Difference between revisions of "Eat Cheese"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Knowing the Basics === | === Knowing the Basics === | ||
| − | #Eat cheese at room temperature to help bring out the flavors and textures.<ref>http://www.thekitchn.com/the-cheesemonger-the-dessert-c-52301</ref> About an hour before you plan on serving or eating the cheese, take it out of the fridge, but keep it in its wrapper so that it doesn't dry out.<ref>http://www.thekitchn.com/cheese-tip-dont-eat-cold-chees-83136</ref> Keep in mind that in warmer climates, the cheese will reach room temperature sooner. you don't want the cheese to become so warm that it starts to melt and "sweat."<ref>http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/11/how-to-serve-cheese.html</ref> | + | #Eat cheese at room temperature to help bring out the flavors and textures.<ref name="rf1">http://www.thekitchn.com/the-cheesemonger-the-dessert-c-52301</ref> About an hour before you plan on serving or eating the cheese, take it out of the fridge, but keep it in its wrapper so that it doesn't dry out.<ref name="rf2">http://www.thekitchn.com/cheese-tip-dont-eat-cold-chees-83136</ref> Keep in mind that in warmer climates, the cheese will reach room temperature sooner. you don't want the cheese to become so warm that it starts to melt and "sweat."<ref name="rf3">http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/11/how-to-serve-cheese.html</ref> |
#* Take hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, out of the fridge an hour to an hour and a half before serving/eating. | #* Take hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, out of the fridge an hour to an hour and a half before serving/eating. | ||
#* Take soft, creamy cheeses, such as Brie, out of the fridge two to three hours before serving/eating. | #* Take soft, creamy cheeses, such as Brie, out of the fridge two to three hours before serving/eating. | ||
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#Don't be afraid to eat the rind from soft, creamy cheeses. This rind is usually soft and white. Examples of cheeses where you can eat the rind include Camembert and Brie. | #Don't be afraid to eat the rind from soft, creamy cheeses. This rind is usually soft and white. Examples of cheeses where you can eat the rind include Camembert and Brie. | ||
#Consider sniffing the cheese discretely before you eat it. Just don't make a huge show of it. Smelling is a big part of tasting. It can actually help intensify the taste of the cheese. | #Consider sniffing the cheese discretely before you eat it. Just don't make a huge show of it. Smelling is a big part of tasting. It can actually help intensify the taste of the cheese. | ||
| − | #Use bread and crackers sparingly, and mostly as a palate cleanser. When you smoosh cheese onto bread or crackers, you tamper with the unique flavor of the cheese. If you really want to appreciate the taste of the cheese, eat it alone.<ref>http://www.thekitchn.com/the-cheesemonger-how-to-eat-ch-62838</ref> | + | #Use bread and crackers sparingly, and mostly as a palate cleanser. When you smoosh cheese onto bread or crackers, you tamper with the unique flavor of the cheese. If you really want to appreciate the taste of the cheese, eat it alone.<ref name="rf4">http://www.thekitchn.com/the-cheesemonger-how-to-eat-ch-62838</ref> |
| − | #Eat cheese from mildest to strongest if it is served on a platter. In general, soft, creamy cheeses are milder than hard ones. If you are unsure which cheese is mild and which cheese is sharp, ask the host.<ref | + | #Eat cheese from mildest to strongest if it is served on a platter. In general, soft, creamy cheeses are milder than hard ones. If you are unsure which cheese is mild and which cheese is sharp, ask the host.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#* If you start out with a sharp cheese, your taste buds will be overwhelmed, and you might miss out on the underlying flavors of any mild cheese you eat afterwards. | #* If you start out with a sharp cheese, your taste buds will be overwhelmed, and you might miss out on the underlying flavors of any mild cheese you eat afterwards. | ||
| − | #* Make sure that you use a different knife for different types of cheese to that you don't mix flavors.<ref | + | #* Make sure that you use a different knife for different types of cheese to that you don't mix flavors.<ref name="rf3" /> |
=== Pairing Cheese with Wine === | === Pairing Cheese with Wine === | ||
| − | #Know how to pair wine and cheese. Wine makes a perfect accompaniment to cheese. It can help bring out its flavors. There are certain types of wines, however, that work better with certain types of cheese than others. This section will give you some tip and ideas on how to most effectively pair wine with cheese.<ref>http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2013/12/guide-to-best-wine-for-cheese-pairing-cheat-sheet-party-cheese-plate-wine-advice.html</ref> | + | #Know how to pair wine and cheese. Wine makes a perfect accompaniment to cheese. It can help bring out its flavors. There are certain types of wines, however, that work better with certain types of cheese than others. This section will give you some tip and ideas on how to most effectively pair wine with cheese.<ref name="rf5">http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2013/12/guide-to-best-wine-for-cheese-pairing-cheat-sheet-party-cheese-plate-wine-advice.html</ref> |
