Because cheese is such a popular food item, it should come as no surprise that you can find cheese festivals throughout the country and even around the world. Most major cheese organizations host their own events and many communities do as well. Areas known for the cheese, such as Wisconsin and Vermont, will also host state cheese festivals. In addition to cheese itself, you may be wondering what else you will find at one of these festivals. There is frequently music and other typical festival activities, but also things unique to cheese festivals.
Cheese Tasting
Probably the most important part of any cheese festival will be the cheese. Although the setup can vary greatly, there will almost always be the opportunity to sample different types of cheese. There may be individual cheese sellers offering samples in hopes that you buy their product. There may even be a designated cheese tasting area where you can taste several different types in one spot. Sometimes this type of cheese tasting will be included in your admission and sometimes it will be a small additional fee.
Beer And Wine Tasting
Although it is not always the case, many cheese festivals offer also smaller areas or events for tasting beer and/or wine. Since these are the two beverages that classically pair with cheese, you will find at least the ability to buy a glass at most cheese festivals. There are also some festivals equally dedicated to cheese and wine.
Cheese Competitions
Many cheese festivals, particularly the larger ones or those hosted by cheese organizations, will feature cheese competitions as well. This is the chance for those who make their own cheese at home to show off their skills. There will be professional cheese judges who are looking for specific characteristics and at least one winner who has made the best cheese.
Cheese Classes
In addition to being about having fun, cheese festivals will typically offer an educational component as well. In many cases, this comes in the form of cheese classes or workshops where you can learn about pairings, the types of cheese, or a similar topic. These classes will typically be led by a cheese expert to offer the most information.
Items For Sale
As with any other festival, expect to find items for sale at one dedicated to cheese. There will obviously be cheese sellers, but there will probably also be people selling items to pair with cheese, such as wine, meat, or crackers. You might also find books dedicated to teaching you about cheese or simply about enjoying this item.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For The Cheese Lover
If you have a cheese lover on your holiday list, then
shopping for them will be incredibly easy. There are plenty of great cheese
related presents. If you want to give a large present, then consider a cheese
gift basket, but if you are just looking for smaller stocking stuffers, then
you will have plenty of choices as well.
Cheese Knives
Cheese knives are the perfect present for a cheese lover who
is just beginning to venture into the world of fine cheeses. In the beginning,
many people rely on their standard table or cooking knives to cut cheese, but
when you try higher quality items, this just won’t do. By getting your loved
one some cheese knives, you will help them expand their palate while preserving
the texture and shape of various cheeses. If your friend already has all the
cheese knives they need, then consider a cheese plane or high-quality cheese
grater.
Cheese Of The Month Club
Depending on your budget, you may be looking for a stocking
stuffer that is cheap or just one that is small. If you are willing to spend a
bit more on this particular gift for the cheese lover in your life, then
consider signing them up for a cheese of the month club. Many specialty cheese
retailers (both online and physical stores) have these clubs and every month
for a year, they will send you a certain number of cheeses to try. This is a
great stocking stuffer if you want your loved one to be thinking of you every
month or to simply be able to enjoy their present year round.
A Cheese Book
If your friend or family member is serious about their love
of cheese, then consider getting them a book all about it. There are plenty of
great options, including “It’s Not You, It’s Brie: Unwrapping America’s Unique
Culture of Cheese” by Kirstin Jackson.
Cheese Storage Supplies
A great stocking stuffer for cheese-loving family members is
the proper equipment to store it. In order for cheese to last and to prevent
mold and bacterial growth, you need to wrap it in special cheese paper, or
something similar. Getting your friend or family member some of this paper is
incredibly affordable, and the present is small enough to fit in a stocking.
Cheese Markers
Getting cheese markers is the perfect gift for a cheese lover who enjoys hosting the occasional cheese tasting party. You can find some porcelain options that are reusable, as the label will simply wipe off so your friend or family member can use them again and again.
Monday, November 23, 2015
What Do Cheesemongers Do?
As you begin to get more familiar with the cheese industry, you will start to hear the term cheesemonger used semi-frequently. This is especially true for those who visit smaller cheese retailers or talk to cheese experts. Simply put, cheesemongers are professionals with a vast amount of knowledge concerning every aspect of cheese. Other than this, the specifics concerning a particular cheesemonger may vary based on their training, interest, and job.
Cheesemonger History
Throughout history, a cheesemonger has been a merchant with a specialty in selling cheese and some people also call them cheese stewards. The term “mangere” is Old English for a person who works with a particular commodity. That means that the term cheesemonger literally means “someone who sells cheese.” Some people will mistakenly call a cheesemonger a fromager. In reality, however, this French term refers to cheesemakers, something which most cheesemongers are not.
Typical Job
In most cases, a cheesemonger will own a small cheese store. They may also be in charge of purchasing the cheese for a specialty restaurant or food store. As mentioned earlier, cheesemongers do not usually make the cheese themselves. Instead, they know larger cheese suppliers and perhaps local farmers, something which lets them buy and sell cheese of the highest quality available. If you visit a shop with a cheesemonger, they should be able to offer recommendations for pairings of cheese with other items, both beverages and food.
