Category: Holidays
Get Cheesy This Fourth Of July!
With the 4th of July being a huge milestone in our country’s history, it is a day where families and friends get together and celebrate it at parades, cookouts, parties- you name it! And the biggest things that center these celebrations are food, alcohol, and fireworks (in no particular order!)
Now, focusing on the food aspect which I’m sure we are all most excited for, let’s take a look at one particular dish which is not only patriotic but also a cheesy delight. Here is a delicious cheese dip that you can make ahead of time so you only have to warm it up before the festivities.
The best cheese found for this delicious dip has got to be our White Cheddar at Shisler’s Cheese House. With its sharp flavor, it really pairs well with the sweet Vidalia onions which are also used in this recipe.
This cheese is so high quality and has such a creamy texture and flavor that it makes it perfect for this recipe as it focuses mainly around the cheese. Not only that but it is a great melting cheese, as discussed in some of our other articles, the type of cheese you melt is important, as not all melt the same or at all. You might know already about how good white cheddar is for melting with it being the season for grilling!
To impress even more at your event, you can keep it festive by making your own tortilla chips to go with the dip. It is very easy, all you have to do is take some flour tortillas and a star cutter and go nuts! You bake for a few minutes on 350 or until they begin to become golden.
Be warned, these are addictive so you might want to make a lot! Enjoy!
Recipe For Cheese Dip
What You Need
1-1/2 cups Cracker Barrel Vermont White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup diced Vidalia onion
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon herbs de Provence
1/4 teaspoon creole seasoning
What To Do
1. Mix all ingredients fully and place in a baking dish.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees or until golden.
10 Of The Best Mother’s Day Wines
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and it is the one day of the year which is dedicated to pampering moms everywhere… Also, a great excuse to drink lots of wine!
Choosing a bottle of wine doesn’t always mean picking the most expensive bottle. If you’re picking some wine for your mom, the best thing to do is find out what she loves best. It can range from aromatic white and crisp sparkling wines to refreshing rosés and silky reds. Either way, this list is sure to please any mom who deserves the best:
Sparkling Wines:
Berlucchi Franciacorta ’61 Rosé
This wine is a signature sparkling wine of Italy’s Lombardy region, Franciacorta is made in the same way that champagne is. The reason it has ’61 in the name is because Guido Berlucchi began producing the style in 1961, and has remained the leader of the region ever since. It is a beautiful salmon pink wine with flavors or lemon, strawberry, and berry. It is a refined, medium-bodied sparkling wine and pairs very well with shellfish and aged cheeses.
Rack & Riddle North Coast Blanc de Blancs
Rack & Riddle is a special wine as it is part of the handful of wineries in California that still use the méthode champenoise, which is a traditional French process which is used to produce sparkling wine. The attention to detail that this winery employs is definitely noticeable within the taste of North Coast Blanc de Blancs. This sparkling wine is full of bright and fruity aromas of melon and green apple, along with strong complimenting flavors of lemon curd and lime to reserve a smooth and crisp finish.
White Wines:
Smith-Madrone 2013 Riesling
Smith-Madrone 2013 Riesling originates from terroir in which the winemaker Stuart Smith purchased back in 1971. The Smith-Madrone vineyards have been producing grapes perfect for crafting German and French style wines. This particular wine has intense aromas of stone fruit, honeysuckle, and white flower. It also has notes of citrus and stone fruit in its flavor which is rounded out by a creamy finish.
Cherry Tart 2013 Chardonnay
This delicious type of Chardonnay is a blend of grapes from the Cherry Pie winery. The winery has three vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and Monterey counties. It is 100 percent Chardonnay which has a strong aroma of white fruit and flower. The taste is rich with notes of marzipan, pineapple, and caramelized pear, there is also a hint of oak throughout.
Whitehaven 2014 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
This white wine is quintessentially Marlborough in its aromas and flavors. It is a medium-bodied wine with notes of gooseberry, peach, and herbs in its aroma and intense tropical fruit and citrus flavors on the palate. Because of its hand-harvested grapes which are grown in the warm New Zealand Climate, it is vibrant, acidic and crisp.
Red Wines:
Columbia Winery 2013 Columbia Valley Merlot
This wine is deep red colored and produced from volcanic soil of central Washington. It boasts fragrant aromas of spice and plum along with dark berry and vanilla. A great pairing with wine would be poultry because of its vivid acidity.
