Search Results for: swiss
Sharp Cheeses: Everything You Need to Know
We love teaching you about cheese at Shisler’s Cheese House, so today we are here to tell you all about sharp cheeses.
The term “Sharp” denotes a stronger flavor as a result of a longer aging process. Many cheese connoisseurs prefer sharper, more mature cheeses. Some of our more mature cheeses include Asiago, Canadian Cheddar, Manchego, Parmesan, Romano, Sharp American and Sharp Swiss. Our Orange and White cheddars are both medium sharp cheeses.
Sharp American Cheese
Our Sharp American Cheese is produced in Wisconsin along with our Muenster, Brick, Limburger, and Beer Cheeses. American Cheese is orange, yellow, or white in color and mild in flavor, with a medium-firm consistency, and melts easily. It has traditionally been made from a blend of cheeses, most often Colby and Cheddar. This is particularly great on cheeseburgers, in grilled cheese sandwiches, and in macaroni and cheese.
It originated when British colonists began making cheddar after they arrived in America. By 1790, American cheddars were being exported back to England and the British referred to them as “American cheese” or “Yankee cheese”. Post-Revolution Americans promoted this usage to distinguish the exports of their proud new nation from European cheese.
Sharp Swiss Cheese
Sharp Swiss cheese is a more mature version of our locally made Swiss cheese that has been aged for approximately 12. The time honored process for making swiss cheese was brought over from Switzerland by the local population of Amish and Mennonite people. We have selected what we believe to be the best locally made swiss cheese. Our Amish swiss cheese is made locally in Pearl Valley, Ohio.
Canadian Aged Cheddar
Our Canadian Fine Aged Cheddar is aged for four years. This gives it a sharp, pungent flavor, that is often slightly earthy. Its texture is firm whilst being slightly crumbly. This works well in sandwiches or grated over dishes as it melts well and will impart lots of flavor to your meal.
Sharp Cheese Wine Pairings
The best red wines to pair with sharp cheeses are intensely fruity in flavor so that they stand up to the tangy cheese. We recommend a Cabernet Sauvignon. Choose a bottle from two or three years ago to avoid an overly tannin-heavy wine.
Even better than a red wine is a glass of vintage port. This will have both fruitiness and sweetness to pair with your cheese. You could even try a hard cider or a strong ale as these are robust enough too.
These cheeses are all great choices if you are looking for punchy flavors, rather than simply a texture from your cheese. It’s a great idea to include one of these cheeses on any cheeseboard that you serve up as they are sure to satisfy true cheese lovers. They pair particularly well with pickles and chutneys as the taste won’t be overpowered.
If you’re not sure about strong cheeses, why not pop into store to try them soon?
Do you like sharp cheese? Let us know how you like to eat it in the comments!
Amish Butter Cheese: Everything You Need to Know
Today we continue our exploration of cheeses with a cheese that is very local to us and close to our hearts: Amish Butter Cheese.
What is Amish Butter Cheese?
Amish Butter Cheese is one of our premium local cheeses.
This unique cheese has a full buttery flavor and is traditionally made by the Amish, this cheese has a wide variety of uses. It is derived from butterkase, its closest ancestor. Butterkase is a buttery and creamy cheese that originates from Austria and Germany. Unlike its predecessor, it does not have a rind. It is a cow’s milk cheese with a pale yellow color. Good quality butter cheese is made from milk collected from cows that are not on artificial hormones. The Amish process of cheese-making does not include any artificial flavors, ingredients or preservatives, which gives the cheese real quality.
If you are fond of only the best quality cheese, it is important to choose authentic Amish butter. Remember that while most of the products labeled Amish butter cheese are genuine, some of them may just refer to Amish as a method of cheese making. These do not come with the Amish guarantee.
How should I eat it?
This cheese is ideal for melting and is featured in many fondue recipes. Try it with crudites and fresh bread for an incredibly fun dinner. Fondue is great if you are having guests over because everyone can select their own options.
