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Flavored Cheeses: Add Flair to Your Cheeseboard
We stock a variety of flavored cheeses here at Shisler’s Cheese House and we love how they can add extra excitement to any cheeseboard. They are also great for adding flavor to a variety of different dishes.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favorites for you to enjoy. We’ve also added some great culinary ideas to use them up.
Bacon Cheese
A creamy cheddar infused with smoky bacon. This is great for breakfast dishes such as muffins or a frittata. The smoky flavor will also work well with slightly sweeter dishes. Add it to a cheeseboard and see if your guests can identify the flavor.
Beer Cheese
A semi-soft combination of Limburger and Brick Cheese. Not to be mistaken for a Beer Cheese dip, it has a very strong smell and taste. Germans like to put it on rye bread along with some sliced onion and have it with beer.
Garlic Cheddar
A lovely mild white cheddar with the addition of flavorsome garlic. This is perfect for pasta dishes or even an extra special grilled cheese. Combine it with mushrooms or ham for brilliant flavor combinations.
Green Onion Cheese
Made with real green onions so that you get plenty of flavor in every mouthful. Try it with a picnic of salads and meats for a simple meal. This is one of our favorite flavored cheeses for adding extra zing.
Havarti Cheese with Caraway
Havarti Cheese is an interior-ripened cheese that is rindless and smooth. It has very small and irregular eyes. It can be somewhat sharp and buttery in taste with sweet notes. This variation of Havarti Cheese is infused with Caraway Fruits, commonly referred to as Caraway seeds, which are the principal element in the flavor of rye bread. It has a pungent anise-like flavor and aroma. Plain Havarti Cheese and Havarti Cheese with Dill are also available.
Horseradish Cheddar
A white cheddar infused with the spicy tang of horseradish. Well balanced so that you get both creamy and spicy flavors coming through. This would work brilliantly with beef burgers or other beef dishes with cheese.
Pepperoni Cheese
One of the nation’s favorite flavors, already infused into cheese for us to enjoy. It’s perfect for pizza! You could also enjoy it on crackers or with vegetables. This is another good choice for a grilled cheese with extra taste.
Bermuda Onion Cheese
A delicious cheese with savory onion tones. Great with pickles or chutney. This could also be an excellent addition to a fondue if you want to make it extra flavorful. Try it melted onto toast with soup. This is perfect when the weather starts to get colder.
Hot Pepper Cheese
We stock a wide range of spicy cheeses, but the hot pepper cheese is a great place to start. It has just the right amount of kick to add fire to your favorite dishes alongside a lovely peppery flavor. It works really well with Mexican dishes such as tacos or quesadillas.
Which of these flavored cheeses would you like to try? Let us know in the comments!
Shisler’s Cheese House, still darn Gouda after 60 years (Massillon Independent)
GREAT article about us in The Massillon Independent by Jolene Limbacher
ORRVILLE Say “cheese” and smile because Shisler’s Cheese House is celebrating its 60th anniversary Friday and Saturday with fun, food and festivities.
It’s a joyous occasion for matriarch Rita Shisler and her family, who have shepherded the small but mighty specialty food shop, which has been a longtime popular tourist stop on the east-west corridor of Rt. 30.
On Aug. 7, 1958, Grandpa John Shisler purchased the cheese house from Fred Bieri, an elderly cheesemaker from Switzerland. Now, six decades and tons and tons of cheese later, it’s time to party.
Throughout the next two days, the celebration will include music, prizes, face painting, characters from the movie “Frozen,” a bounce house and free cheese samples, hot dogs and grilled bratwurst.
The 900-square-foot store, which does a robust business:
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- Sells 2,000 pounds of Swiss cheese alone every week.
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- Offers imported cheeses from Denmark, Spain, Switzerland, Italy and Holland.
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- Carries 82 different kinds of local cheeses made at six Holmes County cheese factories.
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- Shipped cheese and gourmet products to 30 different countries last year.
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- Ships to every state in the United States, with the most cheese and bologna going to Florida.
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- Has shipped hams made at nearby Streb’s Meats to every National Football League owner.
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- Used to send a wheel of baby Swiss every Christmas to legendary comedian Bob Hope. After he died at age 100 in 2003, the shipments continued to his widow, Dolores, until her death in 2011.
It’s a shame, Rita Shisler lamented, that many people only know about pre-packaged cheese that’s cut into slices, wrapped in cellophane and sold as “processed cheese.”
“They have no idea what fresh cheese tastes like,” she said. “Once they taste it, they absolutely fall in love with it.”
