and give texture to the top).
• Bake pasta until cheese is bubbling and pie is golden brown on edges and sides, 35-45 minutes. Let cool 10-15 minutes before removing sides of pan. Slide a thin spatula underneath and around pie to help release it from pan, then transfer to a platter or cutting board. Top with Parmesan, a drizzle of oil, and a few cranks of pepper. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

PECORINO AND BLACK PEPPER CROUTONS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add bread cubes and salt. Cook, stirring, until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Remove them from the heat and immediately sprinkle them with cheese and ground pepper.

SPAGHETTI WITH PECORINO ROMANO AND BLACK PEPPER

Steps:

• Toast peppercorns in a dry small skillet over moderately high heat, swirling skillet, until fragrant and peppercorns begin to jump, 2 to 3 minutes. Coarsely crush peppercorns with a mortar and pestle or wrap in a kitchen towel and press on peppercorns with bottom of a heavy skillet.
• Cook spaghetti in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
• Fill a large glass or ceramic bowl with some hot water to warm bowl. Just before spaghetti is finished cooking, drain bowl but do not dry.
• Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta quickly in a colander (do not shake off excess water) and add to warm pasta bowl. Sprinkle 3/4 cup cheese and 3 tablespoons cooking water evenly over spaghetti and toss quickly. If pasta seems dry, toss with some additional cooking water.
• Divide pasta among 4 plates, then sprinkle with pepper and 2 tablespoons cheese (total). Serve immediately with additional cheese on the side.

PECORINO WITH BALSAMIC-AND-BLACK-PEPPER SYRUP

Steps:

• Briskly simmer vinegar, honey, and pepper in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy nonreactive saucepan over moderately high heat, uncovered, until just syrupy and reduced to about 1/4 cup, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
• Slice cheese and drizzle with syrup.