American Made Cheeses

Limburger Cheese: I ran away from the kitchen every time my mother and father ate it!

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Limburger Cheese: I ran away from the kitchen every time my mother and father ate it! It was a special treat to my parents when my grandfather returned from visiting relatives in the Yorkville area of New York City with bricks of the "smelly stuff", as I called it. In fact I didn't like cheese at all, well, except Velveeta! You should see what I eat now, some that put that Limburger smell of my childhood to shame!

French and Italian cheeses have long been cherished by the people of those lands and thanks to many factors they are available all over the world these days. In fact most American cheese production copies the methods and techniques of European cheese manufacturing. American cheddar is a good example. Cheddar is a town in England where this firm, yet crumbly, sharp, and slightly salty cheese was born and where its name comes from. Cheddar from all across the United States, whether from Vermont, New York or Oklahoma, derive from this. Blue cheese from Denmark is cloned in Iowa as Maytag Blue. Brie from France is produced in Wisconsin. And so the cheese crumbles across our country.

American Dairy Association has granted Good Cooking permission to use its materials in compiling this Internet version of their Cheese Appreciation Guide. You can go to ilovecheese.com for all the information you find here and so much more. As a chef I use cheese in cooking and as a consumer I eat it. I also think of cheese as more than Swiss, Cheddar and Mozzarella. Whatever flavor, perhaps goat cheese, farmstead Camembert or French style Beaumont, I first think of the farmer. I was fortunate to grow up in a very rural area of New York surrounded by dairy farms. In fact my grandfather owned a dairy farm in West Taghkanic NY, farming 250 acres of land for milk production. And I think being a chef is hard work! He sold the farm after part was taken by the state under eminent domain to build the Taconic State Parkway. I still have pictures, know the stories and feel the earth. Now on the land the original farmhouse is built up as a weekend restaurant for well-to-do travelers, and on the remaining land a very expensive multi-million dollar home perched on the highest hill with views of the Hudson River and the Catskills. So goes the "American Farm". There are others from Maine to Oregon and Wisconsin to Florida that have met the same fate or worse---selling the family farm because there is no money left to support it any longer---or even that the sons and daughters didn't want to be in the business and there was no help to hire to run it. How many houses were built on well-tilled farm land, it's impossible to count them, in fact you might even be living in one as you read this! That's why, when I eat cheese, I think of the history and the people who farmed and still farm to bring us this culinary treasure! Hail to the dairy farmers and those who represent them, you all do a great job and Good Cooking wishes you the best.

Here are a few of Good Cooking's favorite American made cheeses.

Coach Farm Goat Cheese, Buttons or Logs, Pine Plains, New York

Maytag Blue Cheese, Maytag Dairy Farms, Newton, Iowa

Provolone, BelGioioso Auricchio Cheese, Inc. Denmark, Wisconsin

White Cheddar, Extra Sharp, Tillamook County Creamery Assoc. Tillamook, Oregon

Fontina, Roth Kase LTD. Monroe, Wisconsin

Camembert, The Old Chatham Sheepherding Company, Old Chatham, New York

Hubbardston Goat's Milk Blue, Westfield Farms, Hubbardston, Massachusetts

 Enjoy the Cheese Appreciation Guide and look forward to additional information about American Cheeses. Good Cooking may recommend and or suggest cheeses from the USA for you to try and you as a reader might even suggest cheeses to Good Cooking through our Suggestion Pot. Please feel free to do so, maybe you know of a producer of Cheese Curds or a farm that makes goat's milk camembert, hopefully you will let us know so others can share in the delight.

Recommended Cheese Books

An Excellent Book---Cheese Primer, by Steven Jenkins---Cheeses of the World, Workman Books, NY, NY '96

 

Vermont Cheese Council

 

Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board

 

Real California Milk

 

California Artisan Cheese Guild

 

New York State Farmstead & Artisan Cheese Makers Guild

 

Oregon Cheese Guild

 

Artisan Cheese Makers of the Northwest

 

According to legend, cheese was "discovered" 4,000 years ago when an Arabian merchant journeyed across the desert, carrying a supply of milk in a pouch. The lining of the pouch, combined with the heat of the sun, caused the milk to separate into curd and whey. That night he drank the whey and ate the cheese, and thus, so the story goes, our beloved cheese was born.