Jailed for keeping Sunday hours
For 49 years, Shisler has been opening the store at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at 9 a.m on Sundays. She’s the good-will ambassador with the personal touch and instant rapport with customers, chatting about where they’re from, how many children and grandchildren they have and how they must try their latest kind of cheese.
She reminisced about Grandpa Shisler, who at 19 years old, became the youngest postmaster of Dalton in 1909, a position that was once a political appointment. He held that job for 16 years.
He was quite the rebel, she recalls, because soon after he bought the store in 1958, he didn’t cotton to being told what hours he could keep.
Until, that is, the Wayne County sheriff conducted a sting operation by sending an employee to the store on a Sunday to buy a loaf of bread. With sirens blaring, they hauled a defiant Grandpa off to jail for violating Ohio’s now-defunct blue law, which prohibited retail activity on Sundays.
Then, to punctuate his personal dislike of government dictating his business hours, he refused to allow son Dan to bail him out right away. Grandpa was 76 when he died in 1966.
“I would not have gone to jail,” said Rita Shisler. “I would have followed the law and closed the store.”
Under Dan Shisler’s ownership, which began in 1959, the store grew by leaps and bounds. Rita Shisler said her husband was one of the best baseball players to come out of Dalton High School. From there, he went to Ohio University where he played ball, signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, but tore up his shoulder and never fulfilled his dream of playing in the majors.
After Dan and Rita married, he turned the store over to her and became delicatessen and wine manager at the former A & D Foodarama. They opened a second location — Shisler’s Cheese & Wine Barrel — in the Belden Village area in 1974. That store was closed seven years later so they could spend time with sons, Daniel (DJ) and Dennis before they graduated high school and went to college.
Rita’s husband died 14 years ago.
Expansion plans
With an estimated 40,000 cars a day passing Shisler’s Cheese House, Rita Shisler said about 80 percent of their customers are tourists or folks who frequently travel to the Columbus and Canton areas.
Plans call for expanding the current structure late this fall, making it at least three times larger and having a dining area for soups and sandwiches. Dennis, a third-generation Shisler who manages the store, which is just outside of Dalton, would like to construct a building nearby to expedite shipping orders. Sixty percent of shipments, he said, go to the Tampa-Clearwater area, crediting much of those sales to local people who have moved South.
The family also has discussed opening stores in the Greater Tampa area, Dallas and perhaps Reno.
A second location is open in Copley at 1275 Cleveland-Massillon Road and is owned by son Daniel Shisler. It offers catering, deli sandwiches and soup, wines and a large variety of specialty foods.
At 72, Rita Shisler remains active in Orrville Lions Club, Dalton Ruritans, Women’s Network of Wooster and Akron, and Quota International, a women’s group that assists community members with hearing problems. The store employs many area students, who Shisler mentors about business and doing what’s right.
Dennis Shisler and his wife, Claudia, have a nine-year-old daughter, Natalia, who, as a fourth-generation Shisler, enjoys being in the store with her grandmother and running the cash register and making change.
See the full text of the original article in the Massillon Independent here.
Cheddar Cheese: Everything You Need to Know
We continue our exploration of different cheeses with a look at cheddar cheese.
What is Cheddar cheese?
A hard, aged cheese that is off-white or sometimes yellow in color. It originates in Somerset in the UK. There, it is aged in the caves of the Cheddar Gorge as they have a good level of humidity and the right temperature.
The curds and whey are separated. After heating, the curds are kneaded with salt and then cut into cubes before being stacked. Extra-mature cheddar must be aged for at least 15 months.
Our Canadian Fine Aged Cheddar is aged for a longer period of time giving it a much stronger, sharper flavor.
We also sell White and Orange Cheddar. Orange Cheddar is traditional white cheddar with Annatto, an extract from the tropical achiote tree, and oleoresin paprika added. These added ingredients give the orange cheddar its orange color and a milder flavor.
If you like spicy cheeses, try the Hot Habanero Cheddar, Smoked Habanero Cheddar, or Horseradish Cheddar. To try other flavors, we recommend the Garlic or Smoked Cheddar.
How does it taste?
It has a sharp taste that develops as it ages. It is also creamy and sometimes milky in flavor. When aged 2 to 3 months, the cheddar remains mild and is better for offering texture or a little seasoning to a dish. It becomes sharp when it has been aged for around 6 months and is extra-sharp from around 1 year of aging.
How should I eat it?
As cheddar is a classic cheese, it can be used almost anywhere. Grate it over pasta, pizza or roasted vegetables. It is particularly good in autumnal and winter dishes for adding extra flavor alongside stews and casseroles.
