Carolina Reaper Cheese

Carolina Reaper Cheese

There’s no mistaking the fiery punch that the Carolina Reaper pepper packs. Touted for its extreme heat, the Carolina Reaper has made its mark on the Scoville scale, earning it the title of one of the world’s hottest peppers. But what happens when you combine this spicy marvel with the creamy, rich goodness of cheese? You get a delightful mix of pain and pleasure – a unique gastronomic experience. In this recipe, we’ll explore the art of making Carolina Reaper Cheese in various mouthwatering forms. Whether you’re in the mood for the crumbly texture of cheese puffs, the playful roundness of cheese balls, or just the versatility of shredded cheese or cheese slices, we’ve got you covered.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of your favorite cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack work best)
  • 2 dried Carolina Reaper peppers
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour (for cheese puffs and balls)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups of vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

Preparation

Before you begin, ensure that all your tools and work surfaces are clean. Lay out all your ingredients, so they are easily accessible.

Handling the Peppers

Put on your gloves – this is crucial as the oils from the Carolina Reaper pepper can irritate the skin and are extremely painful if they come into contact with your eyes. Ensure the gloves remain on throughout the process of handling and grinding the peppers.

Grinding the Peppers

Using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, grind the dried Carolina Reaper peppers into a fine powder. The finer the powder, the more evenly it will distribute through your cheese, ensuring a consistent heat in every bite.

Infusing the Cheese

If your cheese is in a large block, cut it into smaller chunks to make the infusing process easier. In a bowl, sprinkle a bit of the Carolina Reaper powder over the cheese chunks. Gently mix or massage the powder into the cheese. Repeat this step, adding more powder and mixing until you’ve used up all the Carolina Reaper powder. Remember, the goal is to ensure an even spread of the pepper throughout the cheese.

Molding the Cheese

Once your cheese is thoroughly infused, you can mold it back into a block or any shape you desire. You can use a cheese mold or just your hands (still wearing gloves) to shape the cheese. If you want slices, now would be a good time to use a cheese slicer or sharp knife to cut them. For shredded cheese, use a cheese grater to shred the infused cheese block.

Storing the Cheese

The flavors will intensify and meld together if you allow the cheese to rest. Wrap your Carolina Reaper cheese in cheese cloth or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before consuming. This resting period allows the oils and flavors from the pepper to permeate the cheese more deeply.

Useful applications of Carolina Reaper Cheese

  1. Carolina Reaper Cheese Puffs: Take a cup of the infused cheese and combine it with 1 cup of flour, 1 egg, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Roll this mixture into small balls and then flatten them slightly to form puffs. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan and once hot, fry the cheese puffs until golden brown. Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

  2. Carolina Reaper Cheese Balls: Using the same base as the cheese puffs, instead of flattening the balls, keep them round. Fry in the same manner as the puffs.

  3. Carolina Reaper Shredded Cheese & Slices: Using a cheese grater, shred the infused cheese for a fiery topping on any dish. Alternatively, using a cheese slicer or a sharp knife, cut thin slices of the infused cheese block. These slices can be used in sandwiches, burgers, or even eaten on their own if you dare!

Note on Scoville Scale: The Scoville scale is a measurement of the spicy heat of chili peppers. A typical Carolina Reaper pepper ranges from 1,400,000 to 2,200,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). By infusing the cheese with Carolina Reaper, the Carolina Reaper Cheese Scoville rating will be significantly lower than the pepper itself but still pack a hefty punch. Always consume with caution!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned spice enthusiast or just curious about the blend of fiery and creamy, Carolina Reaper cheese in its various forms is sure to ignite your taste buds. Just remember to handle with care and enjoy responsibly!