Cheese is one of the most versatile, delicious foods craved from coast to coast and around the world. And whether you love your cheese melted on a burger, shredded on a taco or perched on a cracker, these pages are sure to teach you something new about your favorite food.

For instance, you don't have to become a "cheese snob" to enjoy some of the finest cheeses in the world, because they're made right here in the U.S.A. and available at your local supermarket. From Cheddar to Brie to Asiago to Havarti, nearly every variety of cheese imaginable is now domestically produced.
To help you discover the world of domestic cheese, we've categorized dozens of varieties by their flavor profile - from mild to mellow to robust. You'll also learn:

Valuable tips on selecting and storing cheese.

The best way to enjoy each cheese in cooking and snacking.

How to create the perfect cheese party tray.

Purchasing Cheese

It's easy to become a cheese connoisseur. Check out the dairy, deli or specialty cheese departments in your supermarket and you'll find an extraordinary range of natural domestic cheese flavors and textures. Use these tips to make
sure you purchase your favorite cheeses in the condition the cheese makers intended.

Patronize retailers with high turnovers of cheese and dated packaging for product at its peak.

Look for individual cheeses that appear fresh and appealing.

Choose packaging that is tightly sealed and clean.

Ask to taste a cheese that's new to you.

If you are unhappy with your purchase after you get it home, always tell your retailer.

More Cheese Please!

For more great ways to enjoy cheese, visit the American Dairy Association.

Thanks to Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board for providing much of the information in this booklet. Wisconsin produces more than 350 varieties, types and styles of natural cheese. Taste Wisconsin Cheese: The Art of the State. Photos courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

Storing Cheese

To keep cheeses at their peak once you get them home, they must be stored properly. In general, unopened cheeses stored in the refrigerator between 34 degrees F and 38 degrees F will retain quality even beyond any freshness date stamped on packages. The key lies in keeping them tightly wrapped or sealed to prevent exposure to air and airborne, natural mold spores. Once you open the manufacturer's packaging, follow these guidelines:

Fresh cheeses, such as cottage, cream and mascarpone, are high in moisture, which makes them more perishable than firmer cheeses. These cheeses should be kept tightly sealed and cold and used within two weeks.

Semi-soft, firm and hard cheeses wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator remain fresh for four to eight weeks. Some aged cheese may be held even longer under proper ' storage conditions.

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and Asiago, should be stored in grated form in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Freeze for longer storage and use directly out of the freezer.

Ideally only hard-grating cheeses, such as Parmesan and Romano, should be frozen for up to three months. Freezing other cheeses, such as Cheddar and Gouda, causes their texture to become crumbly.

Shredded cheeses lose moisture and develop mold more easily than solid pieces, because they have more surface area exposed to air. Wrap leftover shredded cheese tightly and use within a few days.

Should cheese develop surface mold, cut off about 1/2-inch from each affected side. The remaining cheese should be used within the week.

Take special care with aromatic cheeses, such as blue and Limburger. If not tightly wrapped and stored in airtight containers, they can impart their pungent aromas and flavors to other cheeses and foods.

Enjoying Cheese

In addition to appealing taste, variety and texture, cheese offers versatility and convenience. As a snack, an ingredient in a recipe, or a topping, cheese pleases easily every time. These tips will help you serve cheese at its best.

Most cheeses taste best when served at room temperature. Take cheese out of the refrigerator and let it sit, covered, for 30 minutes to an hour before serving. However, fresh cheeses like ricotta, mascarpone and queso blanco should be treated like fresh milk and can stay out of refrigeration for only brief periods of time.

Repeated temperature changes hasten deterioration of cheese flavor and texture and the onset of spoilage. For large pieces, cut off only as much as you think you will consume at one sitting, leaving the remainder tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.

Lactose Intolerant? Eat Cheese

If you are lactose intolerant, you can eat most natural cheeses. This is because, during the process of making natural cheese, the whey (the liquid portion of milk) is separated from the curd (the solid components), and most of the remaining lactose is removed with the whey. The small amount remaining is utilized by the good bacteria already present in the cheese.

As a result, most ripened cheeses, such as Cheddar and Swiss, contain about 95% less lactose than whole milk. Additionally, aged cheeses, like Parmesan and sharp Cheddar, contain almost no lactose and processed cheeses contain only a slight amount more.

