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Swiss Cheeses: Learn About Our Range
We stock a whole range of different Swiss cheeses here at Shisler’s Cheese House, so we thought now would be a great time to share them all with you.
How are Swiss Cheeses made?
The process of making Swiss cheeses involves natural bacteria consuming the lactic acid in the cheese. This releases carbon dioxide gas, which forms bubbles that become the holes in the cheese. These are often referred to as “eyes”.
Our range of Swiss cheeses
Our Ohio Swiss cheese is an Amish cheese made in Northeastern Ohio. It undergoes a longer aging process that it undergoes, at a higher temperature than younger cheeses. This produces larger eyes, which is sometimes seen as an indicator for better flavor. It closely resembles the original Swiss Emmental Cheese, which was originally produced in the Swiss canton of Bern. Ours has the signature nutty, bittersweet taste. The milk used in our Swiss cheese does not have preservatives added and is always from cows that have not been given hormones or antibiotics.
We also offer Baby Swiss, which substitutes water for the milk’s whey to slow the bacterial action. This creates smaller holes and a milder flavor, whilst still being delightfully creamy. If you or someone you love likes Baby Swiss cheese, then you’ll be pleased to know we offer a gift box with a 4lb. Baby Swiss cheese and a selection of assorted chocolates. You can also find a 2lb. Baby Swiss cheese in one of our other gift boxes, along with a Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, 8oz, of Colby Cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Carr’s Crackers and assorted chocolates.
Lacy Swiss is another variety of Swiss cheese, made with low-fat milk. Lacy Swiss was invented by Alpine Lace Brands in 1985 in response to the growing need for healthier alternatives. This cheese is closely related to Swiss cheese, but the whole milk used to produce swiss cheese is replaced with low fat milk to provide a healthier alternative with a lower fat content. It gets its name from the lacy appearance of the slices, which usually have a creamy, ivory color to them. It has a delightfully light and nutty flavor. If you follow a lactose-free diet, then this cheese is naturally free of lactose.
We also stock Lacy Baby Swiss. Lacy Baby Swiss combines the production methods of Baby and Lacy Swiss to create a cheese with very small holes, a mild flavor, and a lower fat and sodium content than many cheeses.
We even offer smoked Swiss cheese and smoked baby Swiss. The smoked cheeses have a creamier texture and a more buttery, slightly sweet flavor, which make them ideal for melting. Light cold-smoking adds an earthiness to the flavor profile for an added smokey, cured taste.
Our final offering is a sharp Swiss cheese. This is a more mature version of our locally made cheese that has been aged for approximately 12 months. This is an excellent substitute for Gruyere cheese, if you prefer the more mature variety. The word ‘sharp’ denotes a strong flavor as a result of a long aging process.
How to enjoy Swiss cheeses
Swiss cheeses are delicious in a sandwich or served cut into cubes alongside salads and hams. They work well with most meats and are particularly good with a beef burger. You can use them in fondue and even enjoy them for breakfast with ham and a croissant. They pair well with apples, grapes, and pickled fruits and make an excellent addition to any cheeseboard.
How do you like to eat Swiss cheese? Let us know in the comments below!
Italian Cheeses: A Delicious Range
Today we explore some of our fabulous Italian cheeses. Whether you have visited the land of pizza and spaghetti or not, these cheeses are sure to give you a taste of Italy!
Italian Cheeses: Romano Pecorino
Romano Pecorino is a cheese imported from Southern Italy. It is salty and firm, which makes it an excellent grating cheese. It has a distinctive, tangy flavor, and it’s an important ingredient in many southern Italian dishes. It is sharper than the similar Parmesan cheese with a rich saltiness to it. It is excellent with fruit such as apples and pears. We also like to serve it at the table for diners to grate over their dishes.
Italian Cheeses: Parmesan
Parmesan Cheese is a hard, dry cheese, which has a complex, sharp, nutty flavor and a somewhat grainy texture. It is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese gets its name from the Italian regions of production: Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantova. This is another fantastic grating cheese.
Italian Cheeses: Provolone
Provolone Cheese, like mozzarella, is a pulled or stretched curd cheese with two varieties. It is a semi-soft, mild, smooth table cheese and its flavor depends heavily on how long it is aged for. Dolce (mild Provolone) is aged for just two to three months and is rather sweet, whereas Piccante is aged for six to twelve months and has a much stronger flavor. The term Provolone (meaning large provola) appeared around the end of the 19th century when it started to be manufactured in the southern regions of Italy. Modern Provolone has smooth skin and is produced mainly in the regions of Lombardia and Veneto. This is definitely a cheese to use in any dish that calls for melting cheese!
