Blog
Salad Ideas to Make Today
On warmer days, it always seems like time to whip up a quick salad. You might not want to be working at a hot stove, so this is a great way to get dinner on the table in the heat. Today we’re going to take a look at how to construct a delicious salad that you might find in a restaurant. We know that sometimes making a salad at home can leave you disappointed, so read on to find out how to make yours a meal to remember.
1. Greens
The greens are the base of any good salad. Try to include a variety of different greens so that you get different flavors and textures into your meal. Romaine and iceberg lettuce bring crunch, compared to soft spinach or Butter lettuce. You can add pepper flavor with arugula or watercress. Lightly season your greens with salt and pepper to bring out their flavor.
2. Fresh herbs
Adding fresh herbs to a salad with instantly add extra flavor. You can work with whatever you have in the fridge or try classic flavor combinations like tomato and basil. Cilantro, parsley, and dill all work really well.
3. Color and variety
Use your other ingredients to make your salad really vibrant and enticing. Use a variety of colors to make it stand out. You’ll also be getting lots of vitamins from the different vegetables. You can bring in texture by using crunchy vegetables like raw carrots and add healthy fats from avocado. Cucumber and tomato bring freshness and juice to the salad.
If you like sweetness in your salad, you can add dried fruit or sweet nuts. For extra saltiness, add a cheese like halloumi or feta.
4. Grains
One great way to add variety and texture to your plate is to include grains. Couscous, quinoa, farro, barley, and even rice are all great. They have the added benefit of taking on flavor well so your dressing will make more of an impact. They’re super versatile and really good for you.
5. Protein
If you need a filling meal to keep you energized from lunch until dinner, be sure to add some protein. Beans, nuts, and seeds all work well and will add to the varied texture of your dish. You can even add some chicken or fish if you want to make it a full meal. To keep it lighter, but still filling, add a poached or boiled egg.
6. Dressing
We stock a whole range of salad dressings here at Shisler’s Cheese House, so you’re sure to find one that suits your salad. Our private label dressings all contain delicious Vidalia onion as well as flavors including creamy cucumber and summer tomato. We also offer a range of calorie-free dressings including ranch and raspberry vinaigrette. Dress your whole salad before plating it. This will give a much more even distribution of flavor so that every mouthful sings.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our salad tips. What’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Asiago Cheese – Everything You Need to Know
We are very proud of our cheese selection. We know that for some of you we might be stocking cheeses that you haven’t tried before, so we like to give you tips and tricks for how to use them. Today we are focusing on Asiago Cheese.
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 long it is aged and it contains small to medium holes throughout its body. 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. Asiago is treated as interchangeable with parmesan and romano cheeses in some cuisines.
History of Asiago Cheese
Asiago cheese is an Italian cheese named after a region in Italy where it was first produced. This region is known as the Asiago High Plateau, which lies within the Italian Alps. As far back as the year 1000 AD, Asiago cheese was produced by farmers in this region for use locally. Now, it is manufactured commercially in northeast Italy, specifically in the provinces of Vincenza e Trento, Padua, and in Treviso.
How to Use Asiago Cheese
The aged cheese is often grated into salads, soups, pastas, and sauces while the fresh Asiago cheese is sliced to prepare panini or sandwiches. It can also be melted on a variety of dishes.
It is a brilliant cheese to bake into bread for a cheesy treat or grate over soft pretzels before baking. We also think it works particularly well with chicken dishes. Try pasta with asiago, chicken and a cream sauce or stuff a chicken breast with slices of Asiago and wrap it in pancetta or prosciutto before cooking. You could also try it instead of Parmesan when making a Caesar salad.
For a vegetarian dish, try roasted cauliflower with a cheese sauce made from asiago. Add toasted flaked almonds for a crunchy topping or even some raisins if you like sweet and savory dishes.
