Crescenza (Stracchino)
Crescenza, also referred to as Stracchino, is a soft, creamy Italian cheese with a mild and slightly tangy flavor. It originated in the Lombardy region, where it was traditionally made from the milk of cows returning from alpine pastures, tired from the journey ("stracca" means tired in Italian). Popular in northern Italy, especially in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto, Crescenza is enjoyed spread on bread, melted on focaccia, or used in savory dishes like stuffed pasta. It's an easy cheese to make, but the deliciously creamy result is well worth the effort.