Regusci Winery 2012 Matrona Red Wine
It takes its name from the Italian word for “matriarch” and is crafted in honor of Livia Regusci who was the founding mother of the historic family ranch. This red is more of a vintage blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in which it offers rich fragrances of cherry and berries. The berry flavors are also a big part of the taste, along with delicious notes of dark chocolate and coffee beans.
Elizabeth Chambers Cellar 2013 Winemaker’s Cuvée Pinot Noir
Elizabeth Chambers Cellar 2013 Winemaker’s Cuvée Pinot Noir is a delicious blend of grapes from Falcon Glen, Lazy River, and Russell Grooters vineyards. Not only that, but this Pinot Noir is aged for 15 months in French Oak barrels and is most desirable after being in the bottle for more than 2 years. Its notes of cherry aroma and flavors of strawberry and rhubarb are pleasure in a glass.
Rosé Wine:
Solace 2014 Rosé
This is another wine in which is produced using the French méthode provençale, which the process entails red grapes being grown and harvested solely for the production of the rosé. On the nose, the aromas are strong with notes of white flower and some peach. With juicy flavors of raspberry, strawberry ad melon, this wine is a delicious refresher.
Dessert Wine:
Jorge Ordoñez & Co. No. 2 Victoria
Winning multiple awards, this wine had to be included. It is made from 100 percent Muscat Alexandria. Notes of mango, peach, apple and lemon are throughout in flavor and aroma. The crisp acidity balances out the sweetness, making it a delicious dessert wine.
Traditional Easter Sunday Dinner
Enjoy this Easter Sunday with a delicious, traditional Easter meal. A sweet-hot plum-glazed traditionally baked ham. Classic creamy casserole of scalloped potatoes and tender Asparagus Amandine to round out this deliciously pleasing family meal. Sliced strawberries and spiced pecans to create a wonderfully colorful Baby Blue Salad- a holiday favorite! Hope you’re not too full for dessert because you would not want to miss out on this irresistible coconut cake!
Image Source: thespruce.com/
Is your mouth watering? Find out how to create this perfect Easter meal for your family, below! (Serves 8)
Sweet-Hot Plum-Glazed Ham
Image Source: pinterest.com/pin/547468898422365369/
What You Need
1 cup plum preserves
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon yellow mustardH
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 (7-lb.) smoked fully cooked, bone-in ham
Garnishes: pineapple, kiwifruit, green onions, black sesame seeds
What To Do
1. Firstly, stir together the first 7 ingredients on the list, in a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring them to a boil, while stirring constantly. After bringing to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, continuing to stir. After preserves are melted and the mixture is blended, pour half of mixture into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Trim excess fat on ham to 1/8- inch thickness. Place ham on a wire rack in aluminum foil-lined roasting pan. Brush ham with a portion of plum preserve mixture from the saucepan.
3. Bake ham uncovered at 350 degrees on lower oven rack for 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting with remaining plum preserve mixture in saucepan, every 30 minutes. Loosely cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until thermometer registers 140 degrees, basting every 30 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish as desired.
4. Microwave the other plum preserve in the bowl on high for 1 minute and serve ham in with the warm mixture.
Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Image Source: oprah.com/food/scalloped-potatoes
What You Need
1/4 cup butter
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
3 cups whipping cream
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/2 cup (2 oz.) grated Parmesan cheese
What To Do
1. Melt butter in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Stir in potatoes and the next 5 ingredients on the list and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium- low, and cook, stirring gently for 15 minutes.
2. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish and sprinkle with cheese.
3. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove to a wire rack and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Asparagus Amandine
Image Source: closetcooking.com/2007/06/asparagus-amandine.html
What You Need
2 pounds fresh asparagus
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
What To Do
1. Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Cook in boiling salted water to cover in a large skillet for 3 minutes or until crisp and tender. Then drain.
2. Plunge asparagus into ice water to stop cooking, then drain.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add almonds and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add asparagus and red bell pepper and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Toss in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Baby Blue Salad With Fresh Pears
Image Source: showmetheyummy.com/pear-blue-cheese-candied-pecan-salad/
What You Need
2 (5-oz.) packages gourmet mixed salad greens, thoroughly washed
2 large Bartlett pears, cut into thin slices
1 qt. strawberries, quartered
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
What To Do
Place greens on 8 individual serving plates. Top evenly with pears and strawberries. Sprinkle with cheese and pecans. Serve with Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Lemon-Coconut Cake
Image Source: sallysbakingaddiction.com/2016/03/05/lemon-coconut-cake/
What You Need
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, separated
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon Filling
Cream Cheese Frosting
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Garnishes: fresh rosemary sprigs, gumdrops
What To Do
1. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.