The Cheese Party Tray

A beautiful cheese board, carefully balanced in taste, texture and color, makes a delightful and delicious presentation. It can be served as a party platter or as a separate, course at lunch, brunch or dinner. With more than 350 domestic cheeses available, it's easy to create a cheese party tray that is a work of art. Here's how:

Select several cheeses of different varieties, types and styles, Include contrasting flavors and textures, for example, Camembert, Gorgonzola, Havarti, Colby and aged Cheddar. Labeling each type for your guests adds a friendly touch.

For small groups, allow family and friends to cut directly from a cheese wedge or chunk.

For larger groups, serve cubes, sticks and squares that have been cut ahead of time.

To complement the cheese, accompany it with fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, olives, crackers and oven-baked breads.

Use already cubed and sliced cheeses to simplify composition of cheese and deli platters, or follow these easy directions:

Start with a sharp, clean knife.

Cut cheese while it is still cold.

Cutting can be done early in the day, as long as the cheese is wrapped tightly and returned to the refrigerator.

Cut small slices, triangles or stocks from bars of cheese.

Rectangular pieces of cheese provide larger cubes, triangles or sticks.

Cut wheels of Brie, Camembert, Gouda and Edam into thin wedges. For soft-ripened cheeses such as Brie, slice one-third of the wheel and fan out these slices across the top of the remaining wheel for a dramatic presentation.

Cheddar, Colby and Provolone often come in half-moon shapes and cut easily into thin strips or narrow wedges.

Colby

Description: A Wisconsin original. Mild flavor similar to Cheddar. Firm, open texture with tiny holes. Available flavored. Best Use: Sandwiches, sauces, casseroles, snacks.
Perfect Pairings: Apples, pears, tomatoes, red wine, beer.

Havarti

Description: Buttery flavor, smooth, supple texture. Available flavored.
Best Use: Hot and cold sandwiches, baked potatoes, egg dishes, salads. Melts easily. Perfect Pairings: Plums, grapes, almonds, rye bread, light red or fruity white wines, iced tea.

Mild Cheddar

Description: Rich, nutty, creamy flavor; smooth, firm texture. Usually wrapped in clear wax. Best Use. Party trays, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, sauces, egg dishes. Perfect Pairings: Apples, grapes, water crackers, fruity white or light red wines, apple cider, beer.

Fontina

Description: Danish-and Swedish-style: slightly tart, nutty, mild earthy. Smooth, supple texture with tiny holes.
Best Use. Sandwiches, snacks; baked or cooked dishes.
Perfect Pairings: Plums, grapes, water crackers, cashews, light red or fruity white wines, bock beer.

Mascarpone

Description: Rich, buttery, slightly sweet flavor. Smooth, thick, creamy texture.
Best Use. Fillings, toppings, dips, spreads, sauces.
Perfect Pairings: Raspberries, ladyfingers, chocolate, sparkling water, sparkling or fruity wines.

Monterey Jack

Description: A California original. Delicate, buttery flavor. Smooth, open texture. Available marbled or flavored.
Best Use. Hot or cold sandwiches, burgers, salads, Mexican-style dishes. Melts easily.
Perfect Pairings: Fresh fruit, salsa, fruity wines, beer.

Ricotta

Description: Mild, slightly sweet flavor. Creamy, granular texture. Best Use: Fillings, stuffings, spreads, cheesecake.
Perfect Pairings: Sweet berries, croissants, muffins, milk.

Fresh Mozzarella

Description: Delicate, milky
flavor. Soft, slightly elastic texture. I Submerged in water to keep fresh. Best Use: Salads, sandwiches, appetizers, pizza.
Perfect Pairings: Tomatoes, cured meats, light red wines.

Queso Blanco

Description: Mild, fresh flavor. Crumbly texture holds shape when heated; does not melt. Best Use. Soups, salad, polenta, stuffing, snacks.
Perfect Pairings: Mexican-style dishes.

Swiss

Description: Buttery, nutty, mellow flavor. Firm texture. Dime-size holes, called "eyes." Baby Swiss is slightly sweet. Available plain and smoked. Best Use: Sandwiches, egg dishes, breads, vegetables. Melts easily.
Perfect Pairings: Grapes, pears, pumpernickel bread, fruity white or light red wines.

