Truffle Treasures

How does one pass up a truffle cheese? The alluring aroma, and uniquely deep, earthy flavors of truffle, married with the richness of cheese, awakens my senses and gratifies my taste buds. It's the ultimate in decadence. I like to reserve this type of cheese for gatherings, as I know I can easily eat a whole wedge if left for myself. There are three standout truffle cheeses I am obsessing over as of now: Melkbus Truffle Gouda, Truffle Tremor, and Pecorino Moliterno Al Tartufo. All would fabulous on any cheese board.

Melkbus Truffle Gouda
Stunning raw milk gouda, flecked with black Italian truffles. Its texture is creamy, supple, and the bits truffles add oomph and a textural difference.

Truffle Tremor
I would not have thought that the tartness of goat cheese and earthiness of truffle, would meld so well together, but they do. The flavor of the goat cheese is clean, lightly tangy, allowing the Italian black summer truffles to shine. Truly an elegant cheese that is perfectly balanced.

Pecorino Moliterno Al Tartufo
A bold, raw sheep's milk cheese with veins of truffle paste. The cheese has a piquant. almost spicy flavor, contrasting beautifully with the savory truffles.



photography credit: truffle tremor via fresh direct, truffle gouda via uniekaas, pecorino moliterno al tartufo via igourmet

Gourmandise with Walnuts

When you think of the quintessential holiday cheeses, the cheeses that come to mind are typically Bries, triple crèmes, and aged goat cheeses such as Bucherondin (a log-shaped aged goat's cheese).
These of course are all-stars, but there's one lesser known cheese that I like to bring out that is deserving of a little more attention; that cheese is Gourmandise with Walnuts. It's a spreadable processed cheese that blends Gruyere, Cheddar, and cream with a layer of walnuts. The texture is delicate and smooth, highlighting the bits of crunch in the walnut paste. The contrast of savory and sweet, is ideal for the holiday cheese board. Also, not to mention it's attractive appearance that resembles a slice of layer cake.

Some might dislike the fact it's a processed cheese, but once you have a taste, you'll be wowed.
I love serving this cheese with Bosc pears. When paired together, the end result is something like maple-walnut. I also enjoy serving it with quality strawberry preserves (my fave is from Mountain Fruit Co.) Either way, this cheese is a must try.

styling by me, photography by maki photography

BAGuette

Uncommon Goods

It's almost November, the holidays are almost here, and I'm already perusing the web for interesting gifts. I stumbled upon these baguette carriers, which are absolutely genius.. Not only would this make a great gift, you can carry a baguette with ease, while keeping it secure!

Etsy

Witch Finger and Cotton Candy Grapes

Have I ever mentioned that I love grocery shopping? I love shopping for ingredients and finding unique goodies along the way. I came across these Witch Finger and Cotton Candy grapes and was amazed.

Witch Fingers are sweeter than your typical red grape and are oblong in shape. These grapes would look very attractive on a cheese platter, or even a Halloween themed one.

When I sampled Cotton Candy grapes, I was delighted. I popped it in my mouth, closed my eyes, and couldn't believe how much it tasted like cotton candy! The grapes were candy-sweet and juicy. For a refreshing treat on a hot day, I enjoy them frozen.

Have you discovered any new exciting produce lately?

Side note: Cotton Candy & Witch Finger grapes are sustainably grown and non-GMO.

Farmstead Goat Milk Caramels

Big Picture Farm's farmstead goat milk caramels are made with fresh goat milk straight from their farm. They're unlike any caramels I've ever tasted before. The goat milk provides a creamy and soft texture. They melt in your mouth, and are perfectly sweet. Big Picture Farms earned themselves serious bragging rights; their chai caramels won a Good Food Award in 2012, and their Cocoa Latte caramels were awarded a Silver Sofi award. Besides the taste of the caramels, I'm loving the adorable packaging.

Mac n' Cheetos

My neighborhood restaurant,  The Attic, takes macaroni and cheese to another level by combining a childhood favorite with flamin' hot cheetos.  I must say, it was all that and a bag of chips! 

Imagine a bowl of macaroni coated in a luscious 3- cheese sauce and piled high with hot cheetos. Dig your spoon in this cheesy mound of noodles, and you'll get the perfect bite of creamy mac and spicy cheeto crunch…it’s insanely tasty. And if you want to take it over the top, you can add other ingredients such as bacon and andouille sausage.  If you’re in the area, I highly suggest a visit to The Attic for more Southern favorites with a creative spin. 

The Attic / 441 E Broadway / Long Beach, CA 90803

Cheese Pairing: Quadrello di Bufala with Sqirl’s Seascape Strawberry & Thyme Jam

My latest pairing obsession is Quadrella di Buffalo (the buffalo milk version of Italian Taleggio) with Sqirl LA’s Organic Seascape Strawberry & Thyme Jam. The bright acidity of local seascape strawberries and the gentle sweetness contrasted nicely with the savory, umami-ness, and subtle tang of Quadrello di Bufala. When on the tongue, the strawberries and cheese meld together and become one. This is what I call a dangerously delicious duo; I found myself eating wayyy more than I should’ve.