2. Combine flour and baking powder; add to butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
3. Beat egg whites at high speed with electric mixer until stiff peaks form; fold one-third of egg whites into batter. Gently fold in remaining beaten egg whites just until blended. Spoon batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.
5. Spread Lemon Filling between layers. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting on top and sides of cake. Sprinkle top and sides with coconut. Garnish, if desired.
It’s Not Too Late To Get Your Easter Goodies From Shisler’s Cheese House!
Easter is a very important Christian festival in which we come together and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While it has great religious significance, it can always be an exciting time of the year, celebrating by coloring and decorating Easter eggs, enjoying special Easter Baskets and eating our body weight in chocolate!
Here at Shisler’s Cheese house, we have the answers to all your Easter food needs! Be it a beautiful Easter basket unlike any other, or a tasty Chocolate Bunny, we have what you want!
Tired of the same old boring Easter gift baskets? Send unique Easter gift baskets from Shisler’s Cheese House this Easter Season and surprise those that are special to you. If you would like to use your own unique Easter Basket Ideas, we also have custom baskets available. Just give us a call or stop by at one of our Cheese Houses!
Standard Easter Baskets Include:
– Marble Cheese
– Dried Fruit Chips
– Yogurt Pretzels
– Heggy’s Chocolates
– Wild Maple Walnut Syrup
– Muddy Trail Mix
Custom Easter Baskets can include anything currently available on our website and in store!
Also available for Easter are a wide selection of chocolate including our extra special Solid Heggy’s Chocolate Bunnies!
They are available in either milk or white chocolate and are 20 Oz.
Get your Easter goodies now!
https://cheesehouse.com/
55 Kidron Road
Orrville, Ohio 44667
330-682-2105
Traditional Easter Food From All Over The World
It is Easter Weekend this week! What better way to get us ready than explore the world’s favorite, traditional Easter dishes? You never know, you just might find some tasty ideas for your own Easter meal!
Image Source: jovinacooksitalian.com/tag/easter/
‘Rosquillas’ From Spain
A lot of Spaniards will enjoy these special treats at Easter. These donuts can either be baked or fried. They are made from fermented flour and depending on the region, they’re either dusted with sugar, flavored with rosemary or some even soaked in anise liqueur.
‘Hot Cross Buns’ From U.K.
No Easter in Britain would be complete without Hot Cross Buns. This sweet, spiced bun is marked with a cross and has been eaten for hundreds of years in tradition to Easter. Simmel cakes which are fruit cakes topped with marzipan are also popular during Easter and they are made to resemble the Apostles.
‘Mämmi’ From Finland
Mämmi is traditionally made with rye flour, water, and powdered malted rye. It is also seasoned using dark molasses, dried powdered Seville orange zest, and salt. The name for it in Swedish is Memma.
‘Chervil Soup’ From Germany
Germans traditionally eat green colored foods on Maundy Thursday because it is known as Gründonnerstag or “Green Thursday”. Because of this, Chervil soup is a popular choice.
‘Tsoureki’ From Greece
This bread is quite like brioche. It is flavored with essence drawn from the seed of wild cherries. It’s an Easter tradition mainly because it is often decorated with hard-boiled eggs that have been dyed red, to symbolize the blood of Christ.
‘Kulich’ From Orthodox Christian Countries
Many families from Orthodox Christian Countries such as Georgia, Russia, and Bulgaria, are known to bake the Kulich cake during Easter time. Kulich is baked in a tall tin and is decorated with white icing and colorful sprinkles. The cake is also often blessed by a priest after and Easter service.
‘Påskeøl’ From Denmark
This may not be a dish as such but can easily accompany a great Easter dish because in Denmark, this is a special beer during Easter. It is slightly stronger than regular beer too!
‘Pashka’ From Russia
This dessert is in the shape of a pyramid, and for all us cheese lovers, it is made out of cheese! This particular dessert is traditionally served during Easter time in Russia. It is often decorated with the religious symbols ‘XB’, which are from “Christos Voskres”, which translates to “Christ has Risen”.
‘Pinca’ From Eastern Europe
Pinca is similar to a large hot cross bun. It is a sweet bread marked with the sign of the cross and is commonly eaten in Slovenia and Croatia to celebrate the end of Lent. In some areas of Italy, it is also enjoyed.
‘Paçoca De Amendoim’ From Brazil
This tasty Brazilian treat is often served in honor of the Easter festival in Brazil. It is made from peanuts, cassava flour, and sugar.
