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Cheese Making: Which Milks Are Used?
We love to tell you more about the cheese making process here at Shisler’s Cheese House. The more that you know about cheese, the more you can shop for your favorites and discover new delicious delights.
Today we’re going to explain the different kinds of milk used in cheese making and which cheeses you might find them in.
Sheep’s milk
Sheep’s milk has a high lactose content. This means that we rarely drink it, but it is used extensively in cheese and yogurt making. It can sometimes have a distinctive flavor, although this is often masked by the salt used to create the cheese.
Sheep’s milk cheeses include Manchego and Pecorino. Romano Pecorino is made from the milk of sheep that have grazed on specific grasses to impart flavor into the milk. If you love blue cheese, then Roquefort is made with sheep’s milk and has a great tang to it.
Goat’s milk
Goat’s milk is more regularly enjoyed on cereal or as a drink than sheep’s milk. Its qualities mean that it sometimes suitable for those who cannot have cow’s milk.
You’ll find it in simple goat’s cheese or chevre. These cheeses have a creamy texture and a distinct, complex flavor. They are great for cooking with as this flavor works well with many sweet and savory ingredients. It also melts very well, making it an excellent way to add cheesiness to dishes.
Cow’s milk
The most common of the kinds of milk used to make cheese. It has a good amount of fat and protein which makes it favorable for the cheese making process. Look out for cow’s milk cheeses that do not contain any artificial hormones.
You’ll find it in Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan amongst many others.
Buffalo milk
This is one of the hardest types of milk to get hold of and so it is very prized within the dairy industry. It is mostly used to make mozzarella and gives it a particularly creamy taste and texture as it has a high fat content.
More unusual milk
These are the different types of milk that you’ll usually find represented on a cheese shelf, but there are still more unusual ones being used all the time. Perhaps you might like to try reindeer or moose cheese? In some countries, cheese made from the milk of a camel is enjoyed. Donkeys, horses, and yaks have all had their milk used to make cheese to enjoy. We are also seeing a rise in non-dairy milk being used to create cheeses that are suitable for vegans or those who cannot eat dairy products. Who knows what will be next into the cheese market?
We hope you’ve enjoyed our quick tour of the different kinds of milk used in the cheese making process. Next time you pop in to fill up your cheese shelf, why not try something made form a more unusual milk and see if you can taste the difference?
Which kind of cheese is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Flavored Cheeses: Add Flair to Your Cheeseboard
We stock a variety of flavored cheeses here at Shisler’s Cheese House and we love how they can add extra excitement to any cheeseboard. They are also great for adding flavor to a variety of different dishes.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favorites for you to enjoy. We’ve also added some great culinary ideas to use them up.
Bacon Cheese
A creamy cheddar infused with smoky bacon. This is great for breakfast dishes such as muffins or a frittata. The smoky flavor will also work well with slightly sweeter dishes. Add it to a cheeseboard and see if your guests can identify the flavor.
Beer Cheese
A semi-soft combination of Limburger and Brick Cheese. Not to be mistaken for a Beer Cheese dip, it has a very strong smell and taste. Germans like to put it on rye bread along with some sliced onion and have it with beer.
Garlic Cheddar
A lovely mild white cheddar with the addition of flavorsome garlic. This is perfect for pasta dishes or even an extra special grilled cheese. Combine it with mushrooms or ham for brilliant flavor combinations.
Green Onion Cheese
Made with real green onions so that you get plenty of flavor in every mouthful. Try it with a picnic of salads and meats for a simple meal. This is one of our favorite flavored cheeses for adding extra zing.
Havarti Cheese with Caraway
Havarti Cheese is an interior-ripened cheese that is rindless and smooth. It has very small and irregular eyes. It can be somewhat sharp and buttery in taste with sweet notes. This variation of Havarti Cheese is infused with Caraway Fruits, commonly referred to as Caraway seeds, which are the principal element in the flavor of rye bread. It has a pungent anise-like flavor and aroma. Plain Havarti Cheese and Havarti Cheese with Dill are also available.