Wine Pairing with Asiago Cheese
Asiago Cheese, like many Italian cheeses, is fairly universal when it comes to wine pairing. It is more commonly paired with reds such as Beaujolais, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and of course Chianti. For those who prefer white wines, Asiago cheese also pairs well with Chardonnay, Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc. If you like to try cheeses with beer, we recommend an IPA or a Saison style beer, as the fruitiness will work well with the cheese.
Have you tried asiago cheese? What’s your favorite way to eat it? Let us know in the comments!
Mother’s Day is this Sunday! Grab a gift now
Mother’s day is fast approaching, but as always we have the perfect gifts for you here at Shisler’s Cheese House.
Don’t give your Mom the same tired bouquet or cheap box of chocolates this year. Show her how much you appreciate all she has done for you with our delicious Mother’s Day Gift Basket!
Our Mother’s Day Gift Basket Includes:
- Havarti Cheese
- Assorted Heggy’s Milk Chocolates
- Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl Fudge
- Strawberry Caramel Creams
- Yogurt Covered Cranberries
We think you’ll agree that this is a rather incredible selection but in case you need convincing, we have put together some information about everything included. We’re also going to give you some other gift ideas, in case there’s something in there that your Mom doesn’t like! Read on to find out more.
Havarti Cheese
Havarti Cheese is a semi-soft Danish cow’s milk cheese that can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It has a buttery, semi-sweet taste with some acidity. It’s perfect for making grilled cheese, but it would also be great with a fruit platter after a meal.
Assorted Heggy’s Milk Chocolates
Heggy’s Candy Company has built a rich tradition of premium handcrafted chocolates and candies throughout the United States for over 9 decades. 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.
We know that these are great gifts, so we had to include them here!
Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl Fudge
If you’ve never tried this, you have got to hope that your Mom feels like sharing! This is a fudge unlike any you will have had before.
Strawberry Caramel Creams
The perfect taste of summer strawberries wrapped up in smooth caramel.
Yogurt Covered Cranberries
A delicious treat and something a little refreshing after all the sweets and cheese.
Order your Mother’s Day gift basket today or pop into the store. Be sure to check our delivery times if you are ordering online so that your gift isn’t late.
Even more gifts
If you’re looking for more ideas, we are still the perfect place.
We have a whole selection of different gift baskets to cater for every taste. Whether your Mom is a cheese lover, a bologna fan, or wants to try a little bit of everything, we’ve carefully curated our favorite products to make them smile. We even have a basket for those who love hot and spicy foods!
If you want to let Mom pick her own selection of treats, we can provide an e-gift certificate. We send you a code immediately so this is a great option if you’re not able to see your Mom in person (or if you’re a little forgetful and have left things til the last minute!).
We want to wish all of you Moms a very happy Mother’s Day this Sunday. Enjoy your day; you deserve it!
Coffee Types and How to Make Them at Home
Do you love coffee? We do!
We stock Reach Coffee, speciality beans from the region of Chanchamayo, Peru roasted in Cleveland, Ohio.
Today we’re going to show you how to make a variety of different coffees so that you can get the coffee shop experience at home.
If you are using a machine or espresso maker, you will need a fine grind. If you use a press or another coffee brewing method, you can use a coarser grind, but be aware that you will need to give the coffee time to brew to your desired strength.
Americano
A shot of espresso topped up with hot water. This is probably the easiest of the coffees to make. You could add milk, but this is best drunk without.
Cappuccino
A cappuccino is a shot of espresso with an equal amount of steamed and frothed milk added. To make one you will need a fine grind of your beans so that you get a strong espresso. Make an espresso shot using your coffee maker of choice, then steam your milk. Froth it using an electric whisk or a milk frother, if you have one. You are looking for a lot of foam to get the true cappuccino experience. Pour the milk on top of the coffee. Top with a sprinkling of cinnamon, cocoa or nutmeg.
Latte
A latte is half steamed milk and half espresso. It is has a lot less froth than a cappuccino. Make the coffee shot first. Froth the milk slightly and then slowly pour it down the side of the cup so that it infuses with the coffee. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even try to pour it into some latte art!
