Cheeses

Aged Cheddar + Guinness Caramelized Shallot Cheeseball

December 18, 2011

4 large shallots, thinly sliced [1 cup] 1/2 T butter 1/2 cup Guinness beer 4 oz cream cheese [1/2 block], at room temperature 8 oz Beecher’s Flagship [highly recommended!] or sharp white cheddar cheese, grated 1 tsp Dijon mustard pinch of kosher salt several good grinds of black pepper [to taste] 1/2 cup whole hazelnuts, [...]

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Cypress Grove Chevre Tablescapes

November 17, 2011

If you plan to make cheese your centerpiece this season, I would LOVE to share some inspiration! I styled this cheese on behalf of Cypress Grove Chevre with weddings in mind. But you can see how each of these vignettes would transfer to most any occasion where enjoying a luscious wheel of Humboldt Fog is [...]

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Goat Cheese w/Tropical Fruit + Honey

July 29, 2011

Satisfy your summer taste buds by adding a tropical twist to creamy goat cheese. Simply pack up these delectable picnic goodies and locate the perfect scenery to set the mood. Heading to an outdoor concert or movie, creating a seaside spread or enjoying an afternoon on your boat? Packing up individual portions allows each person [...]

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Homemade Ricotta

June 5, 2011

It’s been said that if you can’t make ricotta, you probably shouldn’t be in the kitchen. It’s really that easy! As you know, ricotta is used extensively in Italian cooking, but when I make it at home, it’s reserved entirely as the star of the show. Instead of cooking with it, I prefer to spread [...]

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Humboldt Fog

March 25, 2011

[pictured: Humboldt Fog, Anjou Crostini, pear slices & caramelized walnuts] Welcome to Fromage Friday; in support of the weekend wedge! A poignant moment in my life of cheese was the first time I laid eyes on the great American beauty known as Humboldt Fog. The moment is etched in my mind forever. I was dining [...]

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Cheese + Champagne

February 12, 2011

Pictured clockwise above: Garrotxa, Beaufort, Pierre Robert, Piave Vechio, Chaource. “Burgundy makes you think of silly things; Bordeaux makes you talk about them, and Champagne makes you do them!” -Jean Anthelme Brillat Savarin It’s Valentines Day: an occasion which encourages Champagne drinking with abandon! Don’t forget about its perfect partner, artisanal cheese. It’s [...]

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Pears + Camembert

December 5, 2010

1 8 oz.(ish) wheel of Camembert or Brie 1 T butter 1 large Bosc pear, peeled and cut into 1/4inch dice 2 T brandy 2 teas finely chopped rosemary + extra for garnish 2 T balsamic vinegar 1 T honey Slice cheese in half crosswise while cold and set aside. In a medium skillet, over [...]

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That’s How We Roll…

November 20, 2010

As a card carrying member of the OCD Society, I have been agonizing over what to serve my Thanksgiving guests as pre-dinner nibbles. This year, we are throwing a “Thanks-aversary” dinner for our friends who are celebrating a milestone anniversary that same day. What to do for my lovely dinner guests? It’s probably not a [...]

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Roasted Seckel Pears + Herbed Goat Cheese

November 1, 2010

The diminutive and delectable Seckel Pear is back in season. I look forward to this enchanting varietal each year because they’re only available October through January. Their October arrival is no accident as they come dressed for fall fashion in rich hues of rosy blush and olive green. They are a fetching way to accessorize [...]

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