Month: December 2017
A Merry Christmas from all of us!
Here at Shisler’s Cheese House, we are incredibly lucky to share the Christmas season with all of our amazing customers.
Cheese is a big part of our Christmas, as you would expect, but it is for lots of you too.
Did you know that in Yorkshire, in England, it is traditional to eat cheese with Christmas cake? The sweet and savory pair really well together. England also plays host to the Annual Ceremony of the Christmas Cheese. It is based on a 300-year-old tradition. In 1692, a local cheese maker provided the Royal Hospital with cheese for the war veterans over the holiday. Ever since local cheesemongers have continued to provide cheese to the Royal Hospital.
In Plymouth, Wisconsin, cheese is a part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. An 80lb pound replica of a cheese wedge is dropped at midnight to celebrate the town’s cheese industry. This is known as the “Big Cheese Drop”.
In Sweden, a Christmas smorgasbord of caviar, shellfish, cooked and raw fish and cheeses is enjoyed for the festive celebrations.
In Italy, the cheese will be just one of seven or more courses, often eaten over the course of many hours.
However you enjoy your cheese this Christmas, we hope that it’s merry and bright.
Happy Christmas everyone!
How to Throw a Holiday Party Without the Stress
Over the next few days, neighborhoods will be full of parties to celebrate the holidays. It’s a joyous time when we’ll see friends old and new, but we know that it can also be a stressful time for those hosting guests.
That’s why we’ve put together some tips for throwing a holiday party without any of the stress.
Avoid stressing over food
At this time of year, everyone is overindulging! Throw a cocktail party in the early evening or after dinner and you won’t have to worry about catering for a crowd. Instead, grab some cheeses and nibbles, and let the guests help themselves. After all, it’s supposed to be your party too!
If you want to serve a buffet style meal for friends and family, ask people to each bring a dish and it will all come together in no time.
Keep some gifts on hand
It happens to the best of us. Someone hands you a gift and you know that you don’t have something for them. Never fear. Have some gift boxes on hand for when this occasion arises. Any that you don’t give out can be eaten over the festive season.
You might also consider keeping some holiday cards tucked away for anyone who happens to bring you one.
Get guests involved in making drinks
One good option for parties is simply to head to your local wine shop and buy a crate of good wine, then pour it throughout the party. However, if you want to impress with stylish festive cocktails, then you might need to plan a little more carefully. Set up everything guests will need on a bar cart or sideboard, and make or print recipe cards for them to follow. Provide plenty of glasses, shakers, and strainers, and your party guests are sure to have fun. You could even have a little cocktail competition!
Other good options are to make a great punch ahead of time or to ask guests to bring along beverages of their choice.
Avoid formalities
You might find that the last thing you want to do after a day of party preparation is get dressed up. Why not avoid the stress by encouraging your guests to come along in their favorite festive jumpers?
Unless you are inviting a small group, avoid a formal, sit down meal and go for a buffet or nibbles.
Make it fun for all the family
It’s always the festive season when we notice how much our families have grown. Get ready for your nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or children of friends by grabbing some activities. Simple things like coloring, paper chain making or Lego can keep children occupied and give their parents a break. You could also involve children in the party by asking them to judge who has the best Christmas jumper, or by setting up a scavenger hunt for them.
However you’re celebrating Christmas this year, we hope it’s a happy time for you all.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Shisler’s Cheese House!
Need a last-minute gift? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? We know that some of you were finished in August and everything is now wrapped and tucked under the tree. But for some of you, you might only just be getting time to start shopping in earnest.
And then, there are the tricky ones to buy for. We all have them: those people who we don’t know that well but we still buy them a gift. Perhaps it’s a work colleague, a distant relative or an unexpected Christmas guest. Luckily, we have the answers to this conundrum and solutions to your last minute shopping woes.
Here at Shisler’s Cheese House, we believe that there is no better way to show your love and appreciation than the gift of food.
Our gift boxes are fantastic, but we know some of you are looking for smaller gifts to have on hand when a gift is needed and something for that person you just haven’t been able to cross of your list yet. That’s why we have put together this list of perfect
Gift Certificates
A perfect gift for someone you are struggling to buy for. Our gift certificates are valid for one year and can be used all at once or in multiple transactions. No-one could turn down the chance to choose their favorite cheeses and treats. You’ll be provided with a code immediately after checkout, so this is a perfect last-minute gift!
