Posts Tagged ‘cheese’

Wine and Cheese Baskets – The Perfect Gift for the Holidays

We have all been there – waking up one morning and realizing it is time for spreading a little holiday cheer, but without a single idea what to give your loved ones. One problem when it comes to giving Christmas gifts is that everyone has a unique taste, which means there is no single gift that will fit everyone’s preference. Some people are conservative, while some are more outgoing and adventurous. The only way to impress a person is to give him or her something that has been proven and tested to flatter the recipient, something that has been around for a long time but has never gone out of style. Give them gifts like a wine and cheese gift basket basket for the holidays.

As far back as the Babylonian empire’s time, wines and cheeses have been a commodity. Cheeses that time were created by accident, merely a byproduct of stored milk from domesticated animals that curdled with time. Since then, people started to produce cheese intentionally to sell or to consume. Wine, however, has been around since the beginning of agriculture and civilization. The ancient process of winemaking from the crushing of grapes has little difference with wine manufacture now. When the Roman Empire spread to Europe, the kingdoms inherited the production and consumption of wine and cheeses, hence the wine and cheese culture that we now enjoy.

Decades ago, giving cheese baskets were done to bring goods and offering to the nobles. Today, it is a common gift brought to housewarmings and for the holidays. But in order to make the cheese basket ideal for the occasion, customize them and add items that symbolize the celebration. If you wish to give a cheese basket on Halloween, add a few Halloween themed candies to create a Halloween themed cheese basket.

Or you can also try modifying the design for a change. A cheese basket to be given during Christmas can be decorated with nice little wreathes and mistletoes. And because wine and cheese baskets contain a bottle of red or white wine, it adds to the feel of the holidays. Some wines are perfect when paired with meat and since the holidays usually includes hams and roasts, a wine and cheese basket couldn’t be more perfect.

With the variety of wines and cheeses out in the market, you have all that you need to have a holiday present that’s sure to please those on the receiving end. Use your imagination and be creative, give a wine and cheese basket this holiday!

So go grab a gift basket now at your local cheese shop.

Gouda Cheese: Best Chased with Beer

A gastronomic revolution is taking place that challenges the supremacy of wine as the cheese pairing beverage of choice. As a partner with cheese, beer rarely lets us down.

Let’s say for example one day, you bought some beer and you want to buy some cheese to go with it. Well, there are two ways to go about this scenario: First, you can be very specific about the process and carefully pick out the right cheese for the particular type of beer that you have. Or, you can buy the cheese that goes well for any kind of beer. If you are type that does not want to get caught up details, then you should take option number two. And the cheese that is perfect for any kind of beer is Gouda Cheese, because with this kind of cheese, you can’t go wrong.

Just like plaid skirts, diets and exercise videos, several cheeses go in and out of fashion. Including the popular Gouda cheese from Holland that has faded in popularity over the years. Cheese experts find Gouda cheese bland, with a texture ideal for teething babies, and has not character whatsoever. But before your turn your back on this sweet little yellow cheese, take the time to get to know the wonders of Gouda cheese first.

Gouda cheeses are indeed mild in flavor, having a smooth and butter texture. But depending on how long it has been aged, Goudas vary in texture and taste. Actually, softer cheeses are aged briefly compared to harder, firmer cheeses. Purist cheese experts frown upon young Goudas, but they look up to the more mature members of the clan. Just like other more aged cheeses, aged Gouda tends to be harder in texture than young Gouda, almost the same texture as Parmigiano Reggiano. Its complex flavor tastes somewhere between an intense butterscotch caramel, salty but learning on the sweeter side. In general, Gouda cheese is described as having a caramelized, toffee-like taste.

This rare combination of sweetness makes Gouda the best pair for any beer. Actually, beer is the most ideal complement for cheese in several cultures across the globe. Beer is actually the best complement for cheese in a number of cultures in the world. This is expected because cheese and beer practically grew up together in the farm the grain used to make beer is often the same grain that is given to milk-animals that produce cheese. Most importantly, the flavors of beer and cheese are in natural sync, something that wine and cheese do not have.

Gouda cheese is salty-sweet, nutty, and sharp. What better way to wash down this flavorful cheese than with a refreshing swig of beer? Invite your friends over and pair your beer with Gouda cheese today!

