Specialty cheese in the Dairy.... naturally.

(Pairing and Recipes below)

What do you think of when you hear domestic cheese? If you're like most, you picture hearty classic cheddar cheese. Or maybe sliced American cheese. Well if you haven't spent much time in the dairy aisle lately, you're missing some terrific domestic cheeses. Lots of choices with more on the way.

More than ever, American cheesemakers are creating award winning cheeses that once were available only in Europe. But they're not just producing an inexpensive substitute for imports; they're winning international awards for their efforts.

What makes it even more exciting (Yes, cheese is exciting in our world) is that you have excellent choices available at your local grocer. Right there in the dairy aisle! Take the Hautly Crumbled Blue Cheese cup-The 2005 World Dairy Expo winner in the blue cheese category. Made in Wisconsin, loved by the international judges. Now that's exciting!

It's time we take a little pride in our homemade cheeses. Just like American wines, domestic cheeses have hit the mark. Look for two more domestic winners from Hautly; a spectacular extra sharp white cheddar and a stunning aged half moon provolone. Specialty cheeses in the dairy aisle…naturally.

Extra Sharp White Cheddar

Description:

Nutty, extra sharp, rich and robust with a little tang. A semi hard cheese, easy to grate or slice.

Beverage Pairing: Merlot, Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer, beer, hot tea or coffee, milk

Food Pairing: Apples, grapes, nuts,  dates, cured meats, chutney, water crackers and crusty bread

White Cheddar Potato Gratin

Apple Cheddar Shortcake

Aged Provolone

Description:

Full-bodies flavor, buttery with a slight tang when aged. Aged Provolone is harder and more granular and easy to grate.

Beverage Pairing: Merlot, Chianti, Shiraz, Sparkling Water.

Food Pairing: Red grapes, pears, figs, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olive, hearty bread, cured meats, pizza and pasta.

Portobello Sandwich

Crumbled Blue

Description:

Ivory color marbled with blue gray veins. Sharp, piquant, tangy flavor with semi-soft, crumbly texture.

Beverage Pairing: Port, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Cappuccino, beer.

Food Pairing: Crusty breads, Italian sausage, salad, pizza, meats & pasta. Stir into dips, dressings and sauces.

This is an award winning blue cheese; taking 1st place in the 2005 blue cheese category in the World Dairy Expo and US Championships Cheese Contest. The cheese is also producer certified rBGH (growth hormone) free.

Blue Cheese Recipes