#Pair soft and fresh cheeses with crisp white wines. You can also pair them with dry aperitif wines, dry Rosé wines, sparkling wines, and light-bodied reds that have low tannins. Avoid tannic red wines, such as: Bordeaux, Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. | #Pair soft and fresh cheeses with crisp white wines. You can also pair them with dry aperitif wines, dry Rosé wines, sparkling wines, and light-bodied reds that have low tannins. Avoid tannic red wines, such as: Bordeaux, Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. | ||
#* Examples of soft and fresh cheeses include: Brie, Brillat-Savarin, Bûcheron, Burrata, Camembert, Chèvre, Crottin, Feta, Halloumi, Mozzarella, and Ricotta. | #* Examples of soft and fresh cheeses include: Brie, Brillat-Savarin, Bûcheron, Burrata, Camembert, Chèvre, Crottin, Feta, Halloumi, Mozzarella, and Ricotta. | ||
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=== Pairing Cheese with Other Food === | === Pairing Cheese with Other Food === | ||
| − | #Try adding some fruit, but stay away from citrus. Most cheeses actually go well with sweet items, such as fruit. The next time you are eating or serving cheese, consider choosing two to three types of fruit to go with it.<ref | + | #Try adding some fruit, but stay away from citrus. Most cheeses actually go well with sweet items, such as fruit. The next time you are eating or serving cheese, consider choosing two to three types of fruit to go with it.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#* Try dried fruit with hard cheeses, such as: apricots, cherries, and figs. | #* Try dried fruit with hard cheeses, such as: apricots, cherries, and figs. | ||
#* Try fresh fruit with fresh cheeses, such as: apples, dates, figs, apricots, and plums. | #* Try fresh fruit with fresh cheeses, such as: apples, dates, figs, apricots, and plums. | ||
| − | #Try adding some nuts. They help bring out the sweet notes in cheese. Almost any type of nut pairs well with cheese, but many people seem to enjoy almonds, hazelnuts, and toasted pecans.<ref | + | #Try adding some nuts. They help bring out the sweet notes in cheese. Almost any type of nut pairs well with cheese, but many people seem to enjoy almonds, hazelnuts, and toasted pecans.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Consider eating or serving a variety of cheeses. Cheese does not have to be paired with just fruit, nuts, or wine. You can also pair different types of cheese together. The next time you are eating or serving cheese, consider pairing three to five different types of cheese, all with different textures and flavors. Just remember to start eating the mildest cheeses first, and work your way towards the sharper ones. For example, you could try:<ref>http://ashleyabroad.com/2012/09/25/how-to-eat-french-cheese/</ref> | + | #Consider eating or serving a variety of cheeses. Cheese does not have to be paired with just fruit, nuts, or wine. You can also pair different types of cheese together. The next time you are eating or serving cheese, consider pairing three to five different types of cheese, all with different textures and flavors. Just remember to start eating the mildest cheeses first, and work your way towards the sharper ones. For example, you could try:<ref name="rf6">http://ashleyabroad.com/2012/09/25/how-to-eat-french-cheese/</ref> |
#* A soft, creamy cheese, such as Brie. | #* A soft, creamy cheese, such as Brie. | ||
#* A nutty, textured cheese, such as Comté. | #* A nutty, textured cheese, such as Comté. | ||
#* A dry, hard, aged goat cheese. | #* A dry, hard, aged goat cheese. | ||
#Try baking Brie with honey. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176.7°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wedge or wheel of Brie on top of the parchment paper. Drizzle the cheese with some honey. If you want, you can top the cheese with other goodies, such as dried cranberries, figs, rosemary, thyme, or walnuts/pecans. Bake the cheese until it is soft, then serve immediately with crackers. | #Try baking Brie with honey. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176.7°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wedge or wheel of Brie on top of the parchment paper. Drizzle the cheese with some honey. If you want, you can top the cheese with other goodies, such as dried cranberries, figs, rosemary, thyme, or walnuts/pecans. Bake the cheese until it is soft, then serve immediately with crackers. | ||
| − | #* Bake wedges for 5 to 7 minutes.<ref>http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/baked-brie-recipe.html</ref> | + | #* Bake wedges for 5 to 7 minutes.<ref name="rf7">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/baked-brie-recipe.html</ref> |
| − | #* Bake wheels for 8 to 10 minutes.<ref>http://www.alaskafromscratch.com/2012/11/19/baked-brie-with-cranberry-chutney/</ref> | + | #* Bake wheels for 8 to 10 minutes.<ref name="rf8">http://www.alaskafromscratch.com/2012/11/19/baked-brie-with-cranberry-chutney/</ref> |
#Experiment with adding grated or shredded cheese to your meals to make them more savory. Adding a handful of grated of shredded cheese to your meals can give them extra texture and a hint of flavor. Here are some ideas to get you started: | #Experiment with adding grated or shredded cheese to your meals to make them more savory. Adding a handful of grated of shredded cheese to your meals can give them extra texture and a hint of flavor. Here are some ideas to get you started: | ||
#* Scrambled eggs and omelets | #* Scrambled eggs and omelets | ||
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=== Eating Cheese at Formal and Informal Events === | === Eating Cheese at Formal and Informal Events === | ||