You ought to get and out and find Gouda cheese at your local gourmet cheese shop.

Due Latte, Fontina, and Buffala Mozzarella: 3 Ideal Cheeses for Pizzas

Do you know what a cow, a sheep, and a buffalo have in common? No, not their number of legs. But, a pie.

If you have always been partial to white pizzas like myself, then you will agree that the perfect combination of the different cheeses melting on the pie can definitely make any tomato sauce devotee a believer in the power of the white sauce. But what makes white sauce pizzas interesting is not the pie itself, but the cheese the perfect trio of Due Latte, Fontina, and Buffala Mozzarella.

Every home has a pizza box stashed somewhere. It a favorite dinner for almost all Americans and has already solved thousands of dinner problems. The idea of being able to call a delivery on your way home or while waiting for your kids from school is just a relief.

Ask any chef, and you will get the same answer the not-so-secret ingredient that makes pizza a pizza is the cheese.

Have you ever wondered what pizza would be like if it were not for the cheese? Perhaps it will just be plain tomato sauce and flatbread.

Choosing the right cheese for your pizza is as important as making sure that the oven is heated at the right temperature. Next time you make a pizza at home, use these three best pizza cheeses.

Fontina – cheese from cow’s milk

Fontina cheese is a kind of Italian cheese that can both have semisoft and firm texture, depending on where it was made and how long it was aged. Its flavor can also vary, from mild and creamy flavors to intense and pungent ones. It is one popular cheese used for several Italian dishes.

All Fontina cheeses must be made from cow’s milk. and the milk has to be raw and fresh. And because it melts extremely well without ruining its toothsome taste, it is a must in every pizza. Check out Fontina.

Due Latte or Robiola – sheep’s milk cheese

Due Latte cheese comes from the south of Alba in Northern Italy. Most of the Due Latte cheese that we find today is a combination of cow’s and sheep’s milk. Although the blend is fine, traditionally Due Latte is made only from unpasteurized sheep milk.

Although it still tastes great, traditionally, Due Latte cheese is made from unpasteurized sheep milk. It is neither salty nor intense, but is mild and creamy, ideal for pizzas. Check out Robiola Due Latte.

Buffala Mozzarella – cheese from buffalo’s milk

No cheese will be more appropriate than mozzarella cheese when you talk about pizzas. But not just any mozzarella cheese, but the mozzarella made from buffalo milk. However, not just any mozzarella cheese will make a pizza taste great mozzarella cheese made from buffalo’s is milkier in taste and has higher moisture content compared to mozzarella from cow’s milk. It is richer and is sweeter than cow mozzarella too!

The Due Latte, Fontina, and Buffala Mozzarella are the three cheeses that you should use in making a pizza. Perhaps these cheeses are all great in melting, or perhaps their different tastes compliment each other and strike a perfect balance. But regardless of the reason, having all three cheeses on one single pizza is definitely going to be one mouthwatering experience.

Check out these cheeses at your favorite gourmet cheese shop.

Hosting a Raclette Cheese Cocktail Party

The term ‘raclette’ has three different connotations the first one refers to a kind of Swiss cheese; the second pertains to a type of grill that is placed on top of the dining table used to melt cheese; and lastly, the third one refers to a type of dish or a manner of eating.

Find Raclette Cheese at your nearest cheese shop.

The Raclette cheese is a Swiss semi-firm cows-milk cheese that is very popular in Switzerland, and although originally from the Alps, it is also made in France. It is very ideal for melting because it is mild, creamy and slightly nutty. The traditional use of the Raclette cheese is melting, and then serving it with boiled potatoes, pickled onions, assorted sliced meats, and vegetables. Most people believe that fondues is the most popular dish in Switzerland when it fact, raclette is actually more popular than fondue in most parts of Switzerland. Raclette comes from the French word racler, meaning “to scrape”, referring to the manner of scraping melted cheese off the grill and onto the plate of the diner.

Raclette cheese can be melted into different kinds of dishes, or can be eaten plain. Its creamy and mild taste makes it perfect for almost any kind of food, which is why it is usually used for quick snacks and dinner cheese platters. Most people are recently getting caught by these raclette dinners because they are a good alternative to group dates at home you get to catch up with friends without much preparation.

