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How to Make Jam
We absolutely love jam here at Shisler’s Cheese House. It’s great for spreading on toast, eating in sandwiches or incorporating into your baking.

Today we thought we would introduce you to the basic jam making technique. You’ll need:
- Jars to store your finished product
- An equal weight of fruit and granulated sugar – some great fruit choices include strawberries, raspberries, cherries, or peaches. You can even combine fruits to try out new flavors. Just be sure to weigh all of the fruit together to get the right weight for the sugar.
- A large pan
- Start by sterilizing your jars. You can do this in a variety of ways, but the easiest is to wash your jars thoroughly in soapy water, rinse them, and then place them into an oven on a very low heat to dry them out.
- Put the fruit and sugar into your pan on a very low heat and stir until all the sugar is dissolved.
- Bring the fruit mixture up to a rapid, rolling boil and cook for 3-5 minutes. As your jam approaches the setting point, it will begin to thicken and start to boil more slowly.
- To test if the jam has reached setting point, remove the pan from the heat. Spoon a little of the fruit onto a cold plate, leave it to cool for a few minutes, and then push your finger or a spoon into the jam. If the jam wrinkles, it is ready. If not, return the pan to the heat and cook the jam for a minute or two more before testing it again.
- Once the jam reaches its setting point, carefully spoon it into the prepared jars and put the lids on while the jam is still hot. It will thicken as it cools and the jar should seal. If it doesn’t, then the jam should be eaten within a couple of weeks.
- If the jar is sealed, it can be kept for around six months. Once opened, pop it into the fridge to keep it fresh.
If you don’t feel like making your own, then we have a whole range of jams and jellies ready for you to enjoy. Our homestyle jams from Walnut Creek come in Cherry, Blueberry, Black Raspberry, Rhubarb, Strawberry, Red Raspberry, Strawberry Rhubarb, Peach, Strawberry Kiwi, Apricot, Blackberry, Boysenberry, and Elderberry Jelly. With that many flavors, we know that you’ll find one that you love! We also stock a Private Label Old Fashioned Apple Butter, made from the best locally grown apples and locally produced Amish butter.
If you prefer savory treats, we offer a Hot Pepper Jelly and our Private Label Tomato Jam. The tomato is a local tradition, made from ripe locally grown flavorful tomatoes. We suggest serving it with our well-aged Canadian Cheddar, but there are many uses. It’s incredible in a BLT or served on cornbread, eggs, and roasted potatoes. The Hot Pepper Jelly is also great with cheese or ham.
How do you make jam? What’s your favorite flavor? Let us know in the comments below!
10 Uses for Jams and Jellies
Whether you love trying different jams and jellies, or you have made lots yourself, sometimes you need to find a way to use some up. Especially at this time of year, when you’ll be thinking about making new jams with all of the lovely summer fruit.
Read on to find out some of our tips and tricks for using up jams and jellies.

- Cakes
You don’t always have to use strawberry or raspberry jam to sandwich cakes together. Try out different flavor combinations and find your favorites.
- Gravy
This might sound a little odd, but trust us: it’s delicious. A little sweetness can go a long way to turning a good gravy into a great gravy. Add a teaspoon at a time and keep tasting; you don’t want to overpower it.
3. Yogurt
Stir jams and jellies into plain yogurt to create a delicious and easy dessert. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but you don’t want to leave the house.
4. Salad Dressings
Sometimes you might add a little sugar or honey to a salad dressing for sweetness. Try jam instead! Make sure you taste it before pouring it over your salad to make sure that you’ve got the flavors right. A great tip is to take a leaf or veggie from your salad and dip it into the dressing to taste. This way you get to try the flavors together, instead of tasting dressing on its own.
5. Grilled Cheese
We’ve mentioned this before, but jam or jelly can take your grilled cheese to the next level. We especially love this with cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone, but hard cheeses like gouda work well with fruit as well.
