Now I think it’s been pretty established that I enjoy wine. Before I was even allowed a tiny sip from my parent’s glass, though, I was a total cheese girl.
Ever since I was little I was arranging the cheese platters for family parties and sneaking little slices as I went along. I can’t tell you how many events I almost ruined for myself by stuffing myself with cheese before they even began.
I loved picking out what cheeses we would serve from the over-flowing dairy drawer in the fridge. Like me, my dad is also a cheese freak. You can ask anybody running the cheese booth at the New York State Fair. My family stops there first to buy brick after brick of cheese, then it’s kept refrigerated for us until we come back for it at the end of the day to haul it home in a mini-cooler my dad brings just for that reason.
So, yeah, wine is amazing, but cheese was my first love. With that in mind, I wanted to share some of my all-time favorite cheeses today. Some of these I have loved for years and others are ones that I’ve only recently discovered. Either way, I hope you get a little inspiration for your next grocery (read: cheese) run!
1. Wegman’s Intense Aged Gouda Cheese
This gouda from Holland has been aged three years and is the definition of heaven. It is so buttery and complex, it’s a wonder I can avoid eating the entire block whenever I get it in my clutches. If you love the little crunch that the crystals of an aged cheese can have, then pick this one up.
I have loved Chastinet since I was little, cutting thick slices to eat with pretzels or crackers. It’s a style of asiago that is exactly how Yancey’s describes it, sharp and snappy, and it crumbles beautifully. Just the smell is mouthwatering!
3. Wegman’s Medium Manchego Cheese
Manchego is another cheese I’ve been devouring from a young age. This one is ripe and biting after being aged for six months and is perfect if you’re trying to take your grilled cheese up a notch. Wegman’s Manchego can also be purchased as mild or intense. The mild is more buttery and the intense is more sharp so I’ve found the medium to be the perfect middle-ground.
4. Aldi’s Blueberry Vanilla Hand-Rolled Goat Cheese Log
Something about the combination of nutty goat cheese, sweet blueberry and warm vanilla makes this cheese a dream come true. While you should always let your cheese sit out a little bit before digging in, this one in particular becomes something magical when it softens to room temperature. Spread it on literally anything and try not to eat the entire log.
5. Sartori’s Merlot BellaVitano
C’mon, did you really think I wouldn’t throw in a wine-y cheese? This incredible cheese from Sartori combines the best of both worlds. A smooth, delicate cheese and the luscious and rich berry flavors of a merlot. I’ve bought this cheese a few times just during this stay-at-home order because it never fails to pick me up a little. It tastes like a true indulgence.
Cheese will always be one of my favorite foods to eat and to share with others. It holds a special, personal connection to me and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of sampling new kinds and arranging little cheese plates.
I hope you got some ideas for a new cheese to try from this, and be sure to let me know your favorite cheese in the comments below!
Love manchego ♥️♥️