For most people who have just recently discovered raclette will likely to feel that they have been to the most enjoyable dinner party trend of their lives. A raclette dinner is ideally the same with a fondue part, except that it offers more cooking options. A raclette is perhaps the easiest party to host. It lets you have with your friends without hassle because much of the food preparation can be done a day before and cleanup is not a problem as well.

More or less, a raclette party is like this.

The raclette grill usually serves about up to eight people, and can take different shapes some raclette grills are rectangular while some are round or oblong in shape. The grill used before were made of wood, but there are already a number of modern raclette grill sold in most department stores today. As the cheese melts on the grill, your guests can then start cooking their own meats, sausages, fish, and even vegetables on the grill. As soon as the cheese melts, it is then scraped off the grill and spread on to a selection of side dishes, boiled potatoes being the most favorite. Guests cook, talk, eat, and repeat the entire process often a few times, for several enjoyable hours.

Be sure to offer your guests a cocktail, something dry but no too sweet perhaps a good old wine or a martini. But what good would your raclette party be if you do not have the best Raclette cheese? Organize your next raclette party and order Raclette cheese today!

Read more about using Raclette cheese in parties.

Healthier Teeth thru Cheese

Recent studies found that the cheesy diet of mice might actually give them a better dental life than us humans. Scientists say that if humans were to follow the dietary plan of these little fellas, we might actually win the never-ending battle against tooth decay.

Cheese is known to be a very rich source of calcium. Aside from helping the body build strong bones and teeth, it also aids in the prevention of osteoporosis. Studies have shown that certain types of cheeses actually help reduce the risk of certain dental problems. That is why many health professionals recommend that we eat cheese during or immediately after meals to help reduce the risk of dental caries. These cheeses are Cheddar, Blue, Monterey Jack, and processed American. But among the types of cheese, Swiss cheese has the highest calcium content.

One popular Swiss creamy cheese that has been made in Switzerland for centuries is the classic Emmentaller cheese. The Emmentaller cheese is very easy to identify because it has unique holes and pockmarks. It has a strong rind and is a bit salty in taste. When ready, the wheels of Emmentaler cheese usually weigh more than 150 pounds. It is then carefully monitored to ensure that every piece lives up to the high quality associated with Emmentaller cheese. And because the Emmentaller cheese is considered as the grandfather of all Swiss cheeses, consumers would not really mind its higher price compared to other plain cheeses.

The Emmentaller cheese looks pale cream to yellow. Many of them reach about the size of a walnut, while some are small in size. The cheese itself is a bit salty, creamy and mild in flavor with a tinge of acidic notes in the mouth. But since the Emmentaller cheese is generally mild, it is perfect for almost any dish in the world.

Emmentaller cheese is ideal for fruit plates and a wide variety of wines. Aside from that, it also is a major ingredient in quiches and fondue. This cheese also melts really well, which makes it very handy for recipes like grilled cheese sandwiches, tuna melts, and other culinary situations where a well melted, mild cheese is preferred. Aside from that, the Emmentaler cheese is also an excellent way of giving your kids a healthy treat its mild flavor will make your kids love it for sure, giving them the dose of calcium that they need.

It has been a common practice for people to avoid cheese because it has been considered as fattening. Even moms sometimes discourage their kids to eat cheese in the fear of making their kids obese. However, you can still eat cheese, savor its creamy taste and stay healthy. When you know what type of cheese to eat, you will not have to worry about gaining weight or becoming fat.

With Emmentaller cheese, you might just do your teeth a favor. So go and get Emmentaler cheese today and say goodbye to tooth decay!

The 5 Types of Cheese

Cheeses’ existence seems to give a big impact to mankind. When I ponder some thoughts about the reality of cheese, it makes me wonder and makes me more curious. cheese really has a rich background in culture and history.

Today, we are going to talk about cheese.
Cheese, in case you do not know yet, has different types and classification. It largely depends on the process of making it and the factors that affect its taste and nature. They vary from different animals that produces milk such as:

Cow’s Milk
Goat’s Milk
Sheep’s Milk
Buffalo’s Milk
Mixed Milk (any combination from the above milks)

Cheeses has different flavors because of the different sources that cheese makers can choose from. That is the reason why there are lots of classifications of cheese. And there would be different styles of manufacturing cheese. Out of these milk sources these are some of the types of cheese that are available to satisfy your taste buds:

Blue Cheese: This is widely used in the community. This classification came from cow’s milk, sheep’s milk or goat’s milk. Pennicillium is added to this which gives the bluish color within the cheese. This added material is also responsible for giving this cheese a distinct type of odor and aroma.