Horseradish Cheddar
A white cheddar infused with the spicy tang of horseradish. Well balanced so that you get both creamy and spicy flavors coming through. This would work brilliantly with beef burgers or other beef dishes with cheese.
Pepperoni Cheese
One of the nation’s favorite flavors, already infused into cheese for us to enjoy. It’s perfect for pizza! You could also enjoy it on crackers or with vegetables. This is another good choice for a grilled cheese with extra taste.
Bermuda Onion Cheese
A delicious cheese with savory onion tones. Great with pickles or chutney. This could also be an excellent addition to a fondue if you want to make it extra flavorful. Try it melted onto toast with soup. This is perfect when the weather starts to get colder.
Hot Pepper Cheese
We stock a wide range of spicy cheeses, but the hot pepper cheese is a great place to start. It has just the right amount of kick to add fire to your favorite dishes alongside a lovely peppery flavor. It works really well with Mexican dishes such as tacos or quesadillas.
Which of these flavored cheeses would you like to try? Let us know in the comments!
Get Ready with our Football Season Snacks
With the NFL Season fast approaching, we thought it was time to share with you our Football Season Special. It’s full of football season snacks for you.
Inside you’ll find some Swiss Cheese, Troyer’s Trail Bologna, Pepper Jack Cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Pepper Relish, and Carr’s Crackers. We think this is a great combination of snacks.
Swiss Cheese is a mild cow’s milk cheese with a slightly nutty, sweet flavor. This contrasts well against the Pepper Jack Cheese which is flavored with spicy jalapenos, serrano peppers, and habaneros. It has a creaminess and then a good kick from the chilies.
Troyer’s Trail Bologna is a true classic, made in Ohio by the fourth generation of the Troyer family. It is an all-beef chunky bologna with a smoky taste. It’s usually sliced thin and will be delicious with cubes of the Swiss cheese. Pile everything onto a cracker with some mustard or relish and you’ve got an ideal complete snack.
This is the perfect combination of snacks to enjoy whilst kicking back and watching the game. If you want to create more of a meal or you have a large group coming over, why not pair it with some hot dogs or a great big bowl of chili?
If you like a selection of salty football season snacks, check out our gourmet foods section. You’ll find nuts including pistachios, Spanish peanuts, and roasted pecans as well as white chocolate popcorn and trail mixes.
Make sure that you stock up on beers and you’ll have the best sports night ever. Whatever team that you are supporting, you’ll be in good company with our special hamper of treats. It will bring together even the most bitter rivals.
If you’re watching alone, then you’ll have a nice selection to enjoy over several games. It’s sure to keep you fuelled during even the tensest moments of play. Pop your jersey in, get comfy on the couch, and settle in for a great night of family fun.
You could even take this gift box along when you’re tailgating at a college game. Show your support whilst enjoying some great snacks. If you won’t have time to cook something or you just want the ease of showing up with a box of everything you need, then this box if perfect for you.
You can also have this sent to a loved one. Missing a friend or child who’s gone away to college? Send them our gift basket and let them know that you’re thinking of them, even if you can’t watch the game together. We can also put together special gift boxes with non-perishable products if you are sending them overseas.
What are your favorite football season snacks to eat whilst watching the game? Let us know in the comments! Tell us your team, too!
Have a Fun Labor Day Weekend!
We want to wish you all a really fun Labor Day weekend.
For many of us, this weekend marks the end of summer and the beginning of school or work.
If you’re barbecuing this weekend, check out our barbecue checklist or post on great marinades. For summer drinks inspiration, read our list of fun options that you can whip up easily at home or take to the beach. Create a charcuterie board or cheeseboard to impress your guests.
You could add extra cheese to your party with one of our gift boxes, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Our White Wine Collection and Beer Collection are ideal boxes for a great party. Check our gourmet foods section for snacks to keep you going whilst you go for a hike or simply explore your local area. There are so many options, we know that you’ll find something delicious.