It melts well so it is a great option for grilled cheese. Add it to any sandwich with a good helping of chutney or pickles. The sharp flavors marry together well for an excellent lunch or snack. It also works well with other savory flavors such as harissa, caramelized onions, or meats such as ham and salami.
The texture makes it excellent for mixing into different ingredients such as pastry or bread doughs. This imparts the flavor of the cheese and gives some melted, crispy elements to the finished dish.
For the simplest of dishes, create a plate with cheese, hams, fruits such as apples and grapes, crackers, and crusty bread. This can make a fantastic lunch or a quick and easy dinner. Add a glass of wine on the side for a real treat.
What should I drink it with?
The sharp and pungent flavor of Cheddar pairs well with light, fruity red wines such as Zinfandel, Syrah, and Merlot. White wine lovers can enjoy Riesling, Pinot Gris, or Sauvignon Blanc with their cheese as they have enough flavor to stand up to the tanginess of the cheese. You could also enjoy a slice of cheddar with a Port, Madeira, or Brandy.
What is your favorite way to enjoy Cheddar cheese? Let us know in the comments!
Get ready for the 4th July!
4th July is here again! We’ve put together a few tips for you to help prepare for tomorrow’s festivities.
Food
Food is, of course, one of the most important parts of any 4th July celebration!
Take a look at our barbecue checklist if you’re going to be grilling with your family. If you’re holding more of a formal dinner, read all about how to create a beautiful table setting. We know you might be serving beer, so if you’re looking for some cheese to enjoy we recommend our beer collection. It contains Brick Cheese, Gouda, Gruyere and Ohio Premium Swiss Cheese, so you’ll have a great selection to share. Add a few pickles and some ham and you’ve got a board that will keep even the hungriest guests happy.
Make it easy with a great selection of salads, grilled meats, and cheeses. Stock up on snacks to keep energy levels high and you’ll be partying into the night.
Drinks
You’ll need something to wash down all the fabulous. Check out our list of perfect summer drinks to get inspiration. It’s the perfect time to make a pitcher of something refreshing and allow everyone to help themselves. Remember that everyone needs a chance to celebrate so you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen making food and mixing drinks!
For true simplicity, fill a cooler with beer and soft drinks and you won’t even have to worry about preparing anything.
Festivities
It’s time to set off some fireworks! Stock up and put on a real display for your family and friends. Make sure to stay safe and take all necessary precautions. You’re sure to be able to find local parties if you can’t host at home.
We love to play some games when we get together as a family. Whether it’s running around with super soakers, playing bingo or taking part in a scavenger hunt, creating a simple activity can elevate your party to the next level.
We want to wish all of our customers a happy and healthy Independence Day. We hope it means time spent with family or friends, but if it doesn’t we hope that you get to take a moment for your own personal celebration.
Let us know how you’ll be celebrating this 4th July in the comments.
Quick Baking Mixes to Get You Through the Week
You know how it is. Sometimes you just need some quick baking to get you through the week. Whether it’s for packed lunches or unexpected guests, we have the perfect solution for you: our baking mixes.
We offer a wide range of quick baking mixes. You can take them home and get them in the oven before anyone can even say “I’m hungry!”
Bread Baking Mixes
Bread becomes quick and easy to make at home. Everything you need comes in a beautiful bag. You’ll have bread on the table in no time. We stock beer bread, cheezy beer bread, golden cornbread and red hot cornbread baking mixes. There’s something for everyone’s taste!
If you have guests coming at the last minute or you’re just pressed for time, you can turn this bread into a whole meal. Blend up a quick soup or even put out lots of cheese, pickles, and crackers. Let people help themselves and they’re sure to be happy. Everyone will be impressed that you have made your own bread. You don’t have to tell them it’s from a mix if you want to keep it as our secret!
Cheezy Biscuits Baking Mix
Another savory choice is our cheezy biscuits baking mix, which is sure to wow a crowd or even keep the kids happy after school. Of course, we would serve cheezy biscuits with some cheese, but if that’s too much for you then they are great with some delicious rolled Amish butter. Ours is produced locally. Butterfat is one of the byproducts of cheese making. Because there are abundant amounts available from the local cheese artisans, Northern Ohio is a production hub for fresh Amish butter as well. It is made using milk from hormone-free cows and no preservatives are added. The taste is incredible. We stock it in both salted and unsalted varieties.
Muffin Mixes
For the sweet tooth, we have a great range of muffin mixes. These include strawberry, apple cinnamon, chocolate chip, pumpkin raspberry and “bran”ana.
Every sweet craving will be satisfied by these. You can take them to bake sales or serve them for an afternoon snack.