‘Capirotada’ From Mexico
Capirotada is a spiced Mexican bread pudding which is filled with cinnamon, raisins, cloves and cheese. It is popular during Easter and is said to that each ingredient carries a reminder of the suffering of Christ. The cloves resemble the nails on the cross, the cinnamon as the wooden cross itself and the bread as the Body of Christ.
‘Colomba Di Pasqua’ From Italy
Colomba Di Pasqua is very similar in taste to the Italian Christmas bread ‘Panettone’. This cake is candied peel stuffed and is often shaped like a dove for religious symbolism.
‘Mona De Pascua’ From Spain
This popular Easter cake is traditionally cooked in many regions of Spain during Holy Week (Semana Santa). This cake traditionally is what looks to be a large donut which is topped with a hardboiled egg.
A Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Meal
Whether you enjoy dressing up in all green, enjoying the family festivities or getting absolutely wasted until the early hours, the most central part of any holiday is a great dinner – and a hearty, Irish meal is so important on St. Patrick’s day.
Image Source: noexcusesbbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_1920.jpg
Corned Beef Brisket, Cabbage, Potatoes, And Carrots
This incredible dish takes a whopping 10 hours to cook- but is so worth it! Back when St. Patrick’s day became a tradition, you might’ve found families corning their own beef, but nowadays there is absolutely nothing wrong with a delicious store-bought corned beef brisket. Like any holiday, getting up super early just to start cooking is a tradition- and this beef brisket definitely follows through on that tradition, cooking for 10 hours to ensure mouthwatering, tender, moist meat. Not only does it need to cook for 10 hours, you ideally need to let it cool for a day in its cooking liquid to ensure even more amazing flavor. Carrots, cabbage, and potatoes compliment this delicious hunk of meat perfectly, making every juicy mouthful a delight.
Champ
These mashed potatoes are definitely a dish for ‘champs’. Unlike normal mashed potatoes, champs are much creamier and are scallion-studded. They are enriched with milk and butter and are seasoned with salt and pepper, with finely sliced scallions added. The flavor is rich and extra zesty.
Stout-Battered Onion Rings
Onion rings may not be traditional to Irish culture, but stout definitely rings it in. Stout-battered onion rings are rich in flavor, with hints of paprika, honey, and mustard for spice and sweetness. These aren’t your typical onion rings- they are a special type, bursting with flavor, perfect for the special day of St. Patrick’s Day.
Soda Bread
Soda bread is a very traditional bread of the Irish, so it makes sense to enjoy it on St. Patrick’s Day! Soda bread is so dense and crumby and uses baking soda for leavening. It is also enriched with buttermilk and sweetened with honey. As opposed to the more traditional soaked raisins, using cranberries can be refreshing, along with it being studded with whiskey. If you aren’t a fan of Soda Bread, another option could be nutty Irish brown bread to accompany the meal.
Irish Coffee Ice Cream With Dark Chocolate and Pecans
Image Source: seriouseats.com/recipes/assets_c/2010/12/20101221-129824-coffee-caramel-ice-cream-thumb-625xauto-129798.jpg
There’s nothing that tops off a meal better than some ice cream, but even better, Irish ice cream on St. Patrick’s Day! This delicious dessert is bursting with buttery caramel, roasted coffee grounds and not forgetting the generous portion of Irish Whiskey! Its flavor is creamy and sweet, with a slight bitterness and smokiness to it, really complementing the other flavors. The dessert is finished off with crunchy candied pecans and shaved dark chocolate- because who doesn’t like chocolate?
‘Must-Know’ List Of Irish Beers For St. Patrick’s Day
One of the biggest Irish traditions has got to be the beers- from ales and lagers to delicious stouts, they are all staples to most St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world. From Harp to Guinness, there’s a notable Irish brew for every beer lover. Whether you are heading out to a parade on the day or hosting your own party, here are some ‘must-know’ Irish beers to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day!
Image Source: dublinsquareirishpub.com/images/beer_pints_002.png
Guinness Draught
Guinness is one of the most popular Irish beers worldwide, especially in the U.S. Its flavor is distinct with smooth aromas and deep, dark, satisfying flavors. There are different Guinness brews which are most popular to have- Guinness Draught, Extra Stout, and Foreign Extra Stout.
Image Source: blogs.haverford.edu/celticfringe/files/2017/02/guinness1.jpg
Smithwick’s Irish Ale
Smithwick’s is often referred as “Smitticks”. This ale has a unique flavor to it which combines hops with deep malt, coffee, aromatic fruits and roasted barley notes.
