For some time now, I have been searching for Stracchino cheese here in Australia. There are a couple of cheesemakers who make a Stracchino style cheese…. but….

In the words of a well-travelled cheesemaker who I met down in the Yarra Valley,

“Once you’ve had Italian Stracchino….you’re ruined for life. “

He then went on to explain that the reason cheesemakers can’t produce authentic tasting Stracchino here in Australia is because the Italian cows graze on native Alpine grasses and flowers which give the cheese it’s characteristic flavour and texture.

As far as importing the cheese goes, it has a very short shelf life….need I say more??

Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered Squacquerone,  made locally by  Giorgio at That’s Amore Cheese. It is the closest thing I’ve tasted to Stracchino here in Oz. Read more about Giorgio here.

Serve simply with olive oil and fresh tomato…..heavenly!!