6. Barbecue
As the weather warms up and you start to think about cooking on the barbecue, try using jelly as a glaze for meats. Mix your jelly with a little water and heat over a low heat until it is a brushable glaze. Then simply brush it onto the meat.
7. Cocktails
Any cocktail that is shaken can have a spoonful of jam added to it. We especially love apricot jam in a mojito, but this is definitely something to experiment with. Make sure that you give everything a good shake before serving.
8. Pancakes
Pop jams and jellies on the table when you’re serving pancakes and watch them get eaten up! This is especially good with whipped cream.
9. Oatmeal
Oatmeal with a dollop of jam on top is a true joy. Try different flavors to find your favorite. You’ll never have a boring bowl for breakfast again.
10. Biscuits
Sandwich biscuits together with jam or even add a little to the batter to create an added sweetness. This is a quick and easy way to add excitement to your baking. It’s also a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list. If you need some jam or jelly to try out these ideas, we’ve got you covered. Which will you try? Let us know in the comments!
Shisler’s Fig Jam
Fig Jam A sweet and delicious jam made from real figs. If you like strawberry Jam, you’ll love fig jam!
Shisler’s Private Label Tomato Jam (18 Oz.)
Shisler’s Tomato Jam
A local tradition made from ripe locally grown flavorful tomatoes, never the commercially grown bland variety. We suggest serving this tomato jam with our well-aged Canadian Cheddar, but there are many uses. You can make a BLT with it. It’s incredible on cornbread, eggs, and roasted potatoes.
Fuego Trio (Hot Cheese)
The Fuego Trio – Extreme Heat, Bold Flavor
Bring the heat with The Fuego Trio, a powerful combination of three of the spiciest cheeses available. Featuring Ghost Pepper Cheese, Scorpion Cheddar, and Carolina Reaper Cheese, this bundle is crafted for those who crave bold flavor and intense spice.
Each cheese delivers its own unique level of heat and flavor, from smoky and rich to sharp and fiery. Together, they create a one-of-a-kind tasting experience that builds with every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a party, creating a spicy charcuterie board, or challenging your taste buds, The Fuego Trio is the ultimate choice for heat seekers.
What’s Included in The Fuego Trio
🔥 Ghost Pepper Cheese – Smoky heat with a smooth, creamy base
🔥 Scorpion Cheddar – Sharp cheddar flavor with intense, lingering spice
🔥 Carolina Reaper Cheese – Extreme heat balanced with rich, bold cheese
Each cheese is carefully crafted to deliver both flavor and fire, making this trio a must-have for spicy food lovers.
Why You’ll Love The Fuego Trio
- Includes three ultra-spicy gourmet cheeses
- Perfect for spice lovers and heat challenges
- Great for parties, gifts, and entertaining
- Bold, unique flavors with varying heat levels
- Ideal for snacking, cooking, or charcuterie boards
Flavor Profile
Heat Level: Very Hot to Extreme
Taste: Rich, sharp, smoky, and spicy
Texture: Firm, sliceable, and creamy
Each cheese balances intense heat with high-quality flavor for an unforgettable experience.
How to Enjoy
The Fuego Trio is perfect for:
- spicy cheese boards
- burgers and sandwiches
- melting into dips or recipes
- pairing with crackers and meats
Perfect With
Pair The Fuego Trio with:
- crackers and pretzels
- cured meats
- cold beverages
- sweet jams (to balance heat)
Perfect for Spice Lovers
If you enjoy bold, fiery foods, The Fuego Trio is made for you. This collection delivers escalating heat levels and rich flavor, making it perfect for adventurous eaters and hot food enthusiasts.
Why Shop at CheeseHouse
At Shisler’s Cheese House, we specialize in unique, high-quality specialty foods. The Fuego Trio is carefully selected to deliver both exceptional flavor and unforgettable heat.
Customers choose us for:
- unique gourmet products
- high-quality cheeses
- bold and hard-to-find flavors
- trusted specialty food selection
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is The Fuego Trio?
This bundle ranges from very hot to extremely hot, with Carolina Reaper Cheese being one of the hottest.