It is also a good snack cheese as it is semi-soft and very easy to slice or cube. Many restaurants located near Amish counties feature butter cheese on their sandwiches and burgers. Try melting it in a grilled cheese or adding it to your favorite pasta dishes.
Are there any similar cheeses?
Yes, we also offer a cheese called Havarti, which is imported from Denmark. We stock the plain cheese as well as options infused with dill or caraway. Havarti Cheese has a buttery aroma and can be somewhat sharp in the stronger varieties, much like Swiss cheese. The taste is buttery, with both sweet and acidic undertones.
What should I drink with it?
This butter cheese pairs well with Chardonnay as the buttery flavors blend well together. For beer lovers, we would recommend trying this cheese with any lager or pilsner. It even pairs well with brandy!
Have you tried Amish Butter Cheese? How do you like to eat it? Let us know in the comments!
Mother’s Day: get ready with our gift ideas
This year Mother’s Day falls on Sunday May 12, so now is the time to make sure that you have picked up a great gift. As always, we’ve worked to put together a list of ways that we can help you here at Shisler’s Cheese House.
Our favorite way to show her how much you appreciate all she has done for you is our delicious Mother’s Day Gift Basket!
Our Mother’s Day Gift Basket Includes:
- Havarti Cheese
- Assorted Heggy’s Milk Chocolates
- Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl Fudge
- Strawberry Caramel Creams
- Yogurt Covered Cranberries
We think you’ll agree that this is a rather incredible selection but in case you need convincing, we have put together some information about everything included. We’re also going to give you some other gift ideas, in case there’s something in there that your Mom doesn’t like! Read on to find out more.
Havarti Cheese
Havarti Cheese is a semi-soft Danish cow’s milk cheese that can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It has a buttery, semi-sweet taste with some acidity. It’s perfect for making grilled cheese, but it would also be great with a fruit platter after a meal.
Assorted Heggy’s Milk Chocolates
Heggy’s Candy Company has built a rich tradition of premium handcrafted chocolates and candies throughout the United States for over 9 decades. Founded by Ben Heggy in 1923, Heggy’s Chocolates remains one of the premiere candy companies in America. Over the years, Heggy’s Chocolates has remained a family owned and operated business and today they maintain a high level of commitment to their customers and the community.
We know that these are great gifts, so we had to include them here!
Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl Fudge
If you’ve never tried this, you have got to hope that your Mom feels like sharing! This is a fudge unlike any you will have had before.
Strawberry Caramel Creams
The perfect taste of summer strawberries wrapped up in smooth caramel.
Yogurt Covered Cranberries
A delicious treat and something a little refreshing after all the sweets and cheese.
Order your Mother’s Day gift basket today or pop into the store. Be sure to check our delivery times if you are ordering online so that your gift isn’t late.
Even more gift ideas
We have a whole selection of different gift baskets to cater for every taste. Whether your Mom is a cheese lover, a bologna fan, or wants to try a little bit of everything, we’ve carefully curated our favorite products to make them smile. We even have a basket for those who love hot and spicy foods! If you’d like to, we can help you build your own gift basket with all of your Mom’s favorite things.
If you want to let Mom pick her own selection of treats, we can provide an e-gift certificate. We send you a code immediately, so this is a great option if you’re not able to see your Mom in person (or if you’re a little forgetful and have left things til the last minute!).
We want to wish all of you Moms a very happy Mother’s Day this Sunday. Enjoy your day; you deserve it!
Troyer’s Trail Bologna: Try it Today!
For three generations we at Shisler’s Cheese House have prided ourselves on providing the best examples of local fare to tourists and locals alike. Troyer’s Trail Bologna is one of the best examples of local fare we can recommend. Our Trail Bologna comes from the fourth generation of the Troyer family, so don’t be fooled by imitators!
What is Troyer’s Trail Bologna?
Chunky bologna, made with coarse cuts of meat. Trail Bologna originates from the Troyer family in the tiny town of Trail, Ohio. One of the best flavors of Amish Country! Enjoy the smoky taste of Trail Bologna.
