Frico

These little cheese wafers are great little treats to serve with wine along with olives before your dinner.

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These are great little treats to serve with wine along with olives before your dinner. I always have these on hand when entertaining. They are very easy to make, but it may take a few tries to get the hang of it. You need cheese that is neither too fresh, nor too dry. Parmesan, Pecorino or Crotenese have worked well for me. A good nonstick frying pan makes removal very easy. You can leave them flat or fold them around the bottom of a cup as is shown here.


1 Pound Parmesan or Cheese of Choice

Oil Spray or Vegetable Oil


Grate the cheese coarsely. Heat a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Brush lightly with oil, or spray with your oil spray. Spread about 2 Tbs. of cheese into a circle about 4 inches wide. Cook for about two minutes or until the edges are golden. Carefully using either your fingers or a spatula turn the frico over and cook an additional minute. If they edge begin to fold up while cooking, just flatten with the spatula. Transfer to a paper towel to dry, or fold gently over the bottom of a cup to shape. Continue making the frico in this manner until you have used up all your cheese.

Tip: Your wafers should be golden in color and lacy in appearance. If you make them too thick they will be chewy rather than crispy, and if you brown them too much they will taste bitter. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

by Deborah Mele