When most people think of the different flavors of cheddar cheese, they stick to the basics, such as mild, sharp, and extra sharp. In reality, however, there are plenty of flavored variations of cheddar from those that have flavor infused through natural smoking to those that are made with spices. Many of the flavored cheeses you will find are actually cheddar and that is because this particular cheese combines beautifully with many different spices.
Common Flavors
Probably the most common flavor of cheddar cheese (other than mild, sharp, or extra sharp) is horseradish. Even if it doesn’t say it in an obvious location, most horseradish cheese is made from cheddar with some flavoring added in. Jalapeno cheddar is also very popular as is naturally smoked cheddar, such as one with a smoked maple flavor. If you venture into the realm of cheddar cheese curds, you will find even more flavors, such as bacon and horseradish, dill, garlic, ranch, and buffalo wing.
Convenience
Probably the biggest reason people choose to buy flavored cheddar is for the convenience factor. If you are cooking with cheddar, you won’t have to add as many extra ingredients to the dish in order to get a lot of different flavors. Even if you are simply snacking on cheese and crackers, you will get more flavor without having to sprinkle herbs, spices, or vegetables on top.
Try Something New
Another great reason to buy flavored cheddar cheese is that it gives you the chance to try something new. Most people haven’t necessarily had flavored cheddar before and maybe haven’t even eaten cheddar with some of the popular flavor combinations, such as combining cheddar and horseradish in a dish. Opting for a flavored cheddar lets you easily try your favorite cheese with new flavors without having to put in the extra effort or worrying about whether your combination will taste good. Best of all, if you buy your cheese from a specialty store, they will be able to tell you what goes well with it to take out the guesswork of pairings. Any online cheese retailer, for example, will tell you that jalapeno cheddar goes great with watermelon, plums, and mangos.
From Quality Retailer
If you start looking for flavored cheddar, you will notice that it is mostly sold by specialty cheese shops or online retailers. Even if that means it is a bit more expensive, this is great news. That is because cheese from these retailers will be fresher (or aged the amount it says) and of a high quality. You will even get superb customer service from these stores, including the online ones.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Whether You Should Buy Pre-Grated Cheese
Depending on the type of cheese you are eating and how you plan on using it, it can seem like a very convenient option to simply buy a pre-grated or shredded version of it. While this is definitely a convenient choice, it doesn’t usually make sense in regards to other factors. That means that unless you are buying pre-grated cheese from a high-quality cheese shop and know the ingredients and freshness, you should probably stick to the wheels or chunks. Here are just some things to consider.
Cost
One of the first things you’ll notice when you start comparing a chunk of cheese to the same cheese in pre-grated form is the cost. In some cases, it may cost twice or three times as much money to buy it grated and this is because companies can upcharge for the convenience factor. That means that if you have time to grate your own cheese, it will make financial sense.
Ingredients
The real problem with most commercially-produced pre-grated or shredded cheese is that it will contain questionable ingredients. If you buy cheese and grate it yourself, it will simply be the cheese. If, however, you buy shredded cheese from a mass-producer without reading the label, you can find yourself eating natamycin, powdered cellulose, and potato starch. None of those items are necessary in cheese and cellulose is actually a derivative of wood pulp. While none will necessarily harm you, they won’t add any nutritional value to your cheese.
Freshness
The final crucial thing to think about when comparing pre-grated cheese to a block or wheel of it is how fresh the cheese is. Because grated cheese has to go through an extra step before it can be packaged, it will always be at least slightly older. While the natamycin in it should help preserve the cheese and prevent mold growth, fresh cheese will be more flavorful, healthier, and have a better consistency.
When It’s Okay To Buy
Despite all the cautions against buying pre-grated cheese, there are some times when it makes sense to buy it, such as when you are on a very tight schedule. If you really want to buy grated cheese, try to opt for a type that is typically firm and aged anyway, such as grated Parmesan. Even then, you should make a conscious effort to buy it from a specialty cheese retailer as opposed to your local grocery store as it won’t have as many additives and it will be much fresher.