Medium Cheddar

Description: More piquant flavor and granular texture than mild Cheddar. Usually wrapped in red wax.
Best Use: Party trays, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, sauces, egg dishes. Perfect Pairings: Apples, grapes, water crackers, fruity white or
light red wines, beer.

Brie/Camembert

Description: Rich, earthy mushroom flavor changes from mild to pungent with age. Soft, creamy interior with snowy white, edible rind.
Best Use. Party trays, sandwiches, snacks. Wrap and bake in pastry. Remove rind for soups, sauces. Perfect Pairings: Melons, strawberries, nuts, crusty breads, white or sparkling wines.

Muenster

Description: Edible orange rind with white interior, creamy texture. Mild flavor mellows with age.
Best Use: Hot or cold sandwiches, salads, Mexican-style dishes, snacks. Melts easily. Perfect Pairings: Grapes, pickles, sausage, wheat crackers, fruity wines, beer.

Brick

Description: A Wisconsin original. Mild, sweet and nutty when young, tangy when aged. Smooth, open texture.
Best Use: Sandwiches, casseroles. Melts easily.
Perfect Pairings: Apples, pears, dark bread.

Gouda/Edam

Description: Gouda (whole milk) has a rich, buttery, slightly sweet flavor and smooth, creamy texture. Available plain or smoked. Edam (part-skim milk) has a nuttier flavor and firmer texture.
Best Use., Sandwiches, snacks, salads, soups.
Perfect Pairings: Peaches, pears, dark breads, fruity wines.

Asiago

Description: Buttery/nutty flavor (like a blend of aged Cheddar and Parmesan) becomes more intense with age.
Best Use. Serve as a table cheese for pasta, rice, potatoes, salads, vegetables.
Perfect Pairings: Grapes, figs, red wines, ales, espresso.

Feta

Description: Packed in brine. Tart, salty flavor. Available plain and flavored.
Best Use. Greek dishes, salads, hot and cold pasta, egg dishes. Perfect Pairings: Olives, vegetables, seafood, chicken.

Blue

Description: Ivory color marbled with blue-gray veins. Piquant, full, earthy flavor. Firm, crumbly texture.
Best Use. Vegetable, fruit and pasta salads, grilled meats, spreads, dressings, dips. Perfect Pairings: Crusty breads, apples, hearty red wines, cappuccino.

Gorgonzola

Description: Italian-style Blue -d cheese. Sharp flavor with slight earthiness. Firm, crumbly texture with greenish blue mold in veins and pockets.
Best Use: Salads, pasta, ground meat; souffles, spreads, dressings, dips.
Perfect Pairings: Pears, apples, walnuts, heavier red wines.

Gruyere

Description: Nutty, rich, full-bodied flavor. Firm texture with a few tiny eyes.
Best Use: Fondue, baked dishes, onion soup.
Perfect Pairings: Hearty breads, vegetables, apples, chicken, fruity white wines.

Parmesan

Description: Buttery, sweet, nutty flavor intensifies with age. Granular texture hardens with age. Best Use: Salads, cooked dishes, casseroles, pizza; serve as a table cheese.
Perfect Pairings: Grapes, figs, walnuts, bread sticks, red wines, coffee.

Provolone

Description: Slightly piquant flavor becomes sharp and pungent with age. Firm, smooth body I becomes more granular with age. Best Use. Sandwiches, pizza,
fillings, salads. Melts easily. 1 Perfect Pairings: Pears, grapes,
figs, olives, bread sticks, red wines, espresso.

Romano

Description: Sharp, piquant flavor. Granular texture hardens with age. Available as Pepato, which has black peppercorns.
Best Use: Pasta, soup, salads, pizza, ' egg dishes, stuffing, pastry. Perfect Pairings: Melons, olives, crusty bread, hearty red

Sharp Cheddar

Description: Age gives Cheddar a complex, pleasingly sharp flavor and hard, granular texture. Usually wrapped in black wax. it Best Use: Party trays, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, sauces, egg dishes. Perfect Pairings: Apples, grapes, water crackers, hearty red wines, beer.

Thanks to The American Dairy Association for allowing Good Cooking to reproduce their Cheese appreciation Guide!