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How to Shop For Cheese
You might be looking at the title thinking that you know how to go into a shop and grab some cheese… right?
But we are talking about how to shop for cheese and get the best experience possible. Today we’re going to share some tips to expand your cheese horizons.
1. Get to know your cheesemonger
When you pop into Shisler’s Cheese House, we’re always on hand to chat about cheese. We’ll help you find exactly what you need for that special occasion, pick the selection that will form the perfect cheeseboard, or show you the new cheeses that we have in stock.
If you’re shopping online you can still get in touch via our Facebook page or contact form.
2. Try cheeses made from different milk
You might always buy cow’s milk cheese and be missing out on sheep’s and goat’s milk cheeses. Try a variety of cheese and then you’ll always be able to buy your favorites. Trying different cheeses also means that you can eliminate the ones that you don’t like, which is just as important as finding the ones that you love.
3. Try different textures of cheese
You might always buy a hard cheese because you want it for sandwiches, but a soft or semi-soft cheese might be perfect for your party. Try all of the textures and you’ll find the ones for you.
4. Try cheeses from different countries
We have a huge range of imported cheeses ready for you to try. They’re sure to impress at a dinner party and you’ll be able to try out some new recipes.
5. Keep loving local cheeses
It’s great to try something imported, but there’s nothing like the taste of cheese that you know was made just a few miles down the road. You’ll be supporting local businesses and enjoying food with lower air miles.
6. Try different food pairings
Sometimes we decide that we don’t like a cheese, only to discover later that we like it with the right accompaniments. Don’t waste time finding this out later; try cheeses with different foods right away. Fruits, vegetables, pickles, and sauces can all change the flavor of cheeses. Ask us for recommendations to help you find the right combinations.
7. Try different drinks pairings
Just as trying cheeses with different foods can change your opinion of them, so can different drinks. Try a cheese with a recommended wine pairing to bring out its flavor. You might even find that a beer, whiskey or soft drink is the best pairing you. As always, experiment with flavors to get the most out of your cheese.
8. Don’t be afraid!
It can seem complicated or daunting to try new cheeses, especially if they’re really distinctive or new to you! But don’t be afraid, we are here to help. Even if you’ve always gone for the same cheese, you can become a cheese connoisseur in no time at all!
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our cheese shopping tips and now you’ll feel confident when you shop for cheese. Pop in and see us soon to try them out!
Why is Cheese Aged?
We all love eating cheese, but how much do we know about the process of making it? Today, let’s explore why cheese is aged and what this process does.
Aging cheese is sometimes called ripening. Some say that this is the most important part of the cheesemaking process because it gives each cheese its distinctive characteristics.
How does the cheesemaking process start?
Cheese is made by culturing milk, adding rennet and then separating the curds from the whey. These curds make cheese and are usually salted to start the process.
We eat some cheeses, such as ricotta and mozzarella, when they are young and unripened. However, most cheeses are aged for varying lengths of time.
Why are cheeses aged?
Cheeses are aged in order to transform the texture and intensify the flavor. The microbes and enzymes contained within the cheese react to the temperature and moisture of their environment, creating the different cheeses that we know and love.
What happens whilst a cheese is aging?
Over time, the cultures that were added to the cheese will grow and eat the lactose in the milk, changing it into lactic acid. Lactic acid gives cheeses their sharpness and tanginess.
There is also a process known as proteolysis, where the long protein strands created when the rennet was added begin to break down. These are responsible for the flavors that we experience in aged cheeses such as gouda and parmesan. If a cheese is smoky or nutty, it is because of the proteolysis.
This proteolysis also creates the gooey texture found in camembert, brie and limburger cheese.
Who is in charge of the aging process?
The person who looks after the cheese and decides how it is aged is known as an affineur.
Where are cheeses aged?
This all depends on the cheese and the desired effect of the aging.
Cheeses have historically been ripened in caves. Caves have a cool temperature and a high humidity, which allows the cheese to ripen without losing too much volume. Cheese is also very porous and so it takes on flavor from its surroundings. Aging in a cave allows the cheese to develop a strong, nutty flavor.
