Archive for the ‘General Cheese News’ Category

Cru Blanc Camembert Cheese: For that Great Tasting Gourmet Meal Everyday

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Do you think that having a Cru Blanc Camembert Cheese everyday is expensive? Well, you will be surprised at how you can actually include this cheese to your everyday meal. There are at least 700 varieties of French cheeses and Cru Blanc Camembert Cheese is based on the use of raw unpasteurized milk. This soft ripened raw milk cheese is creamy and full of flavor. Cru Blanc cheese is really a raw milk gem. Frenchman invented the process of making raw milk cheese that ruined most of the world’s cheese but in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration has mandated to use pasteurized milk for all dairy products to avoid the bacteria called Listeria. It is an obscure food-borne bacterium that can kill babies who are not yet born. However, most mothers or pregnant women don’t feed or drink on raw milk-cheese, as it is clear in the products labeling and doctors would never recommend it to them. There is actually nothing dangerous about raw milk cheese. Every study suggests that raw milk cheeses, if proper standards are maintained, are actually safer than pasteurized cheese. In pasteurized cheese, all the microbes are killed. The good and bad bacteria are being eliminated, so if a bacteria attack the cheese after it leaves the factory, it is defenseless. In raw milk cheese, there is a natural and living balance of good and bad bacteria of which the good defends you against the bad.

Today in the U.S. there are some shops that are selling pasteurized Camembert cheese. However, the Camembert cheese, like Cru Blanc, should be made from raw milk. Camembert cheese is perfect when you cut them and the crusty layer in the center is thick as a knife’s blade. If there is no crusty layer then it is a little too ripe. This cheese should be stored upside down to preserve the beauty of the top of the cheese when served. Ideally, this cheese should never be put in the fridge. If you do, take it out at least an hour before eating.

Gourmets say that the best time for eating Camembert cheese is during the late spring and early summer. This creamy raw milk cheese will bring additional flavor to your appetizers and dishes that you will be cooking. You can serve this with some crackers and use it as a spread. You can mix it with pears and cranberries. This can also greatly complement as a side dish, you can try creamed Camembert. If you haven’t tried this delectable creamy cheese, try one now. There are cheese shops that offer authentic, genuine Cru Blanc Camembert Cheese. So what are you waiting for? Log on to the Ideal Cheese website for that ultimate gourmet experience everyday. They also have ideal cheese board selection where you can try their top 4 selected cheeses at a lower price.

How to Buy a Cheese Basket this Holiday Season

Friday, October 15th, 2010

It does not take a genius to decide to give someone a cheese basket this holiday, but it is narrowing down the types of cheeses to include in the basket that’s more challenging. Just like any gift that you want to give to a friend or to a business associate, there are some things to consider before buying a cheese gift basket.

The most crucial part of choosing the right cheese basket is knowing what type of cheese to include. If the recipient of the cheese basket is a cheesemonger and has a favorite, order that particular type of cheese in different variations. But if you are not sure of the recipient’s preference, the safest thing to do is to order a sampler of wide variety of cheeses. This way, the person who gets the basket will have to chance to taste different kinds of cheeses, some he may have never had.

Know that there are different kinds of cheese baskets. There are some baskets that are filled with cheese alone, while some include a bottle of wine to pair the cheeses or some meat. You also have to decide what kind of cheese basket you would want to give. So for example the person does not eat meat, then make sure that the cheese basket that you order does not have any in it – do not just look for individual meat packages, there are some cheeses that have bits of meat mixed into it so make sure you go through each cheese too. If you are not sure whether the recipient eats meat or not, you will be better off buying a cheese basket filled with just cheeses or has other non-meat items.

Another thing to watch out for is the recipient’s health. You have to know whether the person has certain allergies or is lactose intolerant. For all you know, the recipient could be allergic to nuts or sesame seeds (on crackers), both items could be included in the basket. But just to be sure, go for a cheese basket that does not have a these type of items.

If the recipient likes wine, then choosing a cheese basket is going to be more convenient. Most cheese baskets come with a bottle of wine that is compatible to the kind of cheeses included, either white wine or red. There are even some cheese baskets that have a bottle of each!

Always remember that the cheese basket should complement the taste of the recipient. But don’t forget to be creative, and add a little thought into the gift. Give a cheese basket filled with various treats the the person can really enjoy.

Blue Stilton Cheese Serving Tips

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

Blue Stilton cheese is a versatile cheese, which is why it is preferred in a wide variety of starters and main courses. Although usually served in small chunks, the little European flavor in Stilton goes a long way. With just a click of the mouse, you will find hundreds of mouthwatering Blue Stilton recipe ideas in an instant!

Like all good cheeses, Blue Stilton is best served at room temperature (20 degrees C or 68 degrees F). So if you are planning to serve Blue Stilton to your guests, try to get the cheese out of the fridge for an hour or so before serving in order to let its flavor develop. Stilton cheese is usually served with crackers or a traditional plum loaf, but it is definitely a must for any cheese board.

You can also freeze Blue Stilton cheese, a quality that you rarely find in most cheeses. You can wrap Blue Stilton cheese in several layers or cling film and a layer of foil and leave it frozen until three months. Again, you need to defrost the frozen Stilton cheese first, preferably overnight, and allow it to reach room temperature before plating.

Stilton Cheese Serving Tips
If you will use Stilton cheese for a cheese platter, take it out of the fridge for about 2 hours before serving in order to let it come to room temperature. You can serve it with plum bread or if you want to try something new, have it with mango chutney for a change.
Although a number of wines pair well with Stilton, sweet wines such as Port, are especially preferred by many. But you can also try a dessert wine or a full bodied, strong red wine if you are feeling a bit adventurous.

Stilton cheese stores quite conveniently. Simply cut the cheese into small, easy portions and wrap them in cling film or foil. You can have it frozen for up to 3 months. While Stilton freezes beautifully, it is recommended that you defrost it slowly – preferably in the fridge overnight, and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Blue Stilton cheese crumbles effortlessly, which makes it an easy ingredient to use for salads, soups, and dips. It goes well for sandwiches too! After taking it straight from the fridge, simply make easy slices and put it right between fresh lettuce and tomatoes. You can also great it straight from the freezer for last minute add-ons.

Stilton cheese melts beautifully, which makes it a great ingredient for pastas and pizzas. You can melt crumbled Blue Stilton cheese in a pan or simply use it as toppings with some onions and mushrooms.

You will never run out of options when you use Blue Stilton cheese. Choose from these serving suggestions or experiment with your own recipe. Order Blue Stilton cheese today and Bon Appétit!