Image Source: beerandamovie.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/3498868847_cdfdc0e2ed.jpg
Harp Lager
This lightly colored lager is refreshing in flavor and has a European ring to it. It is rich in flavor and isn’t like any other lager, boasting a smooth and sharp finish.
Image Source: glibeer.com/images/products/62/harp_6pk__large.jpg
Murphy’s Irish Stout
This Irish Stout has become increasingly more popular over the years, particularly in the U.S. It’s much more light a sweet in flavor compared to the other stouts.
Image Source: deerparkpub.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/murhpys-Irish-Stout.jpg
O’Hara’s Celtic Stout
Celtic Stout is a smooth, dry, Irish Stout which combines the rich flavor of coffee with traditional hops. There are also notes of tasty licorice in there!
Image Source: carlowbrewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/beers-oharas-irish-stout-main.png
Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
With it’s smooth and creamy finish, it has a base flavor which is similar to Smithwick’s. However, the cream ale gives its own unique and delicious blend, nonetheless.
Image Source: cvshopfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Kilkenny-Irish-Cream-Ale.png
Beamish Irish Stout
This Beamish Irish Stout was formulated back in 1792 to capture the traditional taste of stout from Ireland. It has a fully rounded, malted flavor.
Image Source: wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/nj1015.com/files/2013/03/Beamish-Irish-Stout.png
Murphy’s Irish Red
This beer dates back all the way to 1856. It is a crisp and dry beer which is naturally red, with hints of fruit and caramel in its flavor.
Image Source: media-verticommnetwork1.netdna-ssl.com/wines/murphys-irish-red-436361.jpg
O’Hara’s Irish Wheat
This Irish Stout isn’t as common, however, it is a good, tasty brew which is perfect for those lighter drinkers in need of an easy-drinking option. Including fruits such as peaches, bananas, plums mixed with traditional hops, this golden wheat ale is smooth and quenches your thirst.
Image Source: images.foxnews.com
Porterhouse Brewing Co. Oyster Stout
Quite like its name, this stout is truly unique. Being one of Dublin’s favorite aromatic beer, it is bursting with interesting blends of dark, flavorful hops, grains and strangely enough, fresh oysters!
Image Source: kelleychisholm.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/porterhouse-oyster-stout.jpg
Start 2017 Off On The Right Foot: New Year’s Resolutions
As we all know, the proverbial means by which to start a new year off on the right foot is through a means of a set of goals, or what are more commonly known as “New Year’s Resolutions”. This is usually an itemized list, and much of the time prioritized, that allows an individual to set goals throughout the year for accomplishing “feats” that benefit your lifestyle, in a physical or mental sense. They can be anything from “writing a book” to “losing weight”. These resolutions help us begin the year on a positive, motivated note in hopes of continuing this through the course of the entire year, and essentially, make it into a lifestyle decision, with the goal of the resolutions to benefit ourselves and even those around us.
Source: http://portalmanagement.ro/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/HAPPY-BUSINESS-3.jpg
As we are only a few days into the new year, here are just a few ideas, resolutions, goals, pr whatever you would like to call them, to help get you or someone you know on the right foot this year:
Get in Shape: Losing weight is normally at the top of every person’s new year’s resolution list and can be a tough goal to reach, but if you put your mind to it, a goal that can definitely be attained. It is a combination of “increased exercise routines” and “eating right” to stay fit and healthy. If you want to start an exercise program, find one that will give you steady results over a longer period of time.
Eat Healthier, Eat Less: Usually, this goes hand-in-hand with the former resolution. Knock out the unhealthy foods from your lifestyle as well as the unhealthy eating habits. While it is perfectly fine to indulge one’s self every so often, do not find yourself doing such on a consistent basis.
Just say “No” to procrastination: Procrastination can be fun. It’s having fun or relaxing when you can be getting work done and be productive and ultimately, reaching your goals. As procrastination becomes a habit, it becomes increasingly harder to break that habit. There can always be that “happy medium” where you have a good balance of “work and play”. The biggest feat is to find that happy medium, and it is very possible.
Meet new people: The world is an amazing place with amazing people. One of the biggest problems we face in life is that we become so busy and so invested in our jobs and daily routines that we never bother to explore the world or the people in it. Make a valiant effort to meet new people, make new friends and explore all that the world has to offer.
Become confident: Being confident is a big key to the success you have in life. Those that display confidence get recognized by the individuals around them. Confidence will boost your self-image and ultimately, transform you into a very positive person (if you are not one already). Make this year your best year yet by gaining the confidence you need to succeed at what you want to do.