It’s the perfect time to make the most of your yard before fall sets in. Celebrating outside also reduces the need for clean up time and means that you can cook out on the grill.
Involve the kids in the celebration. After all, they will be enjoying this time with you before they head back to school. You could let them pick some of the dishes for the table and even let them help you to create them in the kitchen. For younger children, they can still help with decorations or with simple creations such as a cheeseboard. Getting everyone involved has the added benefit of reducing everyone’s workload. As it’s supposed to be a holiday for us all, everyone pitching in is helpful in making sure everyone gets to enjoy some down time.
For this special occasion, you might want to consider your table settings. Even if you’re not having a sit-down meal, you will probably be creating some kind of buffet spread to share. Adding fresh flowers will bring summer right into the party and a little bit of sparkle in the form of some glitter or confetti would also look great. If you want to stick to a theme, why not go for white table settings? You could even have guests take the last chance to wear summery, white outfits. Just be careful that whatever food you are serving doesn’t have too much potential to stain.
We also love fireworks for a celebration. Stock up for your own display or find out where you can see them in your city. Get a big group together to watch and enjoy a moment of childlike wonder under the bright lights.
However you’re celebrating, let’s also remember that this is a day to celebrate the contribution that workers make to our country and our economy. It’s a moment to be grateful for that and for our family and friends around us. As we say goodbye to summer, remember the good memories of the season and cherish them.
How will you be spending your Labor Day weekend? Let us know in the comments!
How to Create a Cookbook Collection
We know that lots of our customers love to cook as well as eating delicious dishes. Building a great cookbook collection can ensure that you always have tasty recipes on hand. You will be ready for a casual lunch, celebratory dinner, or even a large party.
We’ve put together some tips to help you build up a good collection in your home. Whether you are cooking for your family or just for yourself, you’ll be able to equip your kitchen for enjoyable cooking.
1. Explore a range of cooking skills
Try to pick some books that you will be able to cook from almost every day as well as some that will really challenge you. This way you can learn new skills to impress guests but you can also get inspiration for daily family meals. You could also select some books that cover specific cooking skills such as baking or confectionery.
2. Choose books that meet your dietary needs
If there is something that you cannot eat, or that you choose not to eat, then try to avoid books that feature this heavily. If you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet there are now lots of books that cater specifically to you.
3. Look for books with great photography
You’ll get a better idea of what you are making if the books that you choose have great photography. Some even include step by step pictures to help you put the dishes together. You’ll also get plating inspiration which can help you to create beautiful plates for your guests. Even if you are buying books online, you can usually explore some of the pages to see the photography style.
4. Check out second hand books
You can sometimes find great prices on cookbooks in thrift stores. You’ll also find a wide range and some books that you might not find in stores today. Exploring older books can help you find extra inspiration. You could also find some great books to borrow in your family’s kitchen for your cookbook collection. If there is something that you love to have cooked for you, then they might be able to give you the secret!
5. Make sure you have storage
You don’t want to find that your kitchen is overrun with cookbooks! Ensure that you have shelving in place to keep your books on. A cupboard can help to keep them clean and a glass door could help you to see your books at a glance. If you haven’t got much room, just pick a few key books.
6. Pick a range of cuisines
Expand your culinary horizons and you’ll be able to explore the world from the comfort of your kitchen! Think about your favorite foods to eat on holiday and pick books based on trying to cook them at home. You could even try something completely new to add to your repertoire.
We hope that these tips will help you to put together a great selection of recipe books. Which books are essential to your cookbook collection? Let us know in the comments!
Monterey Jack: Everything You Need To Know
Today we continue with our exploration of cheeses from around the world with Monterey Jack. Read on to find out what this cheese tastes like and how to use it in your cooking.
What is Monterey Jack cheese?
Monterey Jack is an American semi-hard cow’s milk cheese which has a creamy, buttery flavor. It is very mild in taste. It has a slight firmness to it which resembles Cheddar.