Cost
One of the first things you’ll notice when you start comparing a chunk of cheese to the same cheese in pre-grated form is the cost. In some cases, it may cost twice or three times as much money to buy it grated and this is because companies can upcharge for the convenience factor. That means that if you have time to grate your own cheese, it will make financial sense.
Ingredients
The real problem with most commercially-produced pre-grated or shredded cheese is that it will contain questionable ingredients. If you buy cheese and grate it yourself, it will simply be the cheese. If, however, you buy shredded cheese from a mass-producer without reading the label, you can find yourself eating natamycin, powdered cellulose, and potato starch. None of those items are necessary in cheese and cellulose is actually a derivative of wood pulp. While none will necessarily harm you, they won’t add any nutritional value to your cheese.
Freshness
The final crucial thing to think about when comparing pre-grated cheese to a block or wheel of it is how fresh the cheese is. Because grated cheese has to go through an extra step before it can be packaged, it will always be at least slightly older. While the natamycin in it should help preserve the cheese and prevent mold growth, fresh cheese will be more flavorful, healthier, and have a better consistency.
When It’s Okay To Buy
Despite all the cautions against buying pre-grated cheese, there are some times when it makes sense to buy it, such as when you are on a very tight schedule. If you really want to buy grated cheese, try to opt for a type that is typically firm and aged anyway, such as grated Parmesan. Even then, you should make a conscious effort to buy it from a specialty cheese retailer as opposed to your local grocery store as it won’t have as many additives and it will be much fresher.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Everything You Need To Know About Provolone
When it comes to cheese, there are a large number of varieties available, making it incredibly challenging to keep them all straight. Provolone is an Italian cheese that is white to yellow and has a firm texture to match its buttery flavor. Because of its mild texture and flavor, provolone is commonly found in sandwiches, cheese platters, and other cooked dishes.
History
Provolone cheese was first developed in Italy, specifically in the southern area of the country. The name of the cheese “Provolone” actually means “large Provola,” with Provola being another type of cheese from the area. Traditionally, provolone was semi-hard in texture and that is still true today.
Types Of Provolone
There are two different types of provolone cheese: Provolone Dulce and Provolone Piccante. Provolone Dulce is younger, being aged for two or three months. This cheese tends to be white to pale yellow in color and have a slightly sweet taste. The other type, Provolone Piccante, is aged for over four months, making it more aged. This extra time aging means that the cheese has a sharper taste, more pronounced flavor, and appears to have more yellow coloration.
If you see a cheese called Provolone Val Padana, then it can only be a specific type of cheese as the name and designation is protected thanks to the European Union. The Consorzio del Formaggio Tipico Provolone regulates the provolone with this name and it is a traditional version of the cheese. It is made in northern Italy and many of the cheesemakers who produce this type of provolone have been doing so for centuries. Provolone Val Padana frequently has a traditional rounded pear shape with a knob or it may have a longer sausage shape.
Suggested Pairings
It is very popular to use provolone cheese in cooking items such as pasta, grilled cheese, and macaroni and cheese. It also goes well with sandwiches when thinly sliced. The light smokey flavor tends to add a hint of flavor to a dish. It goes well with Italian meats, such as salami, pepperoni, and Italian sausage as well as chorizo. You can also pair it with pineapple, mangos, and berries. Beer lovers should try provolone with a stout, porter, or pale lager while wine lovers would like the combination with Riesling, Chianti, or Chardonnay.
Nutrition
In case nutrition is an important factor for you when selecting your cheese, a cup of diced provolone is around 132 grams and this includes around 463 calories and 35 grams of fat. Keep in mind that provolone sometimes has a large amount of sodium, but it makes up for this with protein and calcium.
History
Provolone cheese was first developed in Italy, specifically in the southern area of the country. The name of the cheese “Provolone” actually means “large Provola,” with Provola being another type of cheese from the area. Traditionally, provolone was semi-hard in texture and that is still true today.
Types Of Provolone
There are two different types of provolone cheese: Provolone Dulce and Provolone Piccante. Provolone Dulce is younger, being aged for two or three months. This cheese tends to be white to pale yellow in color and have a slightly sweet taste. The other type, Provolone Piccante, is aged for over four months, making it more aged. This extra time aging means that the cheese has a sharper taste, more pronounced flavor, and appears to have more yellow coloration.