Trail Bologna was named after Trail, a village in Ohio that is too small to have a zip code of its own! The Troyer family has been making their quality wood-smoked Trail Bologna here for four generations, starting in 1912, when Michael Troyer created a unique blend of special seasonings to make his now famous all-beef Trail Bologna. The family continues the tradition of excellence to this day by making literally tons of savory treats daily.
How should I eat it?
Troyer’s Trail Bologna great served as part of a cheese and charcuterie board. It is usually thinly sliced and served with cubes of cheese. We recommend that it is best enjoyed with Swiss Cheese, Baby Swiss Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, or Hot Pepper Cheese for those with a more daring palate. You can, of course, enjoy it in sandwiches or wraps as well. If you want a real treat, make a Swiss cheese and bologna sandwich and pour yourself a glass of Malbec! Troyer’s themselves recommend a salad of lettuce, spinach, plenty of tomatoes, onions, and croutons along with some shredded Swiss and Troyer’s, paired with French dressing. A brilliant lunch!
Troyer’s recently added Trail Bologna infused with cheddar cheese or with hot pepper cheese to their product offering. We are proud to carry both. When warmed, the cheese melts, creating an extra delicious treat.
Can I give it as a gift?
Yes! We think this is a great gift for someone that you want to share some local flavor with or anyone who has lived in Ohio. As it’s so popular, we offer it in several of our gift boxes.
Our classic combination box includes a 2 Lb. Baby Swiss Wheel, Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, 8 Oz. Colby Cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Carr’s Crackers, and Assorted Chocolates.
You can also try it with a simple cheese selection, which includes a 1 Lb. Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, 3/4 Lb. Wheel of Colby, 3/4 Lb. Wheel of Farmers, and Assorted Chocolates.
For more extravagant gifts that include Troyer’s Trail Bologna, try the Amish Country Sampler Gift Box or our recent addition, the Shisler’s Cheese House Deluxe Gift Box. If you would like to create a hamper of your own choosing, simply get in touch and we’ll do what we can to help.
Have you tried Troyer’s Trail Bologna? How do you like to eat it? Let us know in the comments below!
Lucerne Cheese: Everything You Need to Know
We continue our exploration of cheese from around the world with a look at Lucerne cheese today.
What is Lucerne Cheese?
Lucerne Cheese is another of our local selections, made in Charm, Ohio by the original producer Guggisberg Cheese. The Guggisberg Cheese Company was started in 1967 just outside of Charm, Ohio by cheese connoisseur Alfred Guggisberg, an alumnus of the famous Swiss Federal “Molkereishulle” (Cheese Maker’s Institute).
Lucerne Cheese is a young, semi-soft cheese with small holes, somewhat similar to Baby Swiss. It has a very mild flavor that is both light and smooth. It’s also lower in fat and sodium than Swiss cheese, making it a delicious favorite for those counting calories or watching their sodium intake.
Do you offer other local cheeses?
Yes! We stock a huge range of local cheeses including Swiss, Baby Swiss, Sharp Swiss, Amish Butter Cheese, Yogurt Cheese, and several variations of each. We’re really proud to stock such a great range of cheeses from right here in Ohio. Please pop into the store if would ever like to try any of them; we’re happy to help!
How is Lucerne Cheese made?
Lucerne cheese is made in the same manner as many other kinds of cheese, by separating the curds and whey. Natural bacteria consume the lactic acid in the cheese, producing small holes. The aging process breaks down the milk sugar, reducing the carbohydrates in the cheese as well as the lactose content.
How should I eat Lucerne Cheese?
This cheese melts well, so you could enjoy a slice of it on a burger or in a healthier grilled cheese. Our favorite way to eat it is grated over soups and salads. It adds flavor and texture without adding too much fat to your meal. It’s also mild enough that it won’t overpower your dish.