Training
You won’t find any formal training program for becoming a cheesemonger. Instead, a person can do as much or as little training as they need to gain the necessary knowledge and experience concerning cheese. Some people may find a specialty cheese company or a cheesemonger to serve an apprenticeship with. Others will attend the American Cheese Society’s seminars or become certified by this society.
Affineurs
There are also many cheesemongers who are affineurs as well. This term applies to anyone who knows how to properly ripen cheese. This is crucial as there are many cheese varieties that need to be further matured after buying them initially from the manufacturer. One example would be Parmesan, as it needs between 10 and 18 months to ripen. Becoming an affineur can take years as the knowledge and processes are difficult to master.
Your Interactions
You are most likely to meet a cheesemonger if you visit a specialty cheese shop as the best ones should have one of these professionals on hand. Even some online cheese retailers will have a cheesemonger on staff that is willing to communicate with you online or on the phone to help you select the right cheese and pairings.
Cheesemonger History
Throughout history, a cheesemonger has been a merchant with a specialty in selling cheese and some people also call them cheese stewards. The term “mangere” is Old English for a person who works with a particular commodity. That means that the term cheesemonger literally means “someone who sells cheese.” Some people will mistakenly call a cheesemonger a fromager. In reality, however, this French term refers to cheesemakers, something which most cheesemongers are not.
Typical Job
In most cases, a cheesemonger will own a small cheese store. They may also be in charge of purchasing the cheese for a specialty restaurant or food store. As mentioned earlier, cheesemongers do not usually make the cheese themselves. Instead, they know larger cheese suppliers and perhaps local farmers, something which lets them buy and sell cheese of the highest quality available. If you visit a shop with a cheesemonger, they should be able to offer recommendations for pairings of cheese with other items, both beverages and food.
Training
You won’t find any formal training program for becoming a cheesemonger. Instead, a person can do as much or as little training as they need to gain the necessary knowledge and experience concerning cheese. Some people may find a specialty cheese company or a cheesemonger to serve an apprenticeship with. Others will attend the American Cheese Society’s seminars or become certified by this society.
Affineurs
There are also many cheesemongers who are affineurs as well. This term applies to anyone who knows how to properly ripen cheese. This is crucial as there are many cheese varieties that need to be further matured after buying them initially from the manufacturer. One example would be Parmesan, as it needs between 10 and 18 months to ripen. Becoming an affineur can take years as the knowledge and processes are difficult to master.
Your Interactions
You are most likely to meet a cheesemonger if you visit a specialty cheese shop as the best ones should have one of these professionals on hand. Even some online cheese retailers will have a cheesemonger on staff that is willing to communicate with you online or on the phone to help you select the right cheese and pairings.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
How To Become A Certified Cheese Professional
It is easy for someone to call themselves a cheese expert, but to actually become certified as one, they need to undergo a great deal of training and experience. You don’t necessarily need to be a certified cheese professional in order to be an expert in the field, but it helps confirm your knowledge so everyone else knows that you aware of all the details concerning cheese.
Certified Cheese Professional Exam
The way to officially become a certified cheese professional is to take the exam offered by the American Cheese Society (ACS). Their exam is known as the Certified Cheese Professional Exam (CCPE) and is actually the only examination of this type. When you pass the exam, you receive the title of ACS CCP, which stands for ACS Certified Cheese Professional. The certification exam lasts three hours and involves 150 different multiple choice questions that cover all the knowledge a cheese expert would need to know, including items that most people would not necessarily see as related to the profession.
Requirements
Before taking the exam, you have to prove that you are eligible to take it. You have to have either completed high school or earned your GED in order to show basic literacy skills. Additionally, you need to have 4,000 hours of documentable work (paid or unpaid) that is directly related to the cheese profession within the previous six years. It is possible to have 2,000 hours from the cheese profession and 2,000 hours from professional development, continuing education, and formal education. The ACS lists acceptable work experience for this requirement as being: cheese manufacturing or making, cheese commerce or sales, writing related to cheese, professional teaching or consultation, being a cheese educator, and managing cheese (or working with it extensively) in a restaurant or food store.
Information You Need To Know
There is a vast amount of information that you need to know in order to pass the cheese examination. This includes nine different categories: regulations and regulators, cheese service, cheese evaluation and assessment, cheese categories and types, merchandising and marketing cheese, cheese transportation and storage, cheese ripening, processes of cheesemaking, and raw materials needed for cheesemaking.
Other Options
If you do not want to go through the entire process of becoming a certified cheese professional, but want some sort of certification, there are also various short certification programs that you can take, such as master classes and intensive cheese education programs. These certifications have fewer requirements, but also require much less time to achieve.