Can I cook with these cheeses?
Yes, they melt well and can be used in recipes, dips, and spicy dishes.
Is this a good gift?
Absolutely—The Fuego Trio makes a great gift for anyone who loves spicy food or unique cheeses.
Christmas Breakfast Ideas With Cheese
Christmas Breakfast Ideas With Cheese
Make a festive spread to remember with our Christmas breakfast ideas with cheese. From sweet to savory, this list will have you covered!

Savory Options
- Cheesy egg and sausage casserole
A hearty baked dish layered with eggs, breakfast sausage, and loads of shredded cheddar or Gruyère. - Cheese-stuffed croissants
Flaky croissants filled with brie, cream cheese, or Gruyère, baked until golden. - Spinach and cheese breakfast strata
A layered bread casserole with spinach, eggs, and a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella. - Cheddar and chive scones
Fluffy scones packed with sharp cheddar and a touch of fresh chives. - Caprese breakfast sandwich
Fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on a toasted English muffin. - Ham and cheese puff pastry pockets
Puff pastry filled with diced ham, cream cheese, and Swiss or Gruyère. - Cheesy potato hash
Crispy potatoes tossed with melty cheddar or Pepper Jack and topped with poached eggs. - Baked brie and cranberry pastry cups
Mini puff pastry cups filled with brie, cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of pecans. - Cheese and herb frittata
A simple yet elegant egg dish with goat cheese, feta, or ricotta and fresh herbs. Mix in a little pumpkin butter into the egg filling. - Everything bagel breakfast pizza
Bagel halves topped with cream cheese, scrambled eggs, cheddar, and bacon crumbles.
Sweet Cheese-Inspired Options
- Ricotta pancakes with honey
Light and fluffy ricotta pancakes drizzled with honey and topped with fresh berries. - Cheesecake-stuffed French toast
Thick slices of bread filled with sweetened cream cheese and dusted with powdered sugar. - Cheese Danish pastries
Classic puff pastry filled with sweetened cream cheese and topped with fruit or jam. - Apple and brie Puff pastry braid
A stunning breakfast centerpiece filled with brie, thinly sliced apples, and a touch of cinnamon sugar. - Savory- sweet cheese board
A breakfast twist on a charcuterie board featuring soft cheeses, fruits, nuts, bagels, and spreads.
Our Top Tips for a Festive Spread
We’ve broken these up into menu and general tips:
Tips for a Great Christmas Breakfast Menu
- Plan a balanced menu: Include a mix of sweet and savory items. For example, pair pancakes or pastries with egg-based dishes or casseroles. Add a variety of textures: crispy (bacon, croissants), creamy (yogurt, cheeses), and fluffy (waffles, frittatas).
- Incorporate holiday colors: Use red and green ingredients like cranberries, pomegranates, strawberries, spinach, and basil to create a festive look. Garnish dishes with edible holiday touches such as rosemary sprigs or powdered sugar “snow.”
- Have that one showstopper dish: Make one centerpiece dish, like a baked brie wreath or a Christmas tree-shaped pull-apart bread, to wow your guests.
- Prepare ahead: Choose recipes that can be made or prepped the night before, like breakfast casseroles, overnight oats, or muffin batter. Lay out serving dishes, utensils, and decorations the evening prior.
- Incorporate cheese: We are biased, but….everyone loves cheese! Right? Check out our full range here.
- Serve seasonal drinks: Prepare a festive beverage menu featuring items like cranberry mimosas, eggnog, or spiced apple cider.
- Keep portions small: Offer bite-sized portions for variety and ease, such as mini quiches, slider-style breakfast sandwiches, or muffin tin casseroles.
- Use decorative serve ware: Go for holiday-themed plates, napkins, and serving trays to tie the theme together.
- Have DIY options: Set up stations:
- Bagel bar: Include cream cheese, smoked salmon, sliced veggies, and festive toppings.
- Pancake or waffle station: Offer syrups, fresh fruit, whipped cream, and sprinkles.