Flat White
A flat white is simply a latte without the froth! Steam your milk and pour it over a shot of espresso
Mocha
A mocha is a mix of hot chocolate and coffee. Use the best quality hot chocolate that you can find. Make it with steamed milk and then add a shot of espresso. For an extra treat, top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of grated chocolate.
You can also make a mocha by making a latte and adding some chocolate syrup to it.
Espresso con Panna
A delicious morning treat. Simply make a shot of espresso. Top with a layer of whipped cream. Enjoy!
Macchiato
A small amount of frothed milk on top of a shot of espresso. This is really simple to make, but remember that this is the classic macchiato so it might not be like the ones in your favorite coffee shops!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our quick tutorial on some of the different drinks that you can make. It really is easy to make them at home when you understand the different types. Which coffee is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Locally Made Syrups and How to Use Them
You know that here at Shisler’s Cheese House, we only like to stock the very best. That’s why we carry the best syrups that we can find, produced in small batches on a family farm in Holmes County, Ohio. Read on to find out about all our flavors and how you can use them in your kitchen.
The sap is hand gathered and boiled on a small backyard evaporator, then filtered and combined with locally gathered wild black walnuts and a small amount of cane juice crystals. There is nothing like this unique twist on an old favorite. Pour it over a stack of ‘jacks or a bowl of ice cream.
This syrup was inspired by one of our favorite recipes: grilled pork loin glazed with blackberry sauce and pecans. It’s made by simply combining local blackberries with water, sugar, and pecans.
Combine this syrup with butter and scallions, then brush onto a grilled pork loin in the last fifteen minutes of cooking for a real treat. You could also drizzle it right from the bottle over homemade ice cream.
Made from the best locally grown blueberries. If you love blueberries then, of course, you will love our blueberry syrup! It’s an excellent accompaniment to your favorite breakfast food or ice cream, but for something more unusual try it on grilled swordfish with a touch of butter.
Inspired by our producer’s grandmother, who made the best cinnamon rolls the world has ever known. It tastes like freshly baked rolls loaded with cinnamon and drizzled with vanilla icing. This syrup is our attempt to bottle that wonderful winter treat in an easy to enjoy form.
Try this syrup on your morning oatmeal, in your coffee and tea or on top of a fresh baked roll. It will immediately transport you to a seat in the local pastry shop with a big smile on your face!
In the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country there is a beautiful organic lavender patch loaded with flowers and fragrance. Our supplier infuses these fresh flowers and adds pure granulated sugar and a dash of blueberry juice for color. Did you know that lavender was historically used to spice the foods of royalty? It’s perfect for flavoring sorbets, shortbreads, champagne cocktails, hot teas or sparkling water.
Twice a year, in Northeastern Ohio, the red raspberry canes explode with the fireworks of succulent fruit. We combine these local bursts with organic cane juice crystals to make a syrup that is worth fighting for! This is brilliant added to meat loaf, meatballs, marinara sauce or your favorite salsa for a delicious twist.
Our Shagbark Hickory Syrup is crafted in small batches by our supplier in Ohio’s Amish Country. The exfoliating bark of the Shagbark Hickory tree is sustainably harvested from trees that grace our woodland, washed carefully and steeped in pure well water. The extract is then filtered and sweetened with organic cane juice crystals and aged to perfection. The process of making hickory syrup dates back many years. Its smoky, nutty flavor is less sweet and more complex than maple syrups. Our Hickory Syrup can be used anywhere you would use maple syrup. It also makes a great glaze for meat and seafood, added to stir-fried shrimp or chicken and as an ingredient in homemade BBQ sauce.
We hope you enjoyed the tour of our syrups! Which one are you going to try first? Let us know in the comments!