How is Monterey Jack made?
Monterey Jack Cheese was made by the Mexican Franciscan friars of Monterey, California, in the 19th century. Then David Jack, a California businessman, decided that the market for the cheese could be developed. He produced the mild, white cheese that we now call Monterey Jack.
It is made by heating milk with cultures and adding rennet to separate the curds and whey. The curds are drained and pressed into the cheese. A rind forms and oil is added to keep it aging.
It is usually only aged for one month. It can be aged for longer to produce a cheese called Dry Jack. Chili peppers can be added to create a spicy cheese called Pepper Jack. It is mixed with Colby cheese to create Marble Cheese. This looks very striking on a cheeseboard and is sure to have your guests digging in.
How should I eat it?
Monterey Jack Cheese melts very well. This makes it great for grilled cheese or nachos. Its flavor also works very well with Spanish and Mexican dishes.
The texture also makes it suitable for grating over dishes. It is great with roasted chicken, burgers, and steaks. You could even put a piece of cheese into the middle of a homemade burger so that you taste melted cheese when you bite into it. You could also serve cubes or slices as part of a cheese platter. Try it with melons, grapes, pickled vegetables, and olives for contrast and great texture. We also love it sliced and put into sandwiches with bologna or ham.
It is also delicious grated into soups to add savoury flavor and creaminess. It works very well with bread baking recipes. Add it to tear and share monkey bread, flatbreads, or garlic bread. You could even add it to cornbread.
What should I drink with it?
It will go very well with a light white wine such as a Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or Chardonnay. You could even serve something fruity and flavorful such as a Sauvignon Blanc. Light red wines such as Pinot Noir or a Syrah would be excellent if you prefer red wine. It could be excellent with beer as well if you are enjoying a casual evening.
How do you like to eat Monterey Jack Cheese? Let us know in the comments!
Ways to Make the Most of Summer
For some of us, a hint of fall is already in the air. We’ve put together a list of ideas to help you make the most of the last weeks of summer.
1. Pack a picnic
Grab some cheese, ham and delicious bread and head out to your nearest park or lake. Enjoy some time in nature whilst eating a great meal. Pack some drinks to keep you hydrated or even some champagne for a celebratory picnic.
2. Go on a hike
Get your walking shoes on and go exploring. Whether you head to the top of your nearest hill or travel further afield to tackle a mountain, you’re sure to get a moment of calm perspective when you get out into nature.
3. Cook something new
Take the time to create a new dish to share with family and friends. They’ll appreciate the effort that you’ve put in and you’ll get to learn a new skill. If you’re not quite ready to tackle something from scratch then try one of our quick muffin mixes.
4. Explore your local museums and art galleries
Get some culture this summer or learn more about the history of your local area by taking advantage of the attractions near you. If it’s an especially hot day it’s also a great way to cool off in the air conditioning!
5. Head to a water park
Is there anything better than splashing around and rushing down slides on a hot summer day? Take your last opportunities for some thrill seeking before the leaves start to fall and winter approaches.
6. Play sports
Whether you love baseball, football or basketball, playing sports is a great way to keep fit in the summer. Get a group of friends together and have some fun. You can make it more competitive with a forfeit!
7. Recreate your summer camp
Pitch a tent, build a fire, and roast some marshmallows! Reminisce with friends about your summer camp memories. You could even hold a talent contest. If you never went to camp then now is the time to have water fights and midnight snacks before the end of summer.
8. Go to an open-air movie screening
Whether it’s a drive-in, a trendy rooftop, or simply your backyard, watching a movie outdoors is a great way to spend a late summer evening. Stock up on popcorn, gather your friends and neighbors, and watch something nostalgic that the whole family will love.
9. Read a book
How often do you wish that you read more? Sometimes it is hard to find the time to sit down and read. Make it a priority to enjoy a sunny day with a good book.