- Hot chocolate bar: Provide cocoa, marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, and chocolate shavings.
General Tips for a Great Christmas Breakfast
- Make it interactive: Include a group activity to enhance the experience, like decorating Christmas cookies or building a gingerbread house after breakfast.
- Label dishes: Add small cards to identify each dish, mainly if you include allergy-friendly or gluten-free options.
- Add personal touches: Include handwritten thank-you notes or mini Christmas crackers at each place setting to make guests feel special.
- Don’t forget the kids: Offer kid-friendly options like fruit skewers, yogurt parfaits, or Christmas-shaped pancakes with fun toppings.
Cheese Pairing with Festive Desserts: Unexpected Combos that Work
Cheese Pairing Ideas For Festive Desserts: Unexpected Combos that Work
Cheese pairing isn’t just about cheese and crackers as part of your snacks—it can bring an exciting twist to your dessert table, too! Pairing cheese with festive sweets creates unique flavor experiences that enhance both sweet and savory elements.

Explore unexpected cheese pairing combinations like sharp cheddar with apple pie or creamy blue cheese with dark chocolate. Plus, try out a cheerful dessert board.
In this article we share cheese pairing ideas with gingerbread cookies, whipped apple butter, goat cheese (Chevin), candy canes, and seasonal fruits for an easy-to-assemble, crowd-pleasing spread.
A Festive Dessert Cheese Board with Gingerbread, Whipped Apple Butter, Goat Cheese & More
For a truly festive dessert board, bring together traditional holiday flavors with a fun mix of treats. Start with gingerbread cookies for a spiced and sweet base that pairs well with creamy cheeses.
Next, add a small bowl of whipped apple butter for a sweet, smooth spread. This is especially delicious when combined with goat cheese (Chevre). Goat’s cheese has a mild tanginess contrasts beautifully with the sweet apple butter and spicy gingerbread.
Round out the board with some seasonal flair by adding mini candy canes and fresh holiday fruits like pomegranate arils, clementines, and red grapes. These fruits add a burst of color and juicy sweetness that complements the other items on the board.
With these exciting cheese and dessert pairings, your holiday dessert spread will be as unique as it is delicious.
Cheddar and Apple Pie
The pairing of Canadian aged cheddar cheese with apple pie is a classic that has stood the test of time.
The sharp, salty taste of cheddar complements the sweetness and warmth of spiced apple filling. This combination creates a perfect balance of flavors.
For this pairing, go for a sharp or aged cheddar. It offers a strong, complex flavor that won’t get lost against the apple pie’s sweetness.
Serve small wedges of cheddar alongside individual slices of apple pie or mini hand pies for easy enjoyment.
You could also get creative by baking shredded cheddar directly onto the crust for an elevated version of this beloved pairing. Another fun idea is to serve apple and cheddar skewers—alternate cubes of cheddar with apple slices for a tasty, bite-sized treat.
Blue Cheese and Dark Chocolate
Blue cheese and dark chocolate might seem like an unexpected match, but their rich flavors complement each other beautifully. The earthy, slightly tangy flavor of blue cheese plays well with the bold bitterness of dark chocolate.
On your dessert board, break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place them next to a wedge of blue cheese. Or, create small bites by spreading a little blue cheese on top of dark chocolate squares.
You could also get creative by making dark chocolate truffles with a hint of blue cheese in the center—an adventurous twist for your holiday spread!
Beer Cheese and Fig Jam
Beer cheese and fig jam is a gentle, crowd-pleasing pairing that brings joy to any dessert table. The mild, buttery flavor of beer cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of our housebrand fig jam, which adds a hint of earthy complexity.
For this pairing, simply place a dollop of fig jam on each slice of beer cheese, or serve the cheese and fig jam side by side for easy spreading.
This combination works beautifully with fresh figs, sliced pears, or crackers.
Wrapping It Up
We have the most incredible cheese selective available for you to browse. Don’t miss our meats and accompaniments too!












