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12 Ways to Eat Maple Syrup… Without Pancakes!
Sometimes it’s easy to forget about those ingredients that we take for granted, like a simple maple syrup. Our pure amber maple syrup is tapped and processed right here in Ohio’s Amish Country. It’s available in 8oz. and 16oz. sizes so you can stock up for home or buy some as a gift.
It’s also so delicious that we know it’s not just for pancakes. Read on to find our great ideas for enjoying our maple syrup.
1. Add it to your oatmeal
If you want to add maple syrup to your breakfast, but you don’t want to eat pancakes every day, try it on top of your oatmeal. Add blueberries for extra freshness.
2. Use it to roast vegetables
Carrots and parsnips are deliciously sweet when combined with maple syrup for roasting. You can also add it to roasted tomatoes before making a salad for that lovely caramelization. It’s also great with Brussel sprouts; that’s certainly one way to get everyone eating them!
3. Stir it into your coffee
If you love those flavored, syrupy coffees from the store then now you can create them at home with a drop of maple syrup.
4. Drizzle it over ice cream
An easy way to make ice cream into a dinner party dessert.
5. Make granola
Before baking your favorite granola ingredients, add some maple syrup. You’ll get crunchy clusters filled with sweetness.
6. Add it to your applesauce
When you make applesauce, add a dash of cinnamon and a little maple syrup. You can keep your special ingredient a secret or share it with the world!
7. Use it as a glaze
Mixed with mustard, maple syrup is a fantastic glaze for salmon or pork. Simply brush it on before it goes in the oven.
8. Use it as a marinade
Whilst it makes a great glaze, it’s an even better marinade. Use it for chicken or turkey before you fry it. You’ll get crisp, caramelized parts and tender meat that is sure to please a crowd.
9. Add it to your salad dressings
You might be used to adding honey to your salad dressings, so why not try maple syrup for sweetness next time?
10. Use it in your jam recipes
You need to be careful when adding extra sweetness to jams, but if you’re making a fiery chili jam then a little maple syrup can do wonders for the flavor.
11. Make popcorn with it
If you love a movie night with homemade popcorn, then this is going to revolutionize it. Pour maple syrup onto hot popcorn and let it glaze all of the kernels. You could even add crispy bacon bits for true indulgence!
12. Use it in cheesecake
We’re pretty sure that we don’t need to convince you why this is a good idea! You could add it to the cheesecake mix or use it as a glaze on the top.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our ideas for using maple syrup without always thinking of pancakes. How do you use your syrup? Let us know in the comments!
3 Uses for Mozzarella – Let’s Try Homemade Cheese Today!
As regular readers will know, we’re huge fans of sharing fantastic cheese recipes with you.
If you’re needing some fresh to pep up your January, there’s nothing better than our homemade mozzarella. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and you can make it at home. Even better, once you’ve made some delicious mozzarella, you get to eat it!
Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese. Due to its high moisture content, it is traditionally served the day after it is made, but can be kept in brine for up to a week in the fridge.
Derived from the Neapolitan dialect spoken in Campania, mozzarella is the diminutive form of mozza (“cut”) or mozzare (“to cut off”) derived from the method of working. The term is first mentioned in 1570, cited in a cookbook by Bartolomeo Scappi, reading “milk cream, fresh butter, ricotta cheese, fresh Mozzarella, and milk”.
You probably already have some favorite mozzarella recipes, but we hope our ideas will inspire you to make some cheese today.
1. On a pizza
We know this isn’t a new idea, but if you’ve never made pizza at home then now is definitely the time to give it a go. Pizza dough is really easy to make and if you get yourself a pizza stone you will be able to enjoy the crispy base you love without even leaving the house.
You only need a little mozzarella, to stop the dough from becoming soggy, and then you add your favorite toppings. You could even put some mozzarella on the edges of the pizza and roll over the dough to make your own stuffed crust. Invite your friends over for a pizza party and they’re sure to marvel at your homemade cheese.
2. In a fruity salad
Whilst you might always think of having mozzarella in a Caprese salad with tomatoes, its creaminess is the perfect accompaniment to a salad with fruits.
Combine mozzarella with figs and green beans, oranges and arugula, or peaches and basil for a great pick-me-up salad. All of these will go perfectly with ham or bacon. Get creative and try your own combinations, too.
3. In a burger
No, we don’t mean in a bun with your burger, we actually mean in a burger. This is another recipe to try at home if you’ve never had a go before. Patties can be made simply out of ground beef, bread crumbs, an egg and salt and pepper. But next time you make them, roll a small piece of mozzarella into the middle. When they cook, the cheese will melt inside and will ooze deliciousness with every bite.
Make sure to fill your bun with your favorite salad and relishes for real perfection.
If you’re looking for a wine pairing for mozzarella, a fruity Sauvignon Blanc will work perfectly with the mild freshness of the cheese. If you prefer red wine, the cherry flavors of Sangiovese or Chianti would work well.
Let us know what you make in the comments! We’d love to hear your ideas for using mozzarella.
Chocolate Cheese? 6 Ways to Eat this Unusual Treat
We know what you’re thinking. Surely, you can’t have chocolate and cheese? But we’re here to tell you that at Shisler’s Cheese House, you can, in fact, have both!
Our chocolate cheese is made from a local recipe and all locally produced ingredients combining fine chocolate fudge with premium cream cheese. The result is the perfect smooth and creamy balance of sweet chocolate and mild cheese.
This could be a perfect gift for that food lover in your life who has everything and is always on the hunt for new flavors to try.
We’re also sharing several different ways to really enjoy this here on the blog today. We’re sharing sweet ideas, but we’d love to hear from you if you enjoy this in a savory dish!