10. Do absolutely nothing!
Another activity that it’s very hard to make time for in our busy lives. Take an hour off, sit on the grass or lie around in a hammock, and just enjoy the feeling of having nowhere to be. Even if you only manage ten minutes of peace and quiet you’ll be thankful for it.
How are you making the most of the last days of summer? Let us know in the comments?
Gruyere Cheese: Everything You Need to Know
We continue our exploration of cheese from around the world with a look at Gruyere today.
What is Gruyere Cheese?
Gruyere Cheese is a hard, yellow cow’s milk cheese. It is named after the town of Gruyere, in Switzerland, although some do maintain that it is a French cheese. It has a sweet but slightly salty flavor and often has a creamy texture. When fully aged, it has small cracks and a slightly grainy texture. It can have quite a strong smell because of the process that creates its rind.
It is one of our favorite imported cheeses and we know that many of our customers love being able to get hold of this Alpine cheese right here in Ohio.
How is Gruyere Cheese made?
It is made by heating raw milk in a copper vat, adding rennet and separating the curds and whey. The curds are placed into molds, salted in brine and smeared with bacteria. The cheese is then ripened for at least two months at room temperature, generally on wooden boards. The cheese is turned every couple of days to ensure even moisture distribution. It can be cured for up to 10 months and develops a more intense, almost earthy, flavor as it ages.
How should I eat Gruyere Cheese?
Gruyere Cheese melts very well. This makes it a great cheese for a fondue with white wine and garlic. Serve it with crusty bread, crudites and simply roasted potatoes alongside dipping forks for a fun sharing dinner with friends.
Because it melts so well, it is also an excellent cheese to incorporate into baking. Try it in your next quiche for extra flavor. Melt it onto small pieces of toast to eat with French Onion Soup or put it into a grilled cheese sandwich. Even better, make a Croque Monsieur by using gruyere and ham in a toasted sandwich. You could even incorporate it into bread dough before baking to create a cheesy bread for lunch or a picnic.
You could grate it to serve with pasta or salads, as it is not too overpowering. If you are serving it as part of a cheeseboard, try to include fruits such as pears, apples, and grapes. The sweetness of these fruits is excellent against the nuttiness of the cheese. Cut it into thin slices that your guests can enjoy.
It is also excellent for adding comfort to a dish of mac and cheese. Gratin dishes such as potato dauphinoise will benefit from some slices of the cheese, as would butternut squash or sweet potato dishes.
What should I drink with Gruyere Cheese?
Gruyere goes best with slightly sweet white wines like Chardonnay, Riesling, or dessert wines. These complement creamy, nutty nature of the cheese. You could also enjoy it with an apple cider or a glass of Bock beer. All of these will enhance the flavor of the cheese without overpowering its more delicate elements.
How do you like to eat Gruyere Cheese? Let us know in the comments!
Back to School: Preparing your Loved Ones for College
With the time approaching for college students to begin their studies or return after a well-earned break, we’ve put together a back to school care package that’s sure to keep them happy.
Send them off with a selection of treats and they’ll be able to share them with friends when they arrive. We’ve put together our care package with those difficult goodbyes in mind. It’s a perfect gift for any student who might get homesick or simply need a pick me up between all their new lectures.
Inside you will find generous helpings of:
- Banana Split Mix – includes cranberries, banana chips, almonds, chocolate covered peanuts, chocolate drops, pineapple tidbits, raisins, yogurt covered peanuts, peanuts, and yogurt drops
- Blue Raspberry Licorice
- Buggy Trail Mix – includes butter toffee peanuts, honey roasted sesame sticks, cheddar crackers, pretzel nuggets, and wheat crackers
- Cinnamon Graham Pretzels – the classic flavor of cinnamon graham crackers in the shape of a pretzel. These are especially delicious with a cream cheese dip.
- Mikey’s Mix – packed full of nuts, raisins, and chocolate treats
- Peanut Butter Pretzels – a crunchy snack filled with delicious peanut butter
- Shisler’s Private Label Raspberry Pretzel Dip – perfect for eating with our pretzels
As these items are less perishable than others that we stock, they can be sent in the mail. You could even send them overseas to our service men and women to let them know that you are thinking of them.