Chocolate
Our chocolate section is brimming with the very best chocolates that we could find. We also have treats like pretzels and candies, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. Keep a few boxes ready for house callers and friends over the holiday season.
Syrups
Sweeten up somebody’s life with a delicious, lovingly made syrup. We carry a whole range but we especially love the Wild Maple Walnut Syrup. It is produced in small batches on a family farm in Holmes County, Ohio. The sap is hand gathered and boiled in a small backyard evaporator. It’s then filtered and combined with locally gathered wild black walnuts and a small amount of cane juice crystals to create this unique twist to an old favorite. Perfect for those post Christmas pancakes!
Muffin Mix
What could be better than the chance to make freshly baked muffins at home? Our muffin mixes are beautifully wrapped up and ready to become great gifts. This is a lovely present for those with kids, as baking is fun for the whole family.
Jams and Jellies
We couldn’t pick just one jam or jelly; they would all make wonderful gifts. This is another easy way to have something on hand for any Christmas emergencies. You could even pair them with some of our local cheeses for an extra special gift.
Whoever you are spending your Christmas with, we hope it’s a wonderful one for all of our fabulous customers.
Please refer carefully to our blog post on pre-Christmas deliveries carefully before ordering, or pop into our store in person!
Deadline for Guaranteed Christmas delivery is December 17. Here Is What You Can Do After That.
Shipping gifts can get a little overwhelming as Christmas draws near, even for us. In order to keep our word on getting your gifts delivered by Christmas Eve, we need to set a deadline. After the December 17 deadline, we no longer guarantee that your gifts will arrive on time. But we WILL still do our best, even if you are running a little late. In the last several years, we have been able to accommodate the vast majority of late orders. Following is how our ground shipping times work:
West Coast and Bordering States – 4 day shipping. Must be shipped by Monday 12/18
Mountain States, Arizona, South Texas, and Florida – 3 day shipping, Must be shipped by Tuesday 12/19
Midwest and East Coast – 2 day shipping. Must be shipped by Wednesday 12/20
Ohio and Partial Bordering States – 1 day shipping. Must be shipped by Thursday 12/21.
Saturday delivery is also available on MOST residential deliveries. So that even gives you an extra day. But again, it is not guaranteed. The following map illustrates these shipping times
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The following expedited shipping methods are also available at additional cost. They increase your chances of delivery before Christmas, but do not guarantee we will be able to send it on time. Again, we will do our best.
FedEx Express Saver – 3 days
FedEx 2nd Day – 2 days
FedEx Overnight – 1 day
FedEx picks up from our location daily at approximately 3:30 PM. If you get your order to us by 12:00PM, we may be able to get it out the same day. Also, we have a local fulfillment company assisting us with shipping Gift Boxes #1-5, and they have a later pickup time. So if you order Gift Boxes #1-5 with no additional items, you have a better chance of your shipment going out the same day.
So your best bet is of course to place your order before the December 17 deadline. But if you don’t, don’t despair. We’ll still do our best to get your gifts there on time. Order online, or give us a call.
Find the Perfect Gifts at Shisler’s Cheese House
Trying to find a gift for that person who has everything? Perhaps you’re heading to the family for the holidays and want to take them a gift to say thank you?
We know how tricky that can be, which is why we put together our gifts boxes. No-one can resist the joy of cheeses, jams, and charcuterie. Take along a bottle of wine and you’re sure to be invited back next year!
Read on to find out all about what’s inside two of our favorite gift boxes and how you can pair them with the perfect wines.
Our Amish Cheese and Goodies collection is a perfect gift for your loved ones this Christmas.
You’ll find a 1Lb. Baby Swiss Wheel, a summer sausage link, a ¾ Lb. wheel each of Colby and Pepper Jack cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, home style Amish jam, Carr’s crackers, assorted chocolates and 6oz. REACH coffee.
Colby Cheese is very mild and creamy, so it pairs well with light, unoaked white wines such a Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. For red wines, you also want to aim for something light such as a fruity pinot noir.
You might be thinking that it’s impossible to pair a wine with a spicy cheese like Pepper Jack, but you’ll be pleased to find that a rosé will have the sweetness and strawberry flavors to complement the cheese.
One of our other great gifts is the Troyer’s Trail Bologna and Cheese box.
Inside you will find a 1Lb. Troyer’s Trail Bologna ring, a ¾ Lb. wheel each of Colby and Farmer’s cheese and assorted chocolates.
With Farmer’s cheese, try a Riesling or a sweet dessert such as Muscat. The peach tones will sit perfectly with the mild creaminess of the cheese.