If you are serving it as part of a cheeseboard, try to include fruits such as pears, apples, and grapes. The sweetness of these fruits is excellent against the mild cheese. Cut the Lucerne into thin slices that your guests can enjoy or even cubes to accompany fruit on skewers. It’s a great snacking cheese for those moments in the afternoon when you need a quick savory pick-me-up.
What should I drink with Lucerne Cheese?
This cheese pairs very well with a wide selection of different wines. The most popular red wine pairings are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but Beaujolais and Pinot Noir are also great matches. If you prefer white wine, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc would all be good choices. If you are a beer lover, then Lucerne Cheese goes well with Lager, Pale Ale, and Weiss Beer.
How do you like to eat Lucerne Cheese? Let us know in the comments!
Havarti Cheese: Everything You Need to Know
Today we continue our profiles of cheeses with a look at a Danish treat: Havarti cheese.
What is Havarti Cheese?
Havarti Cheese or Cream Havarti (Fløde Havarti in Danish) is a semi-soft Danish cow’s milk cheese. It is rindless, with a smooth surface and a cream or yellow color depending on the type. It has very small and irregular eyes (holes).
It has a buttery aroma and a generally sweet taste with a slightly acidic tang. It can be sharp in the stronger varieties, resembling Swiss cheese.
We also stock Havarti with Dill and Havarti with Caraway for those looking for additional flavor. Dill combines the flavors of fennel, anise, and celery, with a slight bitterness, whilst caraway has a very pungent, earthy anise flavor.
How is Havarti Cheese made?
Havarti cheese was initially created by Hanne Nielsen who operated an experimental farm called Havarthigaard, in Øverød, north of Copenhagen, in the mid-19th century. It is made like most cheeses, by introducing rennet to milk to cause curdling. The curds are pressed into cheese molds which are drained, and then the cheese is aged. Havarti is a washed curd cheese, which contributes to the subtle flavor of the cheese.
It will usually be aged for around three months. As it ages it becomes saltier and nuttier.
How should I eat it?
Havarti is a table cheese that is suitable for slicing, grilling, or melting. When left at room temperature the cheese tends to soften quickly so it is great on a cheeseboard alongside hard cheeses.
It is delicious melted into pasta dishes including macaroni cheese or incorporated into a grilled cheese sandwich. Havarti even works well when grated onto a pizza with mozzarella. You can make an excellent cheese sauce with it that will pair well with grilled chicken and vegetables.
Because of its creaminess, it stands up well to spice. You can use it in recipes that call for chilies and it also pairs very well with the heat of horseradish. Try Havarti with Dill in cauliflower dishes for a fun combination of tastes.
If you are serving it as part of a cheeseboard, slice a few thin slices off the block to show your guests that this is a fantastic way to enjoy it. Serve it with fresh fruits and honey, as well as savory crackers and cured meats. Try our Streb Meats Fresh Smoked Sausage as a starting point.
What should I drink with this cheese?
The smooth, creamy flavor of Havarti goes well against most red wines. It can stand up to the high alcohol flavors of Zinfandel or Shiraz, but it is subtle enough to enjoy with a soft Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. If you prefer white wine, try a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, as the fruity flavors of both will complement the butteriness of the cheese. You could even try it with a light weiss beer or saison.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our exploration of Havarti cheese today. How do you like to enjoy it? Let us know in the comments!
Introducing our new Deluxe Gift Box!
We’re super excited to share our new Deluxe Gift Box with you today here at Shisler’s Cheese House.
It contains more of our favorite Amish products than ever:
- Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring 1 Lb.
- Shisler’s Gift Mug with 1/2 Pound of Heggy’s Chocolates
- Shisler’s Private Label Apple Butter
- Shisler’s Private Label Hot Mustard
- Wheel of Colby 3/4 Lb.
- Wheel of Cojack (Marble) 3/4 Lb.
- Block of Swiss Cheese
- Baby Swiss Cheese Wedge
- Summer Sausage Link
- Crackers
- Muffin mix
- Shisler’s Cheese House T-Shirt
The Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring is a chunky, all-beef bologna with a smoky taste, created by the fourth generation of the Troyer family.
