Speaking of Cheese ...

1. Have you looked at prices, lately? Not just imports (ie, tariffs) but good old USA. I was cheddar shopping at WF and they had Grafton Lakes cheddar at $14 + per lb. I shit you not.

2. Can anyone recommend a good, smooth, melting cheddar for beer cheese soup?

3. Bonus round: why did I wait so long to put Brie on a burger?

Cheddar is not one of my favorite cheeses but I'll eat it. I did buy one at WF that Bill really liked but can't remember the name on it at the moment.

#1. I buy cheese at WF, too. But I usually only buy gouda, Danish-style Fontina, and the love of both of our lives, the Caprocho de Cabra. :9 It is pricey but I tend not to use it all up at one time so I really don't pay too much attention. However, I have been mulling buying the whole Caprese de Cabra. I'm afraid we won't eat it all in time and will go bad. On the other hand, I'm afraid we will eat the whole thing in time. :rofl:

#3. Brie!

the beautiful aged stuff from Vermont... go to Cabot - they use local farmers

http://www.cabotcheese.coop/pages/our_products/products.php?catID=4

If you're lucky and live in the area, you can buy their yummy French Onion dip, too.


What were your experiences with melting their cheddar products? Were the results smooth?

not once, not ever -Melting beautifully, eating with a crisp apple... mmmmm, their products have always been top notch.


Well, except the time we did a tour of the facility and they were making jalapeno flavor - and the venting brought the air from the packing area to our area - GASP!! the whole pack of us hustled out of there - double time!

that wimpy, "low-test" Jalapeńo stuff!

Tesha

I wish we could get it here in NM. I really miss it.

Mostly what I look for in a cheddar is the lack of that yellow dye. I also prefer extra sharp to mild or sharp--the sharpness is the reason I'm using cheddar instead of, say, jack.

Any decent full fat block cheese will have superior melting qualities. Pre shredded cheeses are the worst--they'll melt, but they will always have a gritty quality due to the cornstarch or other material in them keeping the shreds separated.

Other than that, it's just finding a variety that you like. If you're going for cheddar and live in the northeast, look for Cabot. You can't go wrong.

prices are pretty good too. Along with the recipes.


Today's Featured Recipe
Penne with Chicken, Broccoli and Tomato Basil Cheddar
Pick up already-cooked and shredded chicken from the supermarket and you can be spooning up this creamy pasta supper in about 15 minutes!
http://www.cabotcheese.coop/pages/recipes_and_pairings/

They periodically have free shipping events and their selection is the best I've seen anywhere. If you are buying a bit their prices are really reasonable even with shipping. Their cheese is cryovaced so it stays fresh for a really long time in the fridge.

I buy a good amount from them several times a year. Although I have access to great cheese here they have some kinds I can't get elsewhere.

http://igourmet.com/


Even if you don't buy the website is a great education in cheese....I've been eyeing the Tibetan Yak Cheese for quite some time

What a great site! I just opened an account.

This is a wonderful place, and their prices are surprisingly reasonable. Nice, too, the occasional free shipping.

Thank you for a lovely gift, empress...................

But I did run across the Scary Cheese collection!!!!

http://www.igourmet.com/shoppe/prodview.aspx?prod=AG261


Semi sweet chocolate goat cheese is making me curious....

Morbier. Oh, the grilled cheese sandwiches it makes! It's so good, and I'll be at Trader Joe's tomorrow, stocking up................................

It's better than Costco for real Parm when they have their free shipping. The only bad batch I ever got from them was an Imported Burrata which apparently doesn't travel well. They replaced it and when that wasn't up to my standards they refunded my money and gave me a very nice discount on my next order. I noticed my Traders is now carrying a domestic Burrata. I haven't tried it yet because I have severely cut back the cheese in the diet....But I have eyed it longingly.

But was never really tempted enough to place an order.