You can even find a wine to go with Bologna. We recommend a Malbec which is robust enough to sit alongside the smoky Troyer’s Trail Bologna.
For the sweet-toothed person, you can also find a wine to go with the chocolates. The general rule for this will always be to find a wine that is sweeter than the chocolate. Try dark chocolate with a Merlot and milk chocolate with Sauternes.
We all know someone who really loves cheese, and that’s why we created the Cheese Lover’s Gift Box. This contains a ¾ Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack, Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack, along with some assorted chocolates. You can see our wine recommendations for Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack above.
Cheddar is a versatile cheese so it stands up alongside lots of different wines. Some of our favorites are an oaky Chardonnay that will bring out the mellowness of the cheese or a vintage port for a real Christmas treat. If you’re presenting to this to someone who isn’t a wine lover, a hard cider or beer will go well with Cheddar.
Try Cojack with a Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, as the slightly spicy, peppery notes of the wine will perfectly complement the mild cheese.
Don’t delay, order your gift boxes today!
5 Ways to Eat Swiss Cheese
We are huge fans of Swiss cheese here at Shisler’s Cheese House. We have a whole range to keep you happy and today we’re giving you 5 ideas for ways to enjoy Swiss cheese.
The process of making Swiss cheese involves natural bacteria consuming the lactic acid in the cheese. This releases carbon dioxide gas, which slowly forms bubbles that become the recognizable holes in the cheese. These are often referred to as “eyes”. Our Amish swiss cheese, made in Northeastern Ohio, is especially flavorful because of the longer aging process that it undergoes, at a higher temperature than younger cheeses. This produces larger eyes, which is sometimes seen as an indicator for better flavor.
The milk used in our Swiss cheese does not have preservatives added, and is from cows that have never been given hormones or antibiotics. This creates a great taste and you know exactly what you are eating.
We also offer Baby Swiss, which substitutes water for the milk’s whey to slow the bacterial action. This creates smaller holes and a milder flavor. Lacy Swiss is another variety of Swiss cheese, made with low-fat milk. We even offer smoked Swiss cheese.
- On Crackers
Swiss cheese is well known for its nutty, bittersweet taste. This is perfect enjoyed on your favorite crackers. Add a couple of other cheese, some grapes, and relishes, and you’ve got a full cheeseboard.
- Paired with your favorite wine or beer
This is such a versatile cheese that you can easily find a beverage pairing for it. If you’re a fan of red wines, try a Merlot or Pinot Noir. For white wine lovers, try a Chardonnay or Riesling. Swiss cheese will also pair well with lager, pale ales, and Weiss beer.
- Cheese Fondue
Fondue is a decadent treat that’s perfect at the end of a cold day, or to share with friends and family. Simmer 10 fl. oz. white wine in a fondue pot, before adding 10 oz. each of Swiss and Gruyere cheese. Make sure everything is melted before stirring in 2 teaspoons flour. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Serve this with cubes of your favorite bread, chopped vegetables, and cured meats.
- Mac and Cheese
Add an extra punch of flavor to your favorite mac and cheese by grating in some Swiss cheese. You can even add it to breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping.
- On French Onion Soup
A firm favorite for warming you up, French onion soup is incomplete without a topping of Swiss cheese toast. Thinly slice small pieces of your favorite bread, add grated Swiss cheese and grill before serving with your soup.
If you love Swiss cheese as much as us, why not treat yourself this to our gift box this Christmas? You’ll find a whole 4lb. Baby Swiss cheese, perfect to share with the whole family.
However you like to eat your Swiss cheese, you can find it all here at Shisler’s Cheese House!
Spice Up Your Life with our Red-Hot Pepper Cheeses!
We know that lots of you are spice lovers. That’s why we’ve decided to dedicate this blog post to telling you all about our spiciest cheeses.
Scorpion Cheddar is our absolute hottest cheese. It has 1.2 million Scoville units of heat. A bell pepper has a Scoville rating of 0, with paprika reaching 1,000 and a jalapeno heading up towards 10,000. This should give you a sense of just how hot this cheese really is! This is one to take to a party and challenge your friends to take a bite.
Ghost Pepper Cheese is made from the Indian Bhut Jolokia pepper. It has a Scoville score of 855,000. This is a slow burner so be sure not to eat too much at once!
Smoked Habanero Cheddar is another of our hottest cheeses. It combines vintage aged cheddar, habaneros, and jalapenos. It’s great with dips and salsas as a snack or thrown into your favorite sandwich or burger. For that authentic smoky flavor, sprinkle it on your tacos.