We hope that you enjoy our recommendations for baking mixes. Most of all, we hope that you have fun baking this week! Which are you going to try? Let us know in the comments!
Food Tourism Destinations To Inspire Your Next Trip
Food tourism is becoming one of the biggest trends in travel today. We absolutely love traveling to experience different foods and will regularly decide where to go based on the delicious dishes that can be found there. Whether you’re traveling within the US or further afield, we’ve put together some of the top food tourism destinations that are sure to have your mouth watering.
Lisbon, Portugal
Portuguese food is really exciting: a fun mix of seafood and decadent desserts. If you’ve ever had a Pasteis de Nata, a traditional custard tart, then you’ll know what we are talking about. These originate from Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon, which is a must-visit for any foodie traveler. Bacalhau is another national dish of Portugal. This dried, salted cod is served in a variety of ways. It might be a bit of an acquired taste but it’s certainly something to try.
Naples, Italy
The home of pizza, this is a must if you love a slice. Don’t expect a deep dish or something smothered with sauce, though. The Italian approach is all about fresh ingredients and a less is more style. Think thin crusts, fresh tomatoes, basil, and oozing mozzarella. Naples is also right by the sea, so it’s certainly a food tourism haven for seafood lovers. Try a spaghetti vongole for a fresh dish packed with flavor.
Tokyo, Japan
Whilst some supposed food tourism destinations are criticized for serving watered down versions of their favorite dishes to tourists, this is certainly not something people say about Japan. In Tokyo, you’ll find traditional dishes alongside brilliant innovative techniques and twists on classics from around the world. You can also try Japanese whisky whilst you’re there, which is some of the finest in the world.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
In 2014, the Markthal opened in the center of Rotterdam. A huge, arched structure housing 96 food stalls and restaurants, this is a great food tourism destination for a city break. The walls of the market contain a huge artwork called the Horn of Plenty, leading some to refer to the Markthal as the Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam. Here you can try plenty of Dutch cuisine as well as foods from around the world.
Ohio, US
Of course, we had to include our own state! We love getting visitors from around the world here at Shisler’s Cheese House. Ohio is renowned for its cheeses and amazing fruits and vegetables. Pop in and you’ll find a huge range of local cheeses including Ohio Swiss Cheese, alongside locally made maple syrup, Troyer’s Trail Bologna, Tony Packo’s pickles, Amish peanut butter, and Uncle Mike’s Beef Jerky. You could even head to the original Tony Packo’s over in Toledo while you’re in the state.
We hope you enjoyed our food tourism ideas. There are so many places to explore but hopefully, this will inspire you to start planning your next trip. Where would you most like to visit? Let us know in the comments!
How to Create a Charcuterie Board
We’ve shown you how to create a balanced cheeseboard before, but today we want to help you create a great charcuterie board. Add a bottle of wine, and you’ve got a party! Read on to find out about all of our tips. We hope that it will inspire you to host your family or friends and treat them to a selection of your favorites.
- Think about colors and textures
You want to make your charcuterie board as vibrant and interesting as possible. Try to include a variety of colors and textures that will entice your guests. After all, they do say that we eat with our eyes first. Arrange the board so that the colors create contrast and draw you in.
- Create abundance
Try to make your board look as full as possible so that it seems like there is a real abundance of fantastic food on offer. If you’re serving a small group, use a smaller board so that you can still pile the produce high. Try layering each item up so that there is enough for all of your guests. You want them to be able to try everything instead of holding back.
- Include a variety of flavors
This is probably the easiest part of the process. Select some of your favorite meats, but try to think about your guests as well. Include both smoked and non-smoked meats, as well as sausage styles. Check out our selection – you’re sure to find something for every palate.
4. Add seasonal fruit
This is a great way to add color and flavor to your board. It will also give your guests a chance to experiment with different flavors. Classics would be apples or figs, but we know that you’ll find something original to try.
5. Find great jams, pickles, and preserves
We love adding pots of delicious preserves to a charcuterie board. Simply serve the jar and a spoon to encourage your guests not to be shy to try them. This will look much more elegant than trying to spoon it onto the board. Check out our Jams & Jellies and Pickles & Peppers sections.
6. Try something unexpected
Everyone has seen a charcuterie board with some simple cheeses and meats, so try to add an element of surprise. You could try nuts, crackers in unusual flavors or other snacks to add crunch to the board. You could even serve some chocolate for your guests to try. Experiment with your own ideas and see what your guests love.
We hope that you have enjoyed our charcuterie board tips. As always, try out different things to find the ones that you and your family love. Remember, if you pop into the store we are always on hand to help you pick out brilliant pairings. We can also recommend wine to drink with your charcuterie and cheese.