Food Tourism Destinations To Inspire Your Next Trip
Food tourism is becoming one of the biggest trends in travel today. We absolutely love traveling to experience different foods and will regularly decide where to go based on the delicious dishes that can be found there. Whether you’re traveling within the US or further afield, we’ve put together some of the top food tourism destinations that are sure to have your mouth watering.
Lisbon, Portugal
Portuguese food is really exciting: a fun mix of seafood and decadent desserts. If you’ve ever had a Pasteis de Nata, a traditional custard tart, then you’ll know what we are talking about. These originate from Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon, which is a must-visit for any foodie traveler. Bacalhau is another national dish of Portugal. This dried, salted cod is served in a variety of ways. It might be a bit of an acquired taste but it’s certainly something to try.
Naples, Italy
The home of pizza, this is a must if you love a slice. Don’t expect a deep dish or something smothered with sauce, though. The Italian approach is all about fresh ingredients and a less is more style. Think thin crusts, fresh tomatoes, basil, and oozing mozzarella. Naples is also right by the sea, so it’s certainly a food tourism haven for seafood lovers. Try a spaghetti vongole for a fresh dish packed with flavor.
Tokyo, Japan
Whilst some supposed food tourism destinations are criticized for serving watered down versions of their favorite dishes to tourists, this is certainly not something people say about Japan. In Tokyo, you’ll find traditional dishes alongside brilliant innovative techniques and twists on classics from around the world. You can also try Japanese whisky whilst you’re there, which is some of the finest in the world.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
In 2014, the Markthal opened in the center of Rotterdam. A huge, arched structure housing 96 food stalls and restaurants, this is a great food tourism destination for a city break. The walls of the market contain a huge artwork called the Horn of Plenty, leading some to refer to the Markthal as the Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam. Here you can try plenty of Dutch cuisine as well as foods from around the world.
Ohio, US
Of course, we had to include our own state! We love getting visitors from around the world here at Shisler’s Cheese House. Ohio is renowned for its cheeses and amazing fruits and vegetables. Pop in and you’ll find a huge range of local cheeses including Ohio Swiss Cheese, alongside locally made maple syrup, Troyer’s Trail Bologna, Tony Packo’s pickles, Amish peanut butter, and Uncle Mike’s Beef Jerky. You could even head to the original Tony Packo’s over in Toledo while you’re in the state.
We hope you enjoyed our food tourism ideas. There are so many places to explore but hopefully, this will inspire you to start planning your next trip. Where would you most like to visit? Let us know in the comments!
How to Create a Beautiful Table Setting
Whether you’re entertaining a large group, having your neighbors over for a weeknight supper or simply cooking at home, sometime you want to add some sparkle to your table. That’s where we come in. Read on to find all of our tableware and table decoration tips for a great table setting.
- Fresh flowers
Flowers make a huge difference to a table. Buy seasonal flowers for extra color. Place a large bouquet in the centre of the table or create small posies around the table. Mix complementary colors and consider the color scheme of your home when choosing.
- Confetti
Whilst traditional confetti might not be amazing for the environment, you can create a beautiful effect on a table with natural or reusable confetti. Try dried flower petals or felt confetti. If it’s a holiday, find something that fits with this. Sprinkle it across the table before you put anything else down.
- A Centrepiece
This really depends on the season and occasion, but putting something in the centre of the table can really draw the look together. You can use flowers or foliage, or something less natural. You could create something rustic yourself or buy something ready made. You might have a family centrepiece that you always use or you could create on that represents your family. You can even use fresh fruits and vegetables to create a beautiful look, especially during harvest season.
- Candles
Great candles not only add a great look to your table, but they provide romantic lighting. You want to use tall dinner candles on candle holders or a chandelier, so that your guests don’t need to reach over a hot flame. Choose unscented candles, as you don’t want the scent to affect your dining experience.
- A table cloth or table runner
A table cloth will cover the whole table, whereas a table runner covers the centre of the table. This is great if you’re going to put dishes on the table for people to help themselves from as it provides a layer for them to sit on. Both will protect your table but they can also look great. Consider picking a color scheme and working to it.