If you see a cheese called Provolone Val Padana, then it can only be a specific type of cheese as the name and designation is protected thanks to the European Union. The Consorzio del Formaggio Tipico Provolone regulates the provolone with this name and it is a traditional version of the cheese. It is made in northern Italy and many of the cheesemakers who produce this type of provolone have been doing so for centuries. Provolone Val Padana frequently has a traditional rounded pear shape with a knob or it may have a longer sausage shape.
Suggested Pairings
It is very popular to use provolone cheese in cooking items such as pasta, grilled cheese, and macaroni and cheese. It also goes well with sandwiches when thinly sliced. The light smokey flavor tends to add a hint of flavor to a dish. It goes well with Italian meats, such as salami, pepperoni, and Italian sausage as well as chorizo. You can also pair it with pineapple, mangos, and berries. Beer lovers should try provolone with a stout, porter, or pale lager while wine lovers would like the combination with Riesling, Chianti, or Chardonnay.
Nutrition
In case nutrition is an important factor for you when selecting your cheese, a cup of diced provolone is around 132 grams and this includes around 463 calories and 35 grams of fat. Keep in mind that provolone sometimes has a large amount of sodium, but it makes up for this with protein and calcium.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
What Items Can You Find In A Cheese Gift Basket?
When most people think of a cheese gift basket, they imagine a basket that is stuffed with different types of cheese, but not necessarily anything else. It is true that cheese is the main component of any cheese gift basket, but it is not the only item in every case. You will find some baskets with only cheese, while others will give you a complete set, including everything you need to go with the cheese and enjoy a delicious snack or meal.
Cheese
As you would imagine, any cheese basket will contain at least some cheese. In most cases, there will be at least two or three different varieties of cheese. These may have the same theme, such as Italian cheeses, or be very different from each other to offer a range of options including soft and firm cheeses with varying flavors.
Cured Meats
It is also very common to find some sort of cured meat in a cheese gift basket as many people choose to serve cheese with meat. A gift basket with Italian cheeses, for example, may contain pepperoni sticks. You can also find gift baskets with cheese as well as ham, prosciutto or other cured meats that go well with the particular cheeses included.
Crackers And Bread
If you select a cheese gift basket that is designed to offer everything you need, it will probably include some sort of crackers or similar items as well. In some cases, a basket may even include bread of some sort, although this is a bit more challenging due to freshness and portability. Typically the crackers or bread included in a gift basket will be of high quality or feature unique flavors, such as olive oil as they are designed to go well with the included cheese.
Spreads And Honey
The final type of food item you will frequently find in your gift basket with cheese is a spread of some sort. This may be something seemingly simple such as fresh, natural honey or it may be something a bit more exciting, like a special jam or chutney. In some cases, there will also be easily transportable fruits to accompany the cheese, such as dates.
Informational Guides
Depending on where you get the cheese gift basket from, it may also include an informational guide of some sort, and this is particularly common among baskets from cheese specialty retailers. This guide will tell you about all of the cheeses (and other items) included in the basket and probably suggest pairings as well.
Cheese
As you would imagine, any cheese basket will contain at least some cheese. In most cases, there will be at least two or three different varieties of cheese. These may have the same theme, such as Italian cheeses, or be very different from each other to offer a range of options including soft and firm cheeses with varying flavors.
Cured Meats
It is also very common to find some sort of cured meat in a cheese gift basket as many people choose to serve cheese with meat. A gift basket with Italian cheeses, for example, may contain pepperoni sticks. You can also find gift baskets with cheese as well as ham, prosciutto or other cured meats that go well with the particular cheeses included.
Crackers And Bread
If you select a cheese gift basket that is designed to offer everything you need, it will probably include some sort of crackers or similar items as well. In some cases, a basket may even include bread of some sort, although this is a bit more challenging due to freshness and portability. Typically the crackers or bread included in a gift basket will be of high quality or feature unique flavors, such as olive oil as they are designed to go well with the included cheese.
Spreads And Honey
The final type of food item you will frequently find in your gift basket with cheese is a spread of some sort. This may be something seemingly simple such as fresh, natural honey or it may be something a bit more exciting, like a special jam or chutney. In some cases, there will also be easily transportable fruits to accompany the cheese, such as dates.