Italian Cheeses: Asiago
At Shisler’s we carry the aged version of Asiago (ah-SYAH-goh) Cheese, an Italian cheese more specifically known as Asiago d´Allevo. It is aged anywhere from three months to up to a year. The texture also varies from semi-firm to firm depending on how old it is. It has a sweet and nutty flavor, reminiscent of Parmesan. It is popular as a table cheese and is good when enjoyed with crackers, fruits, and red wine.
Italian Cheeses: Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese. Due to its high moisture content, it is traditionally served the day after it is made, but can be kept in brine for up to a week or longer when sold in vacuum-sealed packages. Derived from the Neapolitan dialect spoken in Campania, mozzarella is the diminutive form of mozza (“cut”) or mozzare (“to cut off”) derived from the method of working. The term is first mentioned in 1570, cited in a cookbook by Bartolomeo Scappi, reading “milk cream, fresh butter, ricotta cheese, fresh Mozzarella, and milk”. This is the cheese usually used on pizzas but it is also fantastic in a fresh salad.
Which is your favorite Italian cheese? Let us know in the comments below!
How to Pair Cheese and Fruit
You might know that cheese and fruit pair very well together. But how do you choose what to combine? We’ve put together lots of ideas to help you explore your palate.
Why do cheese and fruit go so well together?
Put simply, it’s because whenever we combine foods we are looking for contrast. In the case of cheese and fruit, we get soft and juicy flavors against hard, salty cheeses. It might be crunchy, tangy fruit with soft and creamy cheese. The combination of flavors and textures create a sensation that most people enjoy. So, how to eat it?
General rules
As a general rule, try to combine fresh fruits with fresh, soft cheeses. Don’t try to combine fruit with a very dry cheese, as this won’t have a desirable texture. For cheeses with mold, such as blue cheese or chevre, go for sweeter fruits. Avoid any fruits that you might find bitter, as these usually won’t go well with cheeses.
Cheese and fruit on a cheeseboard
This is probably where you might have tried the combination before. Place cheeses on your board along with sliced fruits and bread. You can then experiment with different flavors and textures. Try to slice your fruit just before eating so that it is as fresh as possible. Some of our favorites to include on a cheeseboard are apples, pears, figs, and grapes.
Cheese and fruit in a toastie
We absolutely love to add fruit to a toastie. It’s like a dessert sandwich! Try blueberries with mascarpone, peaches with gouda, apple butter with pepper jack, or strawberries with mozzarella. An easy way to add cheese to your toastie is to use jam. Try it with ricotta or cheddar for a good contrast.
Cheese and fruit in a salad
If you want to serve a full meal, then you can’t go wrong with a fabulous salad. Feta cheese, from Greece, is an excellent choice as it is salty and creamy. Try it with watermelon or oranges for a fantastic tangy contrast. We also love mozzarella with fruit; it’s particularly good with grilled peaches and arugula in a salad. Try adding a quick balsamic glaze for the final touch!
Cheese and fruit kabobs
This is a fun recipe to make with the kids and will encourage them to eat plenty of fruit! Add cubes of cheese (try something like Cheddar or Monterey Jack), strawberries, and grapes to wooden skewers. You could serve this with a yogurt dip for extra interest.
The most important thing when trying out new flavors is to have fun with it! We know that you are all super creative and will come up with amazing ways to enjoy fruit and cheese together.
Do you like to combine cheeses and fruits? What are your favorite combinations? Let us know your most unusual ones in the comments below!
Holidays in July
July starts with Independence Day, but there are also lots of unusual holidays in July! Today we’ll explore some of our favorites with you.
National Sugar Cookie Day – July 9th
This is a day to celebrate those sweet cookies that are fun to make with the kids. Usually, the recipe is simply sugar, flour, butter, eggs, vanilla, and baking powder or baking soda. Our favorites have sprinkles on the top though!
National Pina Colada Day – July 10th
This is a day that you might hope falls at the weekend, as it celebrates the classical tropical cocktail! A blend of coconut cream, white rum, and pineapple juice, it’s sure to transport you to a sunny beach, whatever the weather.
National Mac and Cheese Day – July 14th
One of the nation’s favorite comfort foods is celebrated in July. Whether you make it from scratch or from a box, most people have happy memories of eating mac and cheese. Check out our blog post with five ways to make your mac and cheese sensational to inspire your cooking.
National Hot Dog Day – July 17th
Another celebration of an American classic! We love a holiday that you can celebrate by eating. Pick up some Dick’s Homemade Horseradish Mustard or Tony Packo’s Bread and Butter Pickles to complete your hot dog.