- Glassware
You’re going to need glassware on the table, so why not make it part of your table setting look? You don’t always have to use clear glassware, so it could fit with your color scheme. You can put out several glasses for each person. Ensure that they have symmetry at each place setting so that it looks beautiful.
We hope these tips will help you to set a table that takes your dinner to the next level. As a general rule, try to pick a color scheme or seasonal theme and run with it. Don’t be afraid to mix up your glassware and plates to create an original look.
How do you decorate your table? Let us know in the comments!
21 Cheese Street: 21 Interesting, Unique and Mind-blowing Cheese Facts
Cheese is one of the most loved and consumed foods around the world. Its a general term used to describe various milk-based products. Here are some facts that you may not know about cheese.
There is no exact information regarding the origin of cheese, archaeological studies have shown the origin of cheese dates as far back as 6000 BC. Studies also show that during that era cheese was made from cow’s milk and goats in Mesopotamia.
Fact 2
There are more than 2000 varieties of cheese available worldwide, mozzarella is the favorite around the globe, and the most consumed.
Fact 3
People of Greece are the largest consumers of cheese worldwide. An average person from Greece consumes around 27.3 kg of cheese every year, about ¾ of which is feta cheese.
Fact 4
Pizza Hut is the largest cheese-using fast food giant, it uses approximately 300 million pounds of cheese annually, mostly on pizza.
Fact 5
Cheese production around the globe is more than the combined worldwide production of coffee, tobacco, tea, and cocoa beans.
Fact 6
The first cheese factory was established in Switzerland in 1815, however successful mass production began in 1851 in the United States.
Fact 7
Contrary to popular belief cheese, eaten in moderate quantities, is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. It’s saturated fat content is responsible for its bad reputation.
Fact 8
In the United States the month of June is National Dairy Month and the last week of June is National Cheese Week.
Fact 9
Cheese can be produced using a variety of milk including cow, buffalo, goat, horse, and even camel.
Fact 10
A whopping 20 million metric tons of cheese is produced worldwide each year and production is increasing with growing demand.
Fact 11
Approximately 10 pounds of milk is required to make one pound of cheese. If it wasn’t for cheese a lot of milk would have been wasted.
Fact 12
Cheese is kept for a period of time before its ready to eat. Some varieties of cheese, blue cheese, gorgonzola, and brie are exposed to mold which helps them age properly.
Fact 13
During the Roman Empire large Roman houses had separate kitchens for manufacturing cheese only, they were called careale.
Fact 14
Some varieties of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss and American, help prevent tooth decay. It promotes the flow of saliva which leads to elimination of sugar and acids from the mouth.
Fact 15
Another benefit associated with cheese is that it helps protect tooth enamel and has an antibacterial effect. If consumed in moderate quantities it has various health benefits.
Fact 16
Cheesemaking has been around for nearly 4,000 years, according to the International Dairy Foods Association.Though no one really knows who made the very first cheese, historical records indicate that travelers from Asia brought their technique of cheesemaking to Europe before the Roman Empire.
Fact 17
Today, there are over over 2,000 varieties of cheeses.
As a country, the U.S. produces the most cheese in the world annually.
Fact 19
U.S. per capita cheese consumption is about 34 pounds per person—that’s more than one full ton of cheese during the average lifetime. The French eat the most cheese, putting away an average of 57 pounds per person a year.
Fact 20
Mozzarella cheese is the biggest-selling cheese variety in the U.S., followed by Cheddar.
Fact 21
The world’s most expensive sandwich is Serendipity’s “Quintessential Grilled Cheese” made with Caciocavallo Podolico cheese, a rare Italian variety made from the milk of free-ranging cows fed a diet of fennel grasses and wild strawberries, with a truffle spread and gold flakes. It retails for $214.
Check out “Amazing Facts about Jaggery”
Want more cheese history, facts and tastes, stop by Shisler’s Cheese House to get all the latest 101 on everything cheese!
