Ep 2. Butter and Cheese: Northern Italy

The Everyday Gourmet: The Joy of Mediterranean Cooking season 1 episode 2, titled "Butter and Cheese: Northern Italy," takes viewers on a culinary journey through Northern Italy. Hosted by expert chef and instructor Bill Briwa, this episode explores the region's rich cheese and butter culture as a foundation of its cuisine.

Beginning in the bustling city of Milan, Briwa highlights the importance of high-quality butter and cheese as the cornerstone of Milanese cooking. He showcases a local specialty, risotto alla Milanese, which relies heavily on butter and grated Parmesan cheese, and shares techniques for creating the dish at home.

Moving on to the neighboring region of Lombardy, Briwa introduces viewers to Gorgonzola, a famous blue cheese that is celebrated throughout the world for its unique flavor profile. Briwa explains the history and production of the cheese, highlighting its versatility in cooking. He demonstrates how to use Gorgonzola in a classic Northern Italian dish, polenta gorgonzola, and offers tips for pairing it with wine.

Next, Briwa heads to the alpine region of Piedmont, recognized for its rich dairy culture and array of butter and cheese varieties. He meets with a local cheesemaker who demonstrates the process of crafting a traditional Piedmontese cheese, Toma. Briwa incorporates Toma into a vegetable frittata, showcasing its ability to add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes.

Finally, the episode concludes in the region of Emilia-Romagna, known as the "Food Valley" of Italy, where Briwa explores the world-renowned Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. He visits a cheese factory to see firsthand how this iconic cheese is produced and highlights its many uses in Italian cuisine. Briwa makes a dish featuring Parmigiano Reggiano as the star ingredient, a classic tagliatelle alfredo.

Throughout the episode, Briwa not only showcases Northern Italy's beloved butter and cheese, but also teaches techniques that can be applied to various dishes in any kitchen. From mastering the perfect risotto to learning how to balance strong cheese flavors in a dish, viewers will leave this episode with a newfound appreciation for the importance of butter and cheese in Italian cuisine and beyond.