The fake focaccia di Recco made with pane carasau is a dish that skillfully combines culinary traditions from two different Italian regions: Liguria and Sardinia, with pane carasau, also known as ‘sheet music’ for its crunchy texture and slightly salty taste.

Imagine observing this dish in the kitchen: the focaccia is prepared with thin layers of pane carasau, which are placed on a baking tray. The bread, with its golden color and crunchy texture, is the perfect base for this reimagined dish.

Then, stracchino or crescenza, cheeses typical of the focaccia di Recco, are generously spread over the first layer of bread. The soft and creamy cheese creates a delicious contrast with the crunchiness of the pane carasau, slowly melting as the focaccia bakes in the oven.

Another layer of pane carasau is delicately placed over the cheese, like a hug wrapping the filling. The surface of the focaccia is brushed with extra virgin olive oil, which adds a touch of aroma and helps further brown and crisp the bread during baking.

The scent that spreads as the fake focaccia bakes in the oven is inviting: the cheese slowly melts between the layers of bread, releasing an irresistible aroma. The edges of the focaccia become golden and crisp, while the cheese becomes creamy and stringy.

This dish not only delights the palate but also enchants the eyes with its simplicity and rustic goodness.

It is perfect to enjoy hot as an appetizer or as an accompaniment to an aperitif, perhaps paired with a good glass of fresh white wine. The fake focaccia di Recco with pane carasau is a demonstration of how Italian culinary tradition can be creatively reinterpreted, offering a unique and memorable taste experience.

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