The Best Cheeses To Serve At Christmas Dinner
After reading the headliner of this article, you might find yourself asking, “Does it really matter what cheese I serve at Christmas Dinner?” Ask any cheese enthusiast, critic or connoisseur and they will tell you that, without a doubt, it does matter what cheese you serve at your Christmas dinner to garner the best results from your guests. Cheese has a multi-faceted purpose… that is, it its own taste that it brings to the table and the immense taste it aids in bringing out in other foods at the Christmas dinner table. That said, if you are thinking of putting just any type of cheese out on the dinner table this Christmas, you might want to reconsider using some of the cheese options listed below:
Isle of Mull
An excellent sharp cheddar with bite that finished off with a mellow taste, native to Scotland. Coming in various sizes, this is an ideal cheese to include on your Christmas Dinner table or cheese platter.
Colston Bassett Stilton
Is this a cheese or a military general? Quite the mouthful if you ask me, but if you consider the taste it packs, it might just be a mouthful… of taste! A quintessential part of any British Christmas, this stilton is one of the premier cheeses, with its creamy and crumbly texture and perfect balance of flavor, that can be paired with just about any port (wine) or enjoyed straight-up.
Clava Brie
A lighter and more delicate cheese than its French counterpart, this particular version of Clava Brie is native to the Moray coastal region of Scotland. This cheese would be perfectly paired with the more delicate dishes at the Christmas dinner.
Eve
Enjoy a little brandy with you cheese? Then Eve is for you. A cheese made from goats’ milk, Eve is soaked in a cider-based brandy and wrapped in a vine leaf. Different from other goats’ cheeses is Eve’s pungent aroma. Similar to other goats’ cheeses is its delicate and creamy texture.
Smoked Ardrahan
Any fan of bacon would be a fan of this cheese. Its soft, cold smokiness intertwined with a smokey bacon flavor makes this cheese a literal “standout” at the Christmas dinner table.
Grimbister
Another excellent option to have on the Christmas table, native to the Orkney Islands of Scotland. If you are a fan of Wensleydale, a cheese native to England, you will surely love Grimbister at your Christmas dinner table.
Source: http://i3.cdnds.net/13/51/618×824/screen-shot-2013-12-20-at-115342.jpg
Quintessential Wines to Pair with Your Thanksgiving Feast
Among your list of items to get and ready for the Thanksgiving feast you’re hosting for the family is the turkey, stuffing, cranberry dressing, candied yams and pumpkin or apple pie, among others. Now, let’s take a step outside of the norm and delve into a world of flavor enhancement. And what does a more superior job of bringing out the flavors of a feast than a fine bottle of wine?
Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/images/2014/11/20141106-thanksgiving-wine-for-maggie-3.jpg
The World of White Wine
When you think of Chardonnay, its flavor is at its peak when paired with turkey and any cream-based dishes or that has cream in it. There are an ample amount of chardonnays you can try that are sure to fancy your desires, with obvious dependencies on budget. In terms of budget, there are wines on the market that can range anywhere from $10-15 per bottle to prices that soar well through the roof.
Pinot grigio is, overall, a crowd-pleaser. It might not be that “perfect” match with any specific dish on the Thanksgiving dinner table, but at the same time, it most certainly will not combat any flavors at the same time. Native to Italy is a bottle of Cavit, that won’t break the budget by any means, as a the largest bottle of Cavit can be bought for around $10-15. It’s a solid choice and has done historically well with holiday feasts.
Sauvignon Blanc is a near-natural “go-to” wine, regardless of the meal presented on the table. Contrary to pinot grigio’s limited matchings, sauvignon blanc is the better overall wine selection at Thanksgiving with its herb-filled qualities.
The World of Red Wine
That “perfect marriage” at the holiday table comes with a bottle of Pinot noir as it goes well with just about anything on the Thanksgiving menu and is best overall suited for a Thanksgiving feast. A great example of a perfect red wine at your Thanksgiving meal is a bottle of Oyster Bay which can usually go for about $16 on the shelf.
Zinfandel is another pristine wine selection at any Thanksgiving or holiday dinner table. Some top choices for a zinfandel are a Chilean bottle of Dancing Bull or from California, a bottle of Ravenswood, both which can be had for under $15, generally.
While nothing can beat an excellent Thanksgiving meal, or any holiday meal, let a bottle of red or white wine bring out the incredible flavors of every dish at your Thanksgiving dinner table this holiday season.