Informational Guides
Depending on where you get the cheese gift basket from, it may also include an informational guide of some sort, and this is particularly common among baskets from cheese specialty retailers. This guide will tell you about all of the cheeses (and other items) included in the basket and probably suggest pairings as well.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
What Gives Smoked Cheese The Robust Flavor
Smoked cheeses have a nutty flavor that is very different from fresh cheese. There are several varieties of smoked cheeses that are commonly sold. These include Cheddar, Scamorza, Oscypek, Sulguni, Rauchkase, Provolone, Gouda, and Gruyere.
Process And Methods
In order to effectively smoke a cheese, it must first be dried to the point that a tacky skin, called a pellicle, forms on the outside. This allows the smoke to better adhere to the cheese.
There are two major methods used to smoke foods—the cold-smoking process and the hot-smoking process. Cheese smoking is usually done by the cold-smoking method, as the hot-smoking method would cause the cheese to sweat or ooze. There are also a couple of other methods for imparting the smoke flavor to cheese.
Cold smoking is done by utilizing some method of suspending the cheese over a very low fire, at temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees Farenheit. This process can take up to a month. Applewood is often the wood of choice to burn during the smoking process.
A third method is sometimes used for less expensive cheeses, and that is to use an artificial smoke flavor. Obviously, this is not a true smoked cheese, but just a smoke-flavored cheese. Some cheese makers use a distilled hickory smoke to blend into the cheese to give it a full, robust flavor.
Smokers
If you would like to try smoking your own cheese at home, you can use any type of cheese except a cheese that is too soft and would fall through the grate. You can purchase a cold smoker machine to use at home.
Flavor
As mentioned previously, apple wood is often burned to smoke cheese, but cherry wood is used also. A specific combination of these two woods infuses the cheese with a fruity essence that complements the robust, nutty flavor of many cheeses.
Hickory wood is also used to smoke Cheddar cheese, and gives it a particularly robust and nutty flavor. It can be used in cheese that is used to make a cheese spread.
Another wood used in the smoking process is maple wood. This wood gives Cheddar a great robust flavor.
Other Woods
There are several other woods that are used to a lesser extent in smoking foods, including cheeses. Each one will give a somewhat different flavor. These can include pecan wood, almond, beech, chestnut, cottonwood, and grapevines.
Process And Methods
In order to effectively smoke a cheese, it must first be dried to the point that a tacky skin, called a pellicle, forms on the outside. This allows the smoke to better adhere to the cheese.
There are two major methods used to smoke foods—the cold-smoking process and the hot-smoking process. Cheese smoking is usually done by the cold-smoking method, as the hot-smoking method would cause the cheese to sweat or ooze. There are also a couple of other methods for imparting the smoke flavor to cheese.
Cold smoking is done by utilizing some method of suspending the cheese over a very low fire, at temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees Farenheit. This process can take up to a month. Applewood is often the wood of choice to burn during the smoking process.
A third method is sometimes used for less expensive cheeses, and that is to use an artificial smoke flavor. Obviously, this is not a true smoked cheese, but just a smoke-flavored cheese. Some cheese makers use a distilled hickory smoke to blend into the cheese to give it a full, robust flavor.
Smokers
If you would like to try smoking your own cheese at home, you can use any type of cheese except a cheese that is too soft and would fall through the grate. You can purchase a cold smoker machine to use at home.
Flavor
As mentioned previously, apple wood is often burned to smoke cheese, but cherry wood is used also. A specific combination of these two woods infuses the cheese with a fruity essence that complements the robust, nutty flavor of many cheeses.
Hickory wood is also used to smoke Cheddar cheese, and gives it a particularly robust and nutty flavor. It can be used in cheese that is used to make a cheese spread.
Another wood used in the smoking process is maple wood. This wood gives Cheddar a great robust flavor.
Other Woods
There are several other woods that are used to a lesser extent in smoking foods, including cheeses. Each one will give a somewhat different flavor. These can include pecan wood, almond, beech, chestnut, cottonwood, and grapevines.
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