What would be on your perfect charcuterie board? Let us know in the comments!
Celebrate Easter with Shisler’s Cheese House
With Easter coming up this weekend, we have everything you need here at Shisler’s Cheese House. Read on to find out all about our gift options and how to make this Easter extra special for your loved ones.
Our Easter gift baskets are perfect for sharing with loved ones. You can purchase online or in store. Inside you will find Marble Cheese, Dried Fruit Chips, Yogurt Pretzels, Heggy’s Chocolates, Wild Maple Walnut Syrup, and Muddy Trail Mix.
We know that this is the perfect mix of treats. Chocolate for a sweet tooth and marble cheese for savory lovers, with dried fruit and trail mix to keep your energy up after all of the Easter fun. You could even hide each element of the basket to create a treasure hunt. Who says that kids get to have all the fun? Certainly not us!
If you’re looking to give a pure chocolate gift, then you need to look no further than Heggy’s Solid Chocolate Bunnies. These are a real treat with 20 oz of chocolate. They are available in both milk and white chocolate, so you can pick one up for everyone in the family.
If you are looking for some more grown-up chocolate options, check out our whole chocolate section. You’ll find dozens of products that will cater to every taste. Grab some Brazilian coconut or chocolate truffles for those friends that always want to try something new. Pick up a Heggy’s chocolate gift box for that special someone in your life. Take some Heggy’s milk chocolate turtles into work and share some Easter joy with your colleagues. We offer sugar-free treats for your health-conscious friends and caramels for those who just don’t like chocolate (we know it’s surprising, but they are out there!).
If you have your own Easter gift ideas, we can create a custom basket for you. Custom baskets can include anything currently available on the website. This is perfect if you know someone who would prefer cheese and pickles to chocolate, even at Easter. You could create a box full of dark chocolate treats or even pick our healthier options such as our sugar-free chocolates. Call us today for a quote!
If you are ordering online, please check our shipping policy to ensure that your gifts will reach you in time. If you can, pop into the store. We love to meet our customers face to face and help you find the perfect gifts.
We want to wish all of you a fantastic Easter weekend. How will you be celebrating? Let us know in the comments!
5 Ways to Make Your Mac and Cheese Sensational
Today we’re sharing our favorite mac and cheese ideas. It’s one of the nation’s favorite foods, and for a good reason. Ooey, gooey cheese combined with delicious pasta make a comforting dish that can serve as an entree or a side.
As cheese lovers, we certainly know our way around mac and cheese. Read on to find out our top ideas for making it extra special.
1. Combine cheeses
You probably always use the same cheese when you make mac and cheese. Try something different to add new flavors and even more cheesiness. Some of our favorites to add are gruyere, for added nutty flavor, and mozzarella, for that extra melty goodness. You could also try bacon cheese or some of our spicy cheeses like hot habanero cheddar.
2. Add a topping
You might always sprinkle cheese on top, for those cripsy melted edges, but there are other ways to top your mac and cheese. Breadcrumbs, or even crushed up chips, can add another dimension to the dish. Crumbled up bacon will add saltiness and crunch. Toasted pumpkin seeds add a smoky element. Sliced chives or green onions will give your dish freshness. You can be creative with your toppings and find your family’s favorites.
3. Extra ingredients
You might have seen restaurants serving lobster or truffle mac and cheese. These are certainly decadent treats, but you don’t have to splash out to improve your mac and cheese at home. If you want to get more vegetables into your diet, try adding steamed asparagus, roasted squash or pumpkin, spinach or leafy greens. You can even stir pureed cauliflower or broccoli through your sauce to pack in some extra nutrients.
Seafood can work well, but it doesn’t have to be lobster. Crab meat and prawns are excellent stirred into a mac and cheese, but you could also add mussels on top.
Bacon, sausages, chorizo, bologna, and ham can add flavor and texture. You could even add chicken for more protein.
Spices are great for changing the flavor of your mac and cheese. Chilli and herbs are the classics, but horseradish can give it a great kick. You could even stir some pesto in for that Italian flavor!
4. Use sauces and condiments
Hot sauce, BBQ sauce, pickles and ketchup are all great toppings for your mac and cheese. Load up the table with different sauces and everyone can personalize their dish to their taste.
5. Really make the effort with the sauce
You might have never made a cheese sauce before, but it couldn’t be more simple. Trust us! All you’ll need is butter, flour, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper. Once you’ve made a sauce from scratch you won’t go back, and everyone will be clamoring for your recipe.
So, there you have it. Five ways to make your mac and cheese truly sensational. Which one will you try? How do you like to make mac and cheese? Let us know in the comments!
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!