National Ice Cream Day – July 21st
Cool down for the summer with this holiday! Whether it’s chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla, you’re sure to have a favorite flavor. Why not try something more unusual this year? Find salted caramel, pistachio or brown bread ice cream for a new flavor sensation. Did you know that you can even get cheese ice cream? There are ice creams made from cheddar, cream cheese, goat’s cheese, and even blue cheese!
National Chili Dog Day – July 25th
As it’s just not enough to celebrate hot dog day, just eight days later you can celebrate chili dog day!
National Wine and Cheese Day – July 25th
One of our favorites of the holidays in July, of course. The perfect excuse to whip up a delicious cheeseboard and pour yourself a generous glass of wine. You could celebrate with our Red Wine Collection or White Wine Collection. These include a selection of cheeses that we think are well suited to pairing with wine. You can pick your favorite red or white wines to enjoy them with.
National Scotch Day – July 27th
Another holiday that you can celebrate with one of our gift baskets! Our Scotch Collection includes generous cuts of Danish Blue Cheese, Gruyere, Cheddar, and Parmesan. There is enough for around 20 people, so grab a few bottles of Scotch and you’ll have a party on your hands!
National Lasagna Day – July 29th
An Italian classic and a great meal to share with all of the family. You could make it extra special by using homemade fresh pasta amongst the layers of sauce.
National Cheesecake Day – July 30th
Finish off the month on a sweet note with a delicious cheesecake! Whether you like yours baked or not, make one on July 30th to share with your friends.
What are your favorite holidays in July? Let us know in the comments below!
Summer Cooking Ideas
If you’re new to the blog then you might not know that we’ve put together tons of different summer cooking ideas for you. Today we’ve collected lots of them together to inspire you! If you’re not so experienced with cooking, try our tips to help you start cooking from scratch.
Summer cooking ideas: BBQ Season
Start by checking out our checklist of everything that you need if you want to host a barbecue this summer. You can make it really simple by asking your guests to bring along different elements of the meal. After all, everything can be prepared fairly quickly when your guests arrive. If you want to do some advance preparation, then check out our recipes for amazing marinades. For vegetarians, try making a delicious halloumi burger – simply pop the halloumi on the barbecue rather than frying it in a pan.
Pasta
Sometimes there is nothing better than a bowl of delicious pasta with a fresh, vibrant sauce. Why not try making fresh pasta at home? It might seem complex, but it is really quite simple and the results are well worth it. Serve it with a grating of parmesan for that finishing touch. For extra Italian flavor, serve it with Insalata Caprese, incorporating beautifully ripe tomatoes and mozzarella.
Pizza
Another Italian classic! Our post explains how to make pizza from scratch which is sure to impress your friends and your taste buds! Of course, to make it an extra fun summer evening then an outdoor pizza oven is the way to make your pizza. Ask guests to bring their favorite toppings and let the oven do its work to add the perfect char to your dough.
Salads
When the weather heats up, we often just want to eat fresh salads. Check out our post on salads to find out how to combine greens, herbs, protein, and grains to create incredible meals in almost no time at all. You’ll also find tips for making salad dressings that bring everything together. Try something adventurous by adding different fruits to your salads or creating your own signature dressing using your favorite flavors.
More Summer Cooking Ideas
You’ll find our post on smoked meats really useful if you love them and need some more ideas for using them in recipes. For the best sandwiches this summer, try our recipe for making your own bread. This is another cooking endeavor that seems difficult, but once you’ve tried it you’ll want to make it all the time. We have so many cheese posts that will help you pick which cheeses to serve whether you’re making sandwiches, a quick cheese board, or an elaborate summer meal. Try one of our cheese desserts as a sweet treat to end the night.
Finish off your summer meals with our favorite selection of summer drinks that are easy to whip up for an evening with the family or guests.
What are your favorite summer cooking ideas? Let us know your top tips in the comments below!
Happy 4th of July!
Happy 4th of July to all of our wonderful customers from all of us at Shisler’s Cheese House!
However you’re celebrating, we hope that you have a safe and happy day.
We decided to put together a list of celebrations around the country, in case you were wondering how your fellow Americans were spending their day.
In Key West, Florida, the annual Key Lime Festival kicks off with a pie eating contest and the day will end with a huge fireworks display!
New York City tops the impressive fireworks with around 40,000 being set off.
In San Francisco you’ll hear live music all across the city.
San Diego hosts Southern California’s largest fireworks, called the Big Bay Boom!
In Boston you can hear the Boston Pops Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with cannon fire.
And did you know…?
It’s traditional in New England to eat salmon with green peas on 4th July.