Our gift mug is a new edition to the range so that lovers of Shisler’s Cheese House can share their pride as they drink their morning coffee. We’ve filled it with 1/2 a pound of Heggy’s Chocolates. We are super proud to include Heggy’s Chocolates in our boxes. They match our tradition of excellence in hand-crafted chocolates.
Shisler’s Private Label Apple Butter is made from the best locally grown Apples and locally produced Amish Butter, perfect for spreading on toast or stirring into your recipes. We also love our Private Label Mustard, which can be used as a dipping mustard or spread into sandwiches.
Colby cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese native to the United States. It is very mild and creamy. It goes through a washed-curd process, rather than a traditional Cheddar process, making it slightly softer. It is an excellent table cheese and works well in salads because of its mild taste.
Cojack cheese is a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby cheese, marbled together to create a striking effect. Monterey Jack is a buttery, semi-firm cheese which originated in California. It is usually only aged for around a month, making it a fresh, fairly soft cheese to enjoy.
Swiss Cheese is a holey, semi-hard cheese with a creamy color. It has a nutty, slightly piquant flavor whilst simultaneously being somewhat creamy. It’s delicious in a sandwich or served cut into cubes alongside salads and hams. It works well with most meats and is particularly good with a beef burger.
You’ll also get a wedge of Baby Swiss Cheese, which substitutes water for the milk’s whey to slow the bacterial action. This creates smaller holes and a milder flavor. With all of this cheese, we’ve given you crackers so that you have something to enjoy it with!
Summer Sausage can be kept without refrigeration, which is how it gained its name. Ours is smoked, rather than dried, with a tangy taste. It’s certainly too good to be kept for only the Summer season.
We know this is going to make an amazing gift for some of your loved ones during the holiday season. Snap one up today!
10% Off Gift Boxes with our Black Friday deals
We hope that you have all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Now that Black Friday is upon us we wanted to share some great deals that we have for you.
We’re offering 10% off on gift boxes 1 to 6, all of which are perfect for gifting to your loved ones this year. Simply use the coupon code BLOG18 to get your discount!
Gift Box #1: Baby Swiss Cheese
Having the whole family around during the holiday season? Grab this gift box that contains a whole 4Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel. Our Baby Swiss is made in Charm Ohio, by the original producer Guggisberg Cheese. It is a young, semi-soft whole milk cheese with small holes and a mild flavor. It also comes with chocolates for those with a sweet tooth!
Gift Box #2: Troyer’s Trail Bologna and Cheese
In this gift box, you’ll receive a 1Lb. Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring. This is a chunky, all-beef bologna with a smoky taste, created by the fourth generation of the Troyer family. You’ll also find a 3/4Lb. wheel of Farmer’s cheese and a 3/4Lb. wheel of Colby cheese. Farmer’s Cheese is a mild, unripened white cheese made by adding rennet to cow’s milk. It’s a firm and crumbly cheese; the perfect accompaniment to smoked meats. The Colby cheese provides a lovely contrast, as it is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese with a mild and creamy taste. We always pop in some assorted chocolates for those after-dinner cravings.
As the name suggests, this really is a cheesy box! You’ll receive a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack (Marble), Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack. Marble Cheese is made from both Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, which is why it is sometimes called “Cojack”. Pepper Jack is a cow’s milk cheese that has been given a spicy intensity through the use of jalapeno, serrano, and habanero peppers. Along with the classics Cheddar and Farmer’s Cheese, you’re sure to have the best cheese board in the neighborhood.
Gift Box #4: Amish Cheese and Goodies
This is the perfect box for a party, or to give to someone who really deserves a treat during this season. Inside you will find a 1Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel, 1 Summer Sausage Link, a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Colby and Pepper Jack cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Home Style Amish Jam, Carr’s Crackers, Assorted Chocolates, and 6oz. of REACH Coffee.