Soft and Fresh Cheese: This classification is made up with the different sources of milk cheese. This cheese type is most likely the natural type. It gives less in flavor since it does not have much contrast to its flavor. Its texture is soft. This type of cheese should be consumed in no time since it is likely to be molded easily because of its nature and preparation. When it comes to age, the soft cheese is a bit older than the fresh cheese.

Semi-soft Cheese: This type of cheese has firmer texture than fresh cheese. Its flavor content is richer. This type of cheese is ideal for recipe cooking that needs rich taste of cheese. This is normally found in kitchens.

Hard-type Cheese: This type of cheese is an old aged cheese. This could be used in sprinkling cheese to add flavor in a favorite treat.

Stinky Cheese: The unusual taste of this cheese may give unique flavor to your dish even though it smells different.

Read more about the cheese types.

How to Pack Cheese When Travelling

How to pack cheese for travel is a popular query. Keeping it fresh during travel is a daunting task. Carrying home food proves to be a great idea in many situations.If you are looking at a cheap holiday, home food is the best option. Also if there is a shortage of time, and you are really running late for a prescheduled outing, it’s a great idea to pack some homemade stuff since halting for food might cause further delays in your travel.

In certain specific cases you might have to pack some cheese after all. If you are on a trip to Paris, surely you would to bring back some of the delicious cheeses home. Not knowing the packing technique could put into a major soup. Departing from Paris without being able to take home some cheese can deeply sadden you. Packing it well so that the flavors remain intact will be foremost on your mind under such circumstances.

Cheese is an ideal food item suited for travel. If you carry stuff like ketchup etc along with sandwiches, it could get quite messy at times. With children around, the chance of spillage is even more. If you have children around, they would be more likely to cause spillage with their reckless ways. Dirtying your car with food leftovers is not a very pleasing idea.

cheese scores over liquid substitutes in plenty of ways.Carrying cheese is easy and there is no chance of leakage or spillage.It can be eaten easily while in the move.Also it goes well with a wide variety of snacks and biscuits as well as fresh fruits. The various palatable combinations it makes are savored by all.

Most certainly there is a way to pack cheese so that it remains fresh throughout the journey.So much so that you can go ahead and buy as much as you want without worrying. All you need to do is to refrigerate it 24 hours in advance.Refrigerated cheese will retain its freshness since it is being kept away from external heat.Remove it from the refrigerator and store it in an insulated container.Hence the heat will spoil the freshness.Once you are onboard your flight, the cheese is automatically shifted to air conditioned surroundings.Hence the risk of losing its freshness minimizes.

Cheese is extremely popular with people at large, and is extremely favored across all age groups.You will hardly find somebody who does like cheese.It also proves to be an ideal snack for children or adults who are lactose intolerant.The low lactose content of cheese makes it suitable for them. Cheese is also an ideal taste enhancer and goes very well with stuff like sandwiches.Having gained information on how to pack cheese for travel, its time for you to pack some and set off on an interesting journey.

Read more about packing cheese.

What to do to make a Gourmet Cheese Gift Basket More Personal

A Gourmet Cheese Gift Basket makes for a truly wonderful gift. Although the idea of gifting cheese baskets is not a new one, it has been recently revived. The universal quality of these cheese baskets as gifts is mainly responsible for its large scale acceptance. Cheese baskets can suffice as gift items for either young or old and can be used on several occasions, as attractive gifts They can be gifted on certain auspicious days or can also prove to be a good surprise gift as well.

Give a gourmet cheese gift basket from your favorite cheese outlet.

A clarification on who are the specific target segments for such a gift could be warranted.Cheese works wonders in enhancing tastes, and is therefore universally acceptable.Therefore gifting one to your boss could be a good idea. You could also present a cheese gift basket to your close relative, which deepens the personal bond. It should prove suitable for your children, an intimate friend or even your beloved.Gift it to your ailing cousin for making him feel truly rejuvenated.