Some cheeses will be aged in a refrigerator or in a cool space such as a cellar. The affineur will make careful choices about the humidity and temperature involved to create the final product.
What about blue cheeses? How are they ripened?
Blue cheeses, such as Danish Blue and Stilton, have Penicillium cultures added to them. Tiny holes are made in the cheese to allow the air to reach the cultures. This encourages the blue/green veins that we recognize to form.
Can I age cheese that I have made at home?
Yes, you can. We recommend reading as much as you can about the cheese you are making before doing so. Some cheesemakers have had success using a wine refrigerator or spare refrigerator to age cheeses.
So, now you know about the cheese aging process! Do you have other questions about cheese making? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer them!
5 Ways to Take Your Grilled Cheese to the Next Level
It’s one of the nation’s favorites: the grilled cheese.
If you’re anything like us, you’ve tried a lot of grilled cheeses. You’ve probably already decided whether you like to butter your bread on both sides (we’re firmly in the yes camp!). You might have found your favorite cheese or chosen the ultimate bread. Well today, we’re going to show you how to take your grilled cheese to the next level with some clever additions and changes.
1. Add fruit
We absolutely love a sweet and savory combo! Adding fruit to your grilled cheese is an incredible way to add sweetness. You might want to choose a cheese based on the fruit that you’re going to use. Blueberries with mascarpone, peaches with gouda, apple butter with pepper jack, and strawberries with mozzarella are all great combinations. You could even create a Hawaiian pizza inspired grilled cheese with ham and pineapple.
2. Go for different bread
You might have found your favorite loaf, but that doesn’t mean you need to always reach for it. Have you tried brioche bread for your grilled cheese? It gets an incredible caramelization from its high sugar content. You could also try bagels! Even croissants work really well. Donuts and pound cake are an extra decadent addition to a sweet grilled cheese. Trust us, get creative and try a different bread for your grilled cheese this week.
3. Add pickles and relishes
Some of you will be purists who want the cheesiest grilled cheese that they can find, but we’re pretty partial to a good pickle in our sandwiches. It cuts through the richness and will pack a flavour punch at the same time. A spoonful of mustard can also work wonders with the right cheese.
4. Top it with a fried egg
Whether you like yours over easy or sunny side up, you won’t be sorry that you topped your grilled cheese with a fried egg. It does mean that you’ll have to use a knife and fork to dig in, rather than picking it up, but that’s a small sacrifice to make for the perfect combination of bread, melted cheese, and oozing egg yolks.
5. Go wild
We know that there’s a combination that you’ve dreamed of but haven’t dared to try. Now is the time! You want a mac and grilled cheese? You got it! Want to put crushed up pretzels inside? It sounds like a great idea! You want to grill chocolate and cheese between slices of cake? Go for it!
However you make your grilled cheese, we want you to love it. Pop into Shisler’s Cheese House to pick up your favorite cheeses and condiments.
Tell us about your grilled cheese inspiration in the comments!
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.
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!
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!
Thanksgiving at Shisler’s Cheese House – We Have Everything You Need!
The Holiday season is finally upon us!
Whether you’re having a quiet get together or filling the house with family and friends, we have the perfect accompaniments to all of the festivities. Check out our list below to make sure that you’re not missing out on anything, from the best cheeses to the perfect wine pairing for your turkey.
The Thanksgiving Menu Collection
Want to pick up everything you need for a fabulous Thanksgiving in one box? Grab our Thanksgiving Menu Collection. This contains a Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, Cheddar Cheese, Cranberry Delight Mix, Shisler’s Private Label Apple Butter, Pumpkin Muffin Mix and Uncle Ozgood’s Popcorn on the Cob. This will contain enough to feed 8 people. If you’re having a larger party, or want to try more treats, pick up another of our gift boxes. We love our Red Wine and White Wine Collections for all of you cheese lovers, but our Amish Country Sampler Gift Box is also the perfect addition to a party.
Read on to find out which wines we recommend for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Really treat your loved ones
We know that you’re going to want only the best this holiday season. That’s why we’ve put together our Gourmet Foods section. Here you can find the best nuts, syrups, mustards, and snacks, that are sure to make your party a roaring success.