Gift Box #5: Baby Swiss Cheese and Troyer’s Trail Bologna
A classic Amish Country combination. This box contains a 4Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel, a large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Carr’s Crackers, Assorted Chocolates and 6oz. of REACH coffee.
REACH coffee is a specialty grade coffee from the region of Chanchamayo, Peru, which is then roasted in Cleveland, Ohio. Perfect for those after dinner pick-me-ups.
Gift Box #6: Amish Country Sampler Gift Box
This box is the King of gift boxes. You’ll need help to carry this one! It contains a Large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, a box of Heggy’s Chocolates, Home Style Amish Jam, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Jalapeno Mustard, a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack (Marble), Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack, a Baby Swiss Cheese Wedge, a Summer Sausage Link, Townhouse Crackers and 6oz. of REACH Coffee.
We also have a Cyber Monday Special, which is already available, on a fantastic gift box for just $39.99 with shipping included. It includes 1 1/2 Lb. Ring of Original Troyer’s Trail Bologna, 2 Lb. Wheel of Baby Swiss Cheese and an 8 Oz. Jar of Shisler’s Private Label Mustard. This would make a great gift but it’s also a perfect addition to your store cupboard for those moments of entertaining over the holiday season.
Happy shopping this Black Friday!
Gift Box #7: Shisler’s Cheese House Deluxe Gift Box
The best that Amish Country has to offer!
Our Shisler’s Cheese House Deluxe Gift Box includes:
- Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring 1 Lb.
- Box of Heggy’s Chocolates
- Shisler’s Private Label Apple Butter (9 oz)
- Shisler’s Private Label Sweet Mustard
- Shisler’s Jam
- 3/4 Lb Colby.
- 3/4 Lb. Cojack (Marble)
- Block of Swiss Cheese
- Baby Swiss Cheese Wedge
- Summer Sausage Link
- Crackers.
- Fudge Cup
Brick Cheese: Everything You Need to Know
We love to help you explore cheeses that you might not have tried before here at Shisler’s Cheese House. Today we are introducing you to the delicious Brick Cheese.
What is Brick Cheese?
Brick Cheese is a medium-soft cheese that is made in the form of a large rectangular or brick shape. It may also be named “brick” because the cheese curds are pressed with clay-fired bricks. Its color ranges from pale yellow to white.
How does it taste?
It has a sweet and mild flavor when young, and matures into a strong ripe cheese with age. It crumbles easily and is a little sticky to the knife when sliced.
How is Brick Cheese made?
Brick Cheese is an American original, produced in Wisconsin. Whilst the cheese making process is similar to American Cheddar, it is cultured at a slightly higher temperature which gives it a marginally higher fat content and slightly alters the protein structure. The cheese has a slightly softer taste with a sharper finish than regular Cheddar.
It was created in 1877 by John Jossi, a Swiss-born American cheese maker. Jossi came to the states in 1857 from Switzerland with his parents at the age of 12. The family settled first in upstate New York, but later Jossi moved to Richwood, in southwest Wisconsin. He envisioned a cheese made with curd that was drier than that used for the Limburger he had produced in the factories he worked in. He came up with the idea of using bricks to press the cheese, creating the shape that we know today.
How should it be eaten?
Brick Cheese is often served with corn polenta in the Midwest, where it is thinly sliced and melted underneath the polenta and then topped with tomato sauce.
It is also great for slicing and melts well, making it a delicious choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. This cheese goes very well with pickles, so it is perfect for adding flavor to a burger. Try it in your macaroni cheese or melted in potatoes gratin. You can even use it on pizza!
What should I drink with it?
If you like red wine, we recommend something fruity like a Beaujolais or Syrah to pair with brick cheese. White wines with peachy, tropical notes such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are both good choices. This is also a great cheese to serve if you or your guests prefer beer, as it pairs well with Bock, lager and even stout.
How do you like to eat Brick Cheese? Let us know in the comments.