Certified Cheese Professional Exam
The way to officially become a certified cheese professional is to take the exam offered by the American Cheese Society (ACS). Their exam is known as the Certified Cheese Professional Exam (CCPE) and is actually the only examination of this type. When you pass the exam, you receive the title of ACS CCP, which stands for ACS Certified Cheese Professional. The certification exam lasts three hours and involves 150 different multiple choice questions that cover all the knowledge a cheese expert would need to know, including items that most people would not necessarily see as related to the profession.
Requirements
Before taking the exam, you have to prove that you are eligible to take it. You have to have either completed high school or earned your GED in order to show basic literacy skills. Additionally, you need to have 4,000 hours of documentable work (paid or unpaid) that is directly related to the cheese profession within the previous six years. It is possible to have 2,000 hours from the cheese profession and 2,000 hours from professional development, continuing education, and formal education. The ACS lists acceptable work experience for this requirement as being: cheese manufacturing or making, cheese commerce or sales, writing related to cheese, professional teaching or consultation, being a cheese educator, and managing cheese (or working with it extensively) in a restaurant or food store.
Information You Need To Know
There is a vast amount of information that you need to know in order to pass the cheese examination. This includes nine different categories: regulations and regulators, cheese service, cheese evaluation and assessment, cheese categories and types, merchandising and marketing cheese, cheese transportation and storage, cheese ripening, processes of cheesemaking, and raw materials needed for cheesemaking.
Other Options
If you do not want to go through the entire process of becoming a certified cheese professional, but want some sort of certification, there are also various short certification programs that you can take, such as master classes and intensive cheese education programs. These certifications have fewer requirements, but also require much less time to achieve.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Thanksgiving Dishes That Are Highlighted With Cheese
Thanksgiving is that special time of year when we gather with family and friends to remember all that we have to be thankful for. But, no doubt about it, the day revolves around food. Some people have strict traditional menus they never vary from year after year. But if you are the type who likes to experiment with different foods, or if you are planning a couple of Thanksgiving get-togethers and need some new ideas, here are some for you to consider. Some are old favorites, maybe one or two will be new to you.
The Cheese Tray
The must-have cheese tray can be dressed up for Thanksgiving with just a little effort and creativity. Cut circles of a deep yellow/orange cheese, cutting off a small slice at the bottom of the circle. Using thin strips of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, form a “turkey tail” around the sides and top of the cheese circle. Cut a black olive to form legs and feet. Cut a small cheese oval for the head and use tiny bits of olive for the eyes. Cutting the cheese circle just a bit differently will form a pumpkin. Use a short strip of green pepper for the stem.
Twice-baked Potatoes
Scrub and bake one baking potato for each person. When baked, cut in half and scoop out the flesh. Mash with a dab of cream, salt, and butter. Refill the potato skin shell, then top with grated cheese, such as Gouda or Swiss. Just before serving, pop them back into the oven long enough to heat through and melt the cheese.
Macaroni & Cheese
Even the common, everyday mac and cheese can be gussied up for Thanksgiving. Try adding some diced, cooked turkey to your favorite mac and cheese recipe. Crush seasoned dry stuffing bread, mix with some butter or margarine and sprinkle on top of the mac and cheese for the last 10 minutes or so of baking time. Bake it in your prettiest casserole dish.
Apple Pie
What’s Thanksgiving without a home-baked apple pie? Serve yours with dainty slices of cheddar on the side for a classy touch.
Cheese Sauce
Both broccoli and cauliflower are enhanced with a delicate cheese sauce to drizzle over them. Consider replacing the traditional green bean bake with a pretty serving bowl filled with steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets dressed with cheese sauce.
The Cheese Tray
The must-have cheese tray can be dressed up for Thanksgiving with just a little effort and creativity. Cut circles of a deep yellow/orange cheese, cutting off a small slice at the bottom of the circle. Using thin strips of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, form a “turkey tail” around the sides and top of the cheese circle. Cut a black olive to form legs and feet. Cut a small cheese oval for the head and use tiny bits of olive for the eyes. Cutting the cheese circle just a bit differently will form a pumpkin. Use a short strip of green pepper for the stem.
Twice-baked Potatoes
Scrub and bake one baking potato for each person. When baked, cut in half and scoop out the flesh. Mash with a dab of cream, salt, and butter. Refill the potato skin shell, then top with grated cheese, such as Gouda or Swiss. Just before serving, pop them back into the oven long enough to heat through and melt the cheese.
Macaroni & Cheese
Even the common, everyday mac and cheese can be gussied up for Thanksgiving. Try adding some diced, cooked turkey to your favorite mac and cheese recipe. Crush seasoned dry stuffing bread, mix with some butter or margarine and sprinkle on top of the mac and cheese for the last 10 minutes or so of baking time. Bake it in your prettiest casserole dish.
Apple Pie
What’s Thanksgiving without a home-baked apple pie? Serve yours with dainty slices of cheddar on the side for a classy touch.
Cheese Sauce
Both broccoli and cauliflower are enhanced with a delicate cheese sauce to drizzle over them. Consider replacing the traditional green bean bake with a pretty serving bowl filled with steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets dressed with cheese sauce.
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