1. As a delicious snack
Our chocolate cheese is perfect for those mid-afternoon sweet cravings. Some of our customers even like to enjoy it with peanut butter. We love it as a movie night treat with our popcorn! It’s also delicious when paired with nuts, especially almonds. It can be easy to get bored when we eat the same snacks all the time, so try something new today.
2. Baked into brownies
If you love cheesecake brownies, this is a little bit of a cheat to make them even more quickly and easily than usual. Fold some chopped up chunks of chocolate cheese into your favorite brownie mix for a cheesecake style swirl. You’re sure to impress at the next bake sale with this innovative twist.
3. With a glass of dessert wine
Serve with a glass of sweet Moscato wine after dinner and see if your guests can guess what they are eating! You could even add to the fun by serving other mysterious foods, or give them a clue by creating a whole cheeseboard full of sweet and savory pairings. Add jellies and pickles to really get creative.
4. Grated over cakes and desserts
Instead of a dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar, add the wow factor by grating over a little chocolate cheese. It will look great and add a hint of chocolate flavor to your creations.
5. Grated over hot chocolate
You’ve got whipped cream, mini marshmallows, a chocolate flake, and now… chocolate cheese! This will melt into the top of your hot chocolate for a delicious, creamy effect.
6. In an ice cream sundae
Just as you might add cubes of fudge to your favorite ice cream sundae, you could add chopped chocolate cheese. Be sure to pile it in with plenty of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, brownies, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles. You could even add a cherry sauce for a real pop of flavor.
We hope you enjoyed our ideas for eating chocolate cheese today. We are really excited to offer you chocolate cheese at Shisler’s Cheese House and we hope to see you soon to try it. We challenge you to find your favorite way to eat it and let us know in the comments.
You can even order online right now.
The halloumi recipes that you need to try today
We love sharing recipes with our readers and customers here at Shisler’s Cheese House.
Today, we are going to help you welcome in the New Year with some delicious halloumi recipes.
Last year, we shared a great recipe to make your own mouthwatering halloumi. This is surprisingly easy to make at home. If you’ve shied away from making your own cheese, halloumi is a great place to start. The result is a salty, slightly squeaky cheese that can be grilled or fried to perfection. If you’re missing those summer cookouts, these recipes will pick you up and give you that sunny boost!
Halloumi is best cooked under the grill or in a griddle pan, to get that lovely charred effect that you would achieve on a barbecue in the summer. It can also be baked in the oven with vegetables to add to salads.
Halloumi Burger
If you’re trying to cut down on the amount of meat you eat this year, halloumi can be a great alternative.
What You Need
Oil
A thick halloumi slice for each burger
1 red onion
1/2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp harissa paste/chopped chilies (optional)
Burger Buns
Salad
Sauces
Equipment
Griddle Pan
Knife
- Add a small amount of oil to your griddle pan. Cut a thick slice of halloumi for each person and fry them until golden brown.
- At the same time, fry up a sliced red onion over a medium heat. When this has become soft, tip in 1/2 tbsp brown sugar and 1/2 tsp of harissa paste or chopped chilies. You can leave these out if you are not a spice lover, but do add the sugar and let the onions become caramelized.
- Grab your favorite type of bun – we like brioche – and layer your halloumi with the caramelized onions, salad, and your favorite sauces.
The beauty of a burger is that you can customize it to make it your own. Choose your salad; add your favorite pickles; change the spices used to your liking.
Halloumi and Watermelon Salad
This is a really refreshing recipe that is sure to brighten up even the coldest of days.
What you need
1 cup (225g) of bulgar wheat/couscous
10 medium slices of halloumi
Olive oil
1 cucumber, halved lengthways to scoop out the seeds and then sliced
Large bunch of mint, finely chopped
Juice and zest of a lemon
2 cups (450g) watermelon chunks
Equipment
Griddle Pan
Knife
Small bowl
Lemon reamer
Salad bowl/large plate
- Cook your bulgar wheat or couscous according to the packet instructions. Set this aside.
- Add a small amount of oil to your griddle pan. Fry your halloumi slices until golden brown.
- Mix the cucumber, mint, and lemon juice and zest with the bulgar wheat or couscous.
- Transfer this to a salad bowl or a large plate. Top with the watermelon, halloumi, and a drizzle of olive oil.
We really hope that you will enjoy these recipes. Halloumi is a really diverse cheese that takes on flavor well, so you could use your favorite marinade How do you like to eat your halloumi? Let us know in the comments!
Happy New Year!
We want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year and a wonderful 2018!
Naturally, our thoughts have turned to New Year’s resolutions. We’ve compiled a small list of resolutions that we can help you with here at Shisler’s Cheese House. If you’re in need of inspiration for the coming year, then look no further.
If your first thoughts are those of fitness and health, then you may want to head to our Skinny Alternatives section. Here, you’ll find healthy cheeses, sugar-free chocolates, calorie-free dressings and a wide range of snacks to ward off the worst of the post-holiday blues.
We’re firm believers that resolutions don’t all have to be about what you’re going to cut out. That’s why we’ve put together a few other ideas that you might like to try.
Perhaps you want to try some new cheeses that you’ve never eaten before? If you want to learn more about the cheese you eat, read some of our other blog posts that will teach you everything you need to know. You can even subscribe so that our posts hit your inbox as soon as they’re published.
Another idea that we love is to try a new recipe each week. You could head to our Gourmet Foods section for inspiration and dig into your recipe books to try something new. There are, of course, tons of recipes available online and we offer some over on the blog too. You could even use our Weekly Specials for inspiration.
If you’re super busy and find it difficult to make time to cook, you could make a simple resolution to enjoy a home-cooked meal once a week.
However you’re starting 2018, we hope that it’s a prosperous one and we look forward to welcoming you to Shisler’s Cheese House soon!
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
.
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!
