The new year is the perfect time for new beginnings, fresh starts and conquering your resolutions. On the top of many of our lists is the perennial favorite, “get healthy.”
While many turn to fad diets to achieve their goals, we at Il Villaggio like to take a different approach: combine smart choices with bold flavors.
Wholesome, all-natural, fresh Il Villaggio Cheese is both a smart choice and a bold flavor. We’ve gathered some of our favorite healthy (yet cheesy) recipes to share with you this new year.
Balsamic Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a long-time favorite and it’s simple nature is perfect for a quick and healthy snack.
Ingredients:
● 7-8 roma tomatoes, diced
● 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
● 1/3 cup of Il Villaggio Parmesan Reggiano
● 2 cloves garlic, minced
● 1 tablespoon IV Aceto Balsamico di Modena
● 1 teaspoon olive oil
● 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
● 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
● 1 loaf Italian bread, toasted and sliced
Preparation:
In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, basil, IV Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Then, mix in the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. Transfer the mix to a portable container. When on-site, place bread slices and balsamic mixture side by side and allow guests to spoon it onthemselves to prevent sogginess.
Veggie Cakes with Ricotta
Make a large batch of these veggie cakes and enjoy them in the coming days! Using just a few ingredients, and some of our favorite cheeses, these cakes are packed with vitamins and healthy fats to help you keep your resolutions.
Ingredients:
● Trimmed chard leaves
● Saffron threads
● White whole wheat pastry flour
● Baking powder
● Il Villaggio Ricotta Salata Toscanella
● Il Villaggio Parmigiano Reggiano
● Mil
● Eggs
● Olive oil
● Yogurt sour cream
Preparation
Wash the chard leaves, cover with water and cook until wilted. Reserve the boiling water. Cover the saffron with two tablespoons of the boiling water and set aside
In one bowl mix the flour and baking powder, season with salt. In another bowl, mix the Ricotta Salata Toscanella, Parmigiano Reggiano, milk and eggs until blended. Add the oil and saffron, then whisk in the flour mixture
Squeeze out the chards, chop it finely and stir it into the mix Heat a few teaspoons of olive oil. Drop the batter into the hot pan, making cakes the size you wish.
Cook until they appear to be gold on top. Turn the cakes and cook for 3 minutes or until each side is gold.
Avocado, Mozzarella & Turkey Breast Skewers
We love this recipe because it relies on the natural flavors of some of our favorite ingredients. Packed with protein and healthy fats, these skewers are something you can feel confident sharing with your whole family.
Ingredients:
● Avocado, cubed
● Thin slices of smoked turkey breast – rolled and cut in half.
● 1 8-oz. container of Il Villaggio Mozzarella Bocconcini Ciliegine
● 20 4-inch wooden skewers
● Fresh black pepper
Preparation:
Place an avocado cube, a halved roll of the turkey, and an IV mozzarella ball onto each of the wooden skewers. Sprinkle with cracked pepper. You can keep these in the fridge to pull out when you’re craving a healthy, hearty snack.