There are around 15,000 fireworks displays across the country, with some cities spending millions of dollars on them.
Around 150 million hot dogs are eaten by Americans on this day alone!
The Declaration of Independence wasn’t actually signed until August 2nd 1776, but it was printed on July 4th!
Have a great day everyone! Let us know how you’re celebrating in the comments!
Independence Day: The Essential Checklist
Independence Day is just around the corner again! To help you celebrate the day in style we’ve put together a checklist of essentials for having fun.
1. Family or friends
Whether it’s with family or your chosen family of friends, this is a day to celebrate with your loved ones. If you haven’t already, get in touch with them now to see what their plans are.
2. Great food
Whether it’s a simple picnic, a fun barbecue or an elaborate meal, we all know that it’s not a holiday without some great food. A really fun and easy way to create a great spread is to have a pot luck dinner. Ask everyone to bring their signature dish and you’ll have a variety to dig into. You might want to let people know what to bring or supply some basics like bread, cheese, and salads. If you’re having a barbecue, check that you have the right fuel and all the equipment is clean and ready to use.
3. Drinks
Pick up some of your favorite beer, mix up a pitcher of a cocktail or make a refreshing juice. Be sure to keep hydrated if you’re out and about in the sun! Remember to get ice and plenty of soft drinks for the kids.
4. Plates and cups
You’ll need something to eat and drink from! Make sure that you’ve got enough plates, cups, and flatware to go around. If you haven’t, you can always ask your guests to bring their own along. You’ll just need to check that everyone goes home with theirs at the end of the night.
5. Fireworks
Of course, this is the way to celebrate with a bang! Either find a display near you or set off some yourself. Do make sure that you follow all the safety guidelines. We don’t want any of our customers to get hurt!
6. Games
If it’s hot enough where you are, get out the sprinklers and super soakers for a fun water fight. Otherwise, you could play your family’s favorite games. Whether it’s team sports or a board game night, this is a great way to bring people together. Grab all the equipment that you need today so that you’re not looking for it on Thursday.
7. Outfits
There’s nothing we love more than seeing families dressed up for Independence Day. Pull out your most festive red, white and blue outfits and show your true colors.
8. Tables and chairs
Another essential if you’re hosting guests. This is also something that you can ask people to bring along if you don’t have enough. Otherwise, you could hire them from a rental service. Some will even drop them off and take them away for you.
9. Decorations
Make your space as festive as possible with lots of decorations. This might be a fun way for kids to get involved in the party planning.
10. Relax!
The last essential is to remember that this is supposed to be a fun holiday. Everything will come together on the day and you’ll have fun as long as you’re surrounded by the right people!
How are you celebrating this year? Let us know in the comments below!
There’s a National Day for Everything!
Did you know that there are national days and months for almost any topic that you can think of? There’s a National Peanut Butter Day (March 1st) and National Deviled Egg Day (November 2nd). National Cheese Pizza Day falls on September 5th and February 28th is National Chocolate Souffle Day! Today we’re going to explore some of June’s more unusual holidays!
National Cheese Day
This falls on June 4th and is, of course, our favorite national day of them all. You can always celebrate with a slice of delicious cheese from our range of beautifully made local cheeses.We also have lots of blog posts about different cheeses and ways to eat them to inspire you.
National Donut Day
June 7th provides the perfect excuse to indulge in a sweet treat, whether it’s the fried variety at the fair or a glazed donut from your favorite bakery.
National Rosé Day
June 8th should be spent with a glass of pink, hopefully soaking up the sun.
National Candy Month
Yes, that’s right! June is National Candy Month! According to the National Confectioners Association this is “a moment to celebrate a classic American manufacturing success story”. Of course, we recommend celebrating with some of our amazing range of candy and chocolates that we have in store and online. Many of them are from Heggy’s, a local supplier that we are proud to support. Founded by Ben Heggy in 1923, Heggy’s Chocolates remains one of the premiere candy companies in America. Over the years, Heggy’s Chocolates has remained a family owned and operated business and today they maintain a high level of commitment to their customers and the community.
If you think that you’ve overdone it stocking up on confectionery, then check out our fun ways to use up leftover chocolate.
National Dairy Month
Naturally, National Cheese Day falls within National Dairy Month. The International Dairy Foods Assocation say “National Dairy Month started out as National Milk Month in 1937 as a way to promote drinking milk. It was initially created to stabilize the dairy demand when production was at a surplus, but has now developed into an annual tradition that celebrates the contributions the dairy industry has made to the world.”
Whether it’s with ice cream, cheesecake or a simple glass of milk, there are lots of ways to celebrate National Dairy Month. Of course, we always recommend starting with a slice of cheese!