If you know that your college goer is going to need help getting up in the morning, you could also send them some REACH coffee. This is a specialty coffee from the region of Chanchamayo in Peru that is then roasted in Cleveland, Ohio. We’re proud to stock this coffee as it’s great for everything from an espresso to a frothy latte.
Explore our other gift boxes for different tastes. Some do have perishable items so be sure to check how long shipping will take and whether your recipient has access to a fridge. If you are finding a gift for someone with a sweet tooth, then our Heggy’s Chocolate Gift Box might be a great option for you. It will contain an assortment of premium hand crafted chocolates and candies from a wide selection including vanilla creams, chocolate coated caramels, marshmallows, and Heggy’s Crunch.
So, whether your loved one is heading back to school for the first year or their last, you can show them how much you love them with our care packages. Surprise them with a taste of home or something new for them to try. You could also give one of our e-gift certificates if you would like them to be able to order a special treat for themselves. The code will be sent to you after purchase, so it doesn’t matter whether you buy it for them to go back to school with or during the semester.
What are your top back to school tips for all the new college students out there? Let us know in the comments!
Cheddar Cheese: Everything You Need to Know
We continue our exploration of different cheeses with a look at cheddar cheese.
What is Cheddar cheese?
A hard, aged cheese that is off-white or sometimes yellow in color. It originates in Somerset in the UK. There, it is aged in the caves of the Cheddar Gorge as they have a good level of humidity and the right temperature.
The curds and whey are separated. After heating, the curds are kneaded with salt and then cut into cubes before being stacked. Extra-mature cheddar must be aged for at least 15 months.
Our Canadian Fine Aged Cheddar is aged for a longer period of time giving it a much stronger, sharper flavor.
We also sell White and Orange Cheddar. Orange Cheddar is traditional white cheddar with Annatto, an extract from the tropical achiote tree, and oleoresin paprika added. These added ingredients give the orange cheddar its orange color and a milder flavor.
If you like spicy cheeses, try the Hot Habanero Cheddar, Smoked Habanero Cheddar, or Horseradish Cheddar. To try other flavors, we recommend the Garlic or Smoked Cheddar.
How does it taste?
It has a sharp taste that develops as it ages. It is also creamy and sometimes milky in flavor. When aged 2 to 3 months, the cheddar remains mild and is better for offering texture or a little seasoning to a dish. It becomes sharp when it has been aged for around 6 months and is extra-sharp from around 1 year of aging.
How should I eat it?
As cheddar is a classic cheese, it can be used almost anywhere. Grate it over pasta, pizza or roasted vegetables. It is particularly good in autumnal and winter dishes for adding extra flavor alongside stews and casseroles.
It melts well so it is a great option for grilled cheese. Add it to any sandwich with a good helping of chutney or pickles. The sharp flavors marry together well for an excellent lunch or snack. It also works well with other savory flavors such as harissa, caramelized onions, or meats such as ham and salami.
The texture makes it excellent for mixing into different ingredients such as pastry or bread doughs. This imparts the flavor of the cheese and gives some melted, crispy elements to the finished dish.
For the simplest of dishes, create a plate with cheese, hams, fruits such as apples and grapes, crackers, and crusty bread. This can make a fantastic lunch or a quick and easy dinner. Add a glass of wine on the side for a real treat.
What should I drink it with?
The sharp and pungent flavor of Cheddar pairs well with light, fruity red wines such as Zinfandel, Syrah, and Merlot. White wine lovers can enjoy Riesling, Pinot Gris, or Sauvignon Blanc with their cheese as they have enough flavor to stand up to the tanginess of the cheese. You could also enjoy a slice of cheddar with a Port, Madeira, or Brandy.
What is your favorite way to enjoy Cheddar cheese? Let us know in the comments!