#Consider the formality of the event and the texture of the cheese. Depending on how formal and informal the event is, there will be different etiquette expectations. How the cheese is served will also make a difference. This section will give you a few tips to help you prevent committing any faux pas. | #Consider the formality of the event and the texture of the cheese. Depending on how formal and informal the event is, there will be different etiquette expectations. How the cheese is served will also make a difference. This section will give you a few tips to help you prevent committing any faux pas. | ||
| − | #Know proper etiquette for formal events. Most formal events will also supply small plates for guests. These plates are there for a reason. When you decide to go and sample some cheeses, take one of the plates with you. You will be loading the cheese onto your plate first.<ref>http://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/table_manners/dinner_etiquette/appetizers_and_soup/cheese.html</ref> | + | #Know proper etiquette for formal events. Most formal events will also supply small plates for guests. These plates are there for a reason. When you decide to go and sample some cheeses, take one of the plates with you. You will be loading the cheese onto your plate first.<ref name="rf9">http://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/table_manners/dinner_etiquette/appetizers_and_soup/cheese.html</ref> |
#Spread soft cheese onto crackers with a knife. Eat the cracker with your fingers, but take care to avoid touching the cheese. This is vital at formal events. | #Spread soft cheese onto crackers with a knife. Eat the cracker with your fingers, but take care to avoid touching the cheese. This is vital at formal events. | ||
#Use a toothpick to transfer hard cheeses from the serving platter to your plate. You can use a fork to eat the cheese directly, or you can place the cheese on a cracker first, then eat the cracker with your fingers. This is very important for formal events. | #Use a toothpick to transfer hard cheeses from the serving platter to your plate. You can use a fork to eat the cheese directly, or you can place the cheese on a cracker first, then eat the cracker with your fingers. This is very important for formal events. | ||
#* If you see any crackers or fruit served alongside the cheeses, don't hesitate to pluck a few up and drop them onto your plate. | #* If you see any crackers or fruit served alongside the cheeses, don't hesitate to pluck a few up and drop them onto your plate. | ||
| − | #Eat sliced cheese with a fork if it is served alongside a meal, such as pie. If you are at an informal event, you might find cheese served alongside the rest of your meal. Simply eat it with a fork, and not your fingers.<ref | + | #Eat sliced cheese with a fork if it is served alongside a meal, such as pie. If you are at an informal event, you might find cheese served alongside the rest of your meal. Simply eat it with a fork, and not your fingers.<ref name="rf9" /> |
| − | #Eat cheese with your fingers only if it is an informal event. If a cheese is cut into cubes and speared with toothpicks, eat the cheese with your fingers. If the cheese is cut into slices, transfer it to a cracker, and eat the cracker with your fingers.<ref | + | #Eat cheese with your fingers only if it is an informal event. If a cheese is cut into cubes and speared with toothpicks, eat the cheese with your fingers. If the cheese is cut into slices, transfer it to a cracker, and eat the cracker with your fingers.<ref name="rf9" /> |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
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* Even though cheese should be eaten at room temperature, it's best to keep cheese refrigerated to keep it from going rancid. When you are ready to eat it, take it out of the fridge, and let it reach room temperature first. | * Even though cheese should be eaten at room temperature, it's best to keep cheese refrigerated to keep it from going rancid. When you are ready to eat it, take it out of the fridge, and let it reach room temperature first. | ||
* Plan ahead when buying cheese. If you are going to serve cheese at a party, buy a variety of flavors and textures. | * Plan ahead when buying cheese. If you are going to serve cheese at a party, buy a variety of flavors and textures. | ||
| − | * In some places, such as France, cheese is often served after dinner. In these cases, most people would finish their dinner wine with the cheese course.<ref>http://chezbonnefemme.com/how-to-make-it-french/how-to-serve-a-cheese-course-the-french-way/</ref> | + | * In some places, such as France, cheese is often served after dinner. In these cases, most people would finish their dinner wine with the cheese course.<ref name="rf10">http://chezbonnefemme.com/how-to-make-it-french/how-to-serve-a-cheese-course-the-french-way/</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
* Different types of cheese contain different amounts of milk. If you are lactose intolerant, keep this in mind. You can also try cheese made from goat or sheep milk instead of cow milk, as they tend to have smaller amounts of lactose. | * Different types of cheese contain different amounts of milk. If you are lactose intolerant, keep this in mind. You can also try cheese made from goat or sheep milk instead of cow milk, as they tend to have smaller amounts of lactose. | ||
| − | * Don't store cheese wrapped in plastic.<ref | + | * Don't store cheese wrapped in plastic.<ref name="rf6" /> Cheese needs to breathe and sweat. Instead, opt for wax paper or, even better, a specially-designed cheese storage bag. You can buy those online, or in specialized cooking supply stores.<ref name="rf10" /> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