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month
After all that candy and cheese, you might be relieved to hear that June is also National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month. Why not check out our salad ideas for ways to use fresh fruit and vegetables to create a delicious meal? You could also celebrate by planting some of your own fruits and vegetables to harvest later in the year. If you’re not experienced in gardening, start with something easy like fresh herbs.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed getting to know some of these holidays. As we’re nearing the end of June now you might need to celebrate them all this weekend! Don’t worry though, we’ll be back to tell you about some more in July.
What’s your favorite national celebration day? Let us know in the comments!
Summer wines to enjoy this season
With the weather warming up, we’ve put together a list of summer wines that you’re sure to enjoy. Whether you’re choosing something to drink with a family meal or simply looking for a wine to sip on a sunny evening we hope this list will help you make your choice.
Summer Wines: Pinot Grigio
A white wine with citrus, apple and pear flavors. It’s fantastic with pasta dishes, particularly those with creamy sauces as the acidity of the wine will cut through them for a perfect pairing. You could also serve it with some perfectly grilled fish for a wonderful summer dinner.
Summer Wines: Albarino
Another citrusy white wine, this time hailing from Spain. Albarino is excellent with seafood. It has a high acidity as well as a light saltiness. You may not have encountered this wine but we really recommend seeking it out as it’s sure to surprise you.
Summer Wines: Pinot Noir Rose
This is a fruity rosé with hints of strawberry and cherries that almost feels like you are tasting the summer sun. It’s a great wine to drink if you’re serving salads, pasta, or even sushi.
It’s an absolute classic for the summer. Whilst we want robust reds when it’s cold outside, a lovely refreshing rosé in the sun is the perfect thing. We love a Pinot Noir based rosé because they’re packed with strawberry and cherry flavors.
Summer Wines: Prosecco
A sparkling wine from Italy that will make for a bubbly evening. We recommend looking for a Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG to ensure the best quality and a wonderful, slightly sweet quality.
Summer Wines: Sparkling Rose
Combine two of our favorites and sip on a sparkling rosé! Sparkling rosé is great with smoked salmon and soft cheeses, and the pink color is sure to add a special touch to any of your celebrations. It’s also brilliant with spiced dishes, such as a spicy grilled chicken.
Sangria
Of course, this is a mixed drink rather than something that you can buy in a bottle, but we feel that it deserves a special mention for being so delicious! Sangria hails from Spain and can be with red wine or white wine. A traditional red wine sangria is made with bold red wine, orange juice, brandy or rum, sugar, ice and chopped fruit. It’s one of the best summer drinks to enjoy with small tapas dishes like patatas bravas or chorizo. Make a large jug of it to keep all of your guests refreshed.
Which wines do you like to enjoy in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!
What is a Master Cheesemaker?
Did you know that you can become a Master Cheesemaker?
Wisconsin is the only state with a Master Cheesemaker program outside of Europe. It has been running for 25 years. To qualify to take part, you must have held a cheesemaker’s license for a minimum of 10 years and be making cheese in Wisconsin. In fact, getting a license itself is a serious undertaking as you need to complete 240 hours of apprenticeship as well as five university modules. It can take between one and three years to get your cheesemaking license. The Master Cheesemaker Program takes 2 years and 8 months and consists of several modules as well as a final exam.
Each Master Cheesemaker learns about artisan cheese making and quality control, and can choose from modules on topics including Dairy Chemistry, Buttermakers, and Milk Pasteurization. Graduates earn the right to use the Master Mark on their products.
There are currently 90 master cheesemakers, all of whom have developed their skills to become masters. Each cheesemaker receives their certification for specific cheeses that they have worked hard to perfect.
Our Wisconsin cheeses
We stock several cheeses from Wisconsin, including Beer Cheese, Sharp American Cheese, and Limburger. Beer Cheese is a semi-soft combination of Limburger Cheese and Brick Cheese. It has a very strong smell and taste and is often enjoyed with raw onion and a glass of beer. Limburger cheese is a similarly acquired taste. The cheese is aged for at least three months when it becomes spreadable. Its salty taste is traditionally eaten with rye bread, slices of onion and strong black coffee or lager.
We also get our Brick Cheese from Wisconsin. The process for making Brick Cheese was derived from white American Cheddar, but it is cultured at a slightly higher temperature which results in a marginally higher fat content and a slightly altered protein structure. The resultant cheese has a slightly softer taste and a distinctly sharper finish. We love to use it in place of Cheddar in cooking or simply serve it on a cheeseboard.
Have you tried cheese from a Master Cheesemaker? Let us know in the comments!