Super Hot Pepper Cheese packs a spicy punch but won’t be as overwhelming a challenge as our Ghost Pepper or Scorpion cheese.
Hot Pepper Cheese is perfect for adding just a hint of spice, whilst still enjoying a creamy cheese.
Smoked Hot Pepper Cheese takes our Hot Pepper Cheese and adds the delicious effects of curing slowly with real hickory wood. It combines spicy and smoky flavors. Try pairing this with a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir for extra taste exploration.
Smoked Horseradish Cheese is not strictly a chili cheese, but we still think that horseradish has a similar kick to it. Our is an American, semi-firm cheese infused with horseradish root. This is perfect served alongside prosciutto or thinly sliced smoked ham. You could even try mixing it into your mashed potatoes; brilliant with beef.
Yogurt Cheese with Jalapenos is a great choice if you’re looking for a spicy cheese with lower calories. Yogurt Cheese has a lower calorie and fat content compared to traditional cheese. It is made from the creamy white cheese left over when the liquid whey drains from fresh yogurt. It has a creamy, rich taste alongside the spicy, tangy jalapenos.
Hot Pepper Cheese Curds are fresh, young cheddar cheese in the natural, random shapes that form before the cheese is processed and aged. We found the finest cheese curds from upstate New York. Their flavor is mild and whilst they have the same firmness as cheese, they have a rubbery, ‘squeaky’ texture and are sometimes salty. You will sometimes find these deep-fried in batter or breadcrumbs. They are also used in poutine, a Canadian dished consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Alongside our Hot Pepper Cheese Curds, we also offer Buffalo Wing Cheese Curds.
Serve your favorite spicy cheeses with some crackers and dips, and a good cold lager.
Have you taken on the challenge of Scorpion Cheddar? Let us know in the comments!
The Scotch Collection – How to Pair Whisky with Cheese
Want to really wow your guests?
We know that you love to pair wine with our cheeses, and we’ve explored how you might try them with beer, but have you ever thought to pair cheese with scotch?
Read on to find out all about our Scotch Collection and why we think this should be the centerpiece of your next party!
You might not have thought to pair scotch with cheese, but rest assured that it’s a great choice. You’re going to be looking for bolder cheeses with a lot of flavors because these will stand up to the strong flavor of the whisky.
Danish Blue Cheese
Our Danish Blue Cheese has a moderate sharpness and a creamy flavor. Blue cheeses have penicillium cultures added, which create the blue veins that you will see running through the cheese. It is then aged in a temperature and moisture controlled environment like a cave. The unique flavors are best enjoyed at room temperature with fruit and crackers, alongside your scotch.
Gruyere
Gruyere is one of our favorite imported cheeses, originating in the Alpine region between Switzerland and France. It has a sweet, nutty flavor with a slight saltiness. It ages into an earthy, complex cheese. It’s great for baking and melting, as well as served with crackers. If you’re looking to serve something more substantial with your scotch, consider serving a quiche using gruyere, a fondue, or even a French onion soup topped with gruyere croutons.
Cheddar
Cheddar was first produced in England as early as 1170 and originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It would be aged in the nearby caves of Cheddar Gorge. It has a sharp, pungent flavor with a firm, slightly crumbly texture. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed with a huge variety of drinks, including Scotch.
Parmesan
Parmesan is an Italian cheese with a complex, sharp, and nutty flavor. It has a slightly grainy texture and works well with pasta, risotto, or soup when grated. You may not have included it in your cheese boards before, but you can be confident that it’s a great choice. Because of its strong flavor, it pairs extremely well with the strength and smokiness of a good whisky.
Choosing your whisky
To pair with this cheese collection, you are looking to get a scotch whisky, rather than a bourbon. If you have a favorite, then select that or one from the same region as you’re likely to find a similar flavor. If your friends are whisky connoisseurs too, why not ask them to bring a bottle and then you can compare flavors?
If you’re entertaining, this collection should serve up to 20 guests. If you have guests who do not drink whisky, grab some craft beers. The barley flavors of both drinks will work well with the cheeses from the Scotch Collection so no-one will be disappointed. You could also pick up some salty snacks such as nuts, hot mix or chips, and some dark chocolate as a sweet treat. These will pair well with the scotch and give you even more flavors to explore.
Now that you know all about the cheeses, don’t delay. Order our Scotch Collection today.
