Explore the world beyond parmesan cheese! There are hundreds of different kinds of cheeses, and the holidays is a great time to sample the wide variety of flavors and textures. Assemble a wine and cheese platter for your next party, or incorporate one of these cheeses into your meals. Here are some of the different kinds of cheeses that everyone should try at least once in their life.
Gruyère cheese
This cheese has a nutty flavor and a strong flavor that holds up against spices. It also melts quite well, which makes it great for cooking. You can use it in a savory tart, for example, or on a pasta.
Cheddar cheese
There are actually different kinds of cheddar. Some have a wax-like texture, but those which have been matured for a longer period can be slightly crumbly. The flavors can also vary. The younger cheddars are mild and sweet (and ideal for kid-friendly cuisine) while the older and mature cheddars have a sharper, savory flavor that’s a perfect ingredient for sandwiches. Cheddar can also be grated into soups, or used in pastas and casseroles.
Stilton cheese
This cheese originates from England. It is made with cow’s milk and cream, and has a very rich flavor. The more mature Stiltons have a stronger flavor. Try crumbling it into soup–it adds a piquant, creamy flavor and texture to the dish.
Edam cheese
Edam cheese is made from partially skimmed milk. It has a waxy texture and tends to be hard. It’s better to get the older edams because the younger varieties have a tendency to be bland. It has a yellow-orange color. The mild flavor makes it a good complement to salty meats, such as bacon.
Manchego cheese
This Spanish cheese is made from sheep’s milk. It has a hard and waxy texture and a mellow flavor with a hint of sharpness. It is wonderful when paired with slightly sweet ingredients (like apples) in a salad.
Gorgonzola cheese
This Italian cheese has a crumbly texture and a mild flavor. These originate from Italy and are often used in Italian dishes, such as ravioli. Try using it in a pumpkin-based sauce or dish.
Roquefort cheese
Originating from France, Roquefort is a blue cheese with a creamy texture and a subtle flavor. It is often used in salads. The cheese is made from sheep’s milk and allowed to mature in limestone caves.
Fontina cheese
Try pairing Fontina, an Italian cheese, with Chardonnay. This cheese is delightfully creamy with a very subtle nutty taste. It is great on crackers!
Gouda cheese
Gouda is made from cow’s milk and is aged for seven years. It has a high fat content, but the flavor is worth the calorie spurge. It is great on grilled sandwiches (in fact, you can just place a slice of gouda cheese on bread, stick it in the toaster oven, for a simple and delicious snack).
Image from wizardrecipes.com
[…] The Chinese, on the other hand, steam their breads, which are shaped into small balls. These can be eaten plain, though many make versions with savory or sweet fillings. (The Japanese version, called manju, often have bite-sized fillings of curry.) Of course, there are the famous French breads (like the croissant) and little-known ethnic varieties like the Filipino-Spanish pandesal (small, light and bite-sized rolls). There’s a big wide world of bread to explore—and this article only names a few you can try. What’s your favorite bread, and how do you like to enjoy it? (We like eating it with different kinds of cheese.) […]