You might ask, why should we select a gourmet cheese gift basket after all?To start with, it makes for a gift that is easily available. Cheese is not a seasonal item, and availability is not an issue.It is available in immense varieties.You can buy it from a grocery store in your vicinity. Hence it allows comfortable procurement.

Personal touches need to be added to gifts for that special touch.In order to plan out your basket well, you need to be certain about the gift recipient.Add lots of color if it is meant for kids. Children get very excited about colors and using colorful candies along with cheese potions could be a great idea.When the basket is meant for your beloved, add some classy touches for that extra impact.Adorning the basket with bread rolls and adding a small bottle of wine could really be appreciated big time.Careful thinking it therefore essential for adding those special effects so that you’re beloved truly values it.

Keeping it etched in the memory of your loved one is also a challenge in itself. Making a truly memorable gift is a fulfilling activity in itself. Planning the intricacies of a gift that might be etched in the memories of our near and dear ones for days or months together, could actually be fun.Adding personal touches to craft memorable gifts is one of the few ways to communicate our feelings to our friends and relatives.

Most importantly, people who grossly dislike cheese are really difficult to come by. We all swear by the delicious flavor of cheese and love it even more when it comes as a coveted gift.Therefore a Gourmet Cheese Gift Basket wrapped with customized and personalized adornments proves to be an ideal gift for men and women, young and old. Enjoy the pleasures of complete satisfaction by gifting one.

Cheese Shop Review: 5 Top Foreign Cheeses

The moment has come for all cheese lovers to transcend all boundaries and savor the pleasures of a truly international cheese tasting experience. Embark on this gastronomical journey with as many as 5 exotic cheeses

5 Top Foreign Cheeses

Cashel Blue
Fresh Cashel Blue is not particularly hard and transforms into a hard mass only after 2 weeks of continuous refrigeration. Freshly made Cashel Blue is mild to taste but the flavor matures with time. Cashel Blue is made from cows’ milk by one solitary family in Ireland. It tastes best when consumed at room temperature along with white Sancerre.Eating it in isolation is a good idea; you can also mix some yoghurt into it for some tasty salad dressings. The distinct flavor of this exotic cheese lends a unique touch to recipes like steak toppings and stuffed button mushrooms.

Ekte Gjetost
Ekte Gjetost was initially manufactured in Norway.Made only from goats’ milk, fresh Ekte Gjetost hardens immediately. Ekte Gjetost is represented by its dark hues. Its strong flavors are ideally complemented and enhanced when served alongside Riesling or dry Chardonnay. Melted Ekte Gjetost makes a delicious dip for fresh fruits like pears and apples. When combined with bread toasts, Ekte Gjetost lends a sweet taste to it, which makes for a tasty breakfast dish. The sweetness of Ekte Gjetost makes it ideal bread spread for children.

Halloumi Cheese
Milky in appearance, Halloumi has a distinct salty flavor. Prepared for the first time in Cyprus, a mix of goat and sheep milk is required to make it. Storing Halloumi cheese becomes easier when mint is added to it which acts as a preservative. Mint is known to have a distinct aroma which interferes with the natural flavor of the cheese, transforming it considerably. Aged Halloumi cheese has a strong cheesy taste. A sauce made from olives, lime juice and parsley is savored along with charcoal grilled slices of Halloumi cheese, to emphasize its original flavor.Grated Halloumi cheese proves to be the ideal additive for pastas as well as chicken preparations. It can be eaten with tsipouro and ouzo.

Bra Duro Cheese
Bra Duro is a cheddar cheese made in Italy and is sold after 2 years of aging. Made from cows’ milk, freshly prepared Bra Duro solidifies immediately. It has a mild spicy and nutty taste.Manufactured in Italian farmhouses, The Bra Duro can be used in any dish which requires a distinct cheesy flavor.Bra Duro tastes good with Italian wines and amber beers as well.

Amarelo Cheese
Amarelo is of Portuguese origin and is made from a blend of sheep and goat milk. Although it sports a hard texture, the cheese tends to soften at room temperature. Eating it raw along with cherries, grapes and plums could prove to be a treat. The earthy taste of Amarelo is enhanced when added to dishes like grilled shrimps and lobster bisque. The cheese goes well with port wine and Italian Amarone wine.

Every one of these types of cheeses is different in their tastes and should be tried in isolation.

Try these cheeses from your trusted gourmet cheese shop.