Sweet moments
If you haven’t completely overindulged at dinner, one of the great pleasures of the holiday season is sharing a sweet treat and hunkering down to watch one of your favorite holiday movies. Head to our Chocolate section to find your favorites. We love Heggy’s Milk Chocolate Coated Marshmallows, Yogurt Pretzels and our Amish country grown White Chocolate Popcorn, but there is plenty to choose from. Find whatever takes your fancy!
Skinny Alternatives
If you’re concerned about your waistline this Thanksgiving, check out our Skinny Alternatives section. This is full of healthier cheeses, sugar-free chocolates, and calorie-free treats. You can still have all the fun of the season without the calories!
Which wines?
Don’t forget to pick up some wine to go with the cheeses and the rest of your meal. If you’re having turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner, we have a few favorites that will work well.
A Garnacha is a wonderful, cost-effective, choice with plenty of red fruit flavors. These will complement the turkey and gravy, almost as a cranberry sauce does.
Pinot Noir is also a great pick for poultry. It’s a light red wine that still has a fantastic elegance for a party.
If you are a fan of white wines, a full-bodied Chardonnay would be a wonderful selection. The oaky sweetness alongside the cream lactic acid of this wine makes it a bottle that won’t overpower your turkey but will make it sing.
We hope that our list will help you to make great choices for Thanksgiving this week.
All that’s left to say is Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Shisler’s Cheese House!
Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Clover Honey
Are you a fan of honey on your toast in the mornings? Or perhaps you like it drizzled over goat’s cheese? However you like to eat your honey, you might not have yet explored the world of clover honey. Read on to find out all about clover honey, our recipe ideas, the health benefits to be found when eating it, and the honey we have on offer.
What is Clover Honey?
Clover honey is derived from the nectar of the clover plant, collected by honey bees. You can spot it because it will be light colored and very mild. The clarity of the honey will show you its purity; the best honey should be as clear as possible.
How Should I Eat It?
Clover honey is an incredibly versatile ingredient. Below are just some of the ways you might want to use it in the kitchen.
- Try swapping honey for sugar when baking. As a general rule, for every 1 cup of sugar, substitute ½ to 2/3 cup of honey. You should also reduce the liquid in the recipe by ¼ cup and add ½ teaspoon of baking soda for each cup of honey used. Reduce the temperature of your oven by 25°F, as honey will become crisp and brown faster than sugar.
- Sweeten your tea with honey and enjoy a sweeter taste with lower calories.
- Drizzle clover honey over granola for a sweeter breakfast.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of clover honey, the zest of 1 orange and 2 cloves of garlic. Brush onto a cooked rack of lamb for a slightly floral twist.
- Make a pure honey and mustard dressing for your favourite salad.
- Add clover honey to yoghurt for a delicious breakfast or dessert.
- Spread on toast or a bagel.
- Serve clover honey alongside a cheeseboard at your next dinner party. Check out some of our favourite cheese collections here.
- Pour a little honey over your favourite popcorn for a stick treat.
- Add clover honey to your next stir fry along with soy sauce and a chilli kick.
What Are the Benefits?
Fat-free and cholesterol free, clover honey has been found to contain vitamins and minerals that can reduce the risk of illness. Honey is 25% sweeter than table sugar, whilst being an all-natural sweetener. It is a source of flavonoids, which may reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease. It’s also the only food that contains the antioxidant pinocembrin, which has been linked to improved brain function. This isn’t just clover honey, it’s clever honey!
Where Can I Buy It?
Right here at Shisler’s Cheese House!
We carry two types of pure clover honey. Tonn’s Pure Clover Honey is a very versatile honey that can be used in baking, cooking, and at the table. If you are looking for honey straight from the hive to your table, you will find it in Tonn’s Pure Clover Honey Comb. The raw honey found inside is brimming with health benefits and will make a stunning centrepiece for a celebration breakfast.
Pick up some pure clover honey today and try it out in your favorite recipes.
Cheesemaking: How To Make Derby Cheese With Sage
This cheese is a Derbyshire cheese that was created during the early 20th century. It is a moister, softer and earlier ripening version of Cheddar. Sage is added to this recipe to give it a delicious twist.
Recipe
