I have always loved cheese. Lately, I have been on the hunt for some really good cheese. Charcuterie boards are popping up all over the place. It is something you can easily put together when entertaining. It’s even a good gift idea now that we are not entertaining as much as before.
My love for cheese started from the age of 5. I was on a summer trip to Toronto, Canada, and my aunt’s husband introduced me to Blue Cheese and another that I cannot remember (it was paired with chives). You can have cheese on its own, with crackers and meats, or pair it with wine.
Let me share some of my favorite cheeses. I’ll also list a few places that you can stop in if you would like to try. To enjoy cheese you can enjoy 2-3 choices for some variety and texture.
Gouda – This falls in the semi-hard category, and it’s usually sweet and buttery. As a lover of bread and crackers, Gouda is the best for this. Most importantly the older the Gouda gets you can make some wonderful homemade mac and cheese that even the kiddos will love.
Camembert – Soft and similar to Brie, it’s flavor is intense, creamy, and decadent. This is a popular cheese in France. Throw in some crusty bread and a side of your favorite jam for the perfect snack. It’s quick, easy, and delicious. (I did not have this in the United States, it’s very hard to find here).
Feta – Fresh, semi-soft, crumbly, tart, and salty. Made from sheep or goats milk, there are usually three kinds; Bulgarian which is a bit salty, French which is creamy and mild, and Greek which is the most common briny, tangy, and sharp. Always buy feta in brine since it has the best flavor. You can also use it to marinate chicken. Yum!
Gorgonzola or Stilton – This is the blue-veined one that I was first introduced to. I still love the bold, intense flavor.