Hiking? The Snacks to Take Along With You
As the weather warms up, we know that some of you will be heading into the outdoors for some hiking. Whether you’re tackling a gentle walk or your nearest mountain, we’ve got the snacks to keep you fueled up.
1. Trail Mix
The clue is absolutely in the name. When you’re on the trail, eat trail mix.
Our original trail mix is packed with nuts and dried fruit. Our diet trail mix is great if you’re hiking to get fit. Buggy trail mix has butter toffee peanuts, honey roasted sesame sticks, cheddar crackers, pretzel nuggets, and wheat crackers. They’re sure to keep you walking even when the going gets tough.
We also offer a banana split mix which contains cranberries, banana chips, almonds, chocolate covered peanuts, chocolate drops, pineapple tidbits, raisins, yogurt covered peanuts, peanuts, and yogurt drops. You could also try Mikey’s Mix which is packed with nuts and chocolate treats in case you need an extra incentive to keep hiking.
If you’ve got time, you could try making your own trail mix. Check out our gourmet foods section and pick your favorite things to mix up.
2. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a great source of energy while you’re hiking. We especially love dried strawberries, kiwi, banana chips, and pineapple.
We also offer Think Fruit Dried Fruit Snacks in a variety of flavors, packaged up and ready for you to take out on the trail.
3. Jerky
Jerky is full of protein which makes it perfect for hiking. Try our Uncle Mike’s Beef Jerky, which we offer in Mild, Hot or Teriyaki flavor. It’s easy to pack and pull out as you’re walking.
4. Nuts
We have a great range of nuts including peanuts, pistachios, and cashews. They’re a healthy source of protein and fats. You can even create your own mixes of them or take along sachets of nut butter to snack on.
5. Energy bars
There are loads of different energy bars out there, but most of them are great for keeping you on the go. Take your favorites along with you hiking and remember to pack a few for your friends as well.
We hope that these ideas will help you to plan your next hiking trip. Remember to take plenty of water along with you to keep hydrated. Make sure that you plan your route and take along a map to keep you safe. Appropriate footwear, layers and waterproof clothing will keep you warm and dry – we know that the weather can be unpredictable sometimes!
Where is your favorite hiking spot? What snacks do you like to take along? Let us know in the comments!
10 Uses for Jams and Jellies
Whether you love trying different jams and jellies, or you have made lots yourself, sometimes you need to find a way to use some up. Especially at this time of year, when you’ll be thinking about making new jams with all of the lovely summer fruit.
Read on to find out some of our tips and tricks for using up jams and jellies.
- Cakes
You don’t always have to use strawberry or raspberry jam to sandwich cakes together. Try out different flavor combinations and find your favorites.
- Gravy
This might sound a little odd, but trust us: it’s delicious. A little sweetness can go a long way to turning a good gravy into a great gravy. Add a teaspoon at a time and keep tasting; you don’t want to overpower it.
3. Yogurt
Stir jams and jellies into plain yogurt to create a delicious and easy dessert. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but you don’t want to leave the house.
4. Salad Dressings
Sometimes you might add a little sugar or honey to a salad dressing for sweetness. Try jam instead! Make sure you taste it before pouring it over your salad to make sure that you’ve got the flavors right. A great tip is to take a leaf or veggie from your salad and dip it into the dressing to taste. This way you get to try the flavors together, instead of tasting dressing on its own.
5. Grilled Cheese
We’ve mentioned this before, but jam or jelly can take your grilled cheese to the next level. We especially love this with cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone, but hard cheeses like gouda work well with fruit as well.
6. Barbecue
As the weather warms up and you start to think about cooking on the barbecue, try using jelly as a glaze for meats. Mix your jelly with a little water and heat over a low heat until it is a brushable glaze. Then simply brush it onto the meat.
7. Cocktails
Any cocktail that is shaken can have a spoonful of jam added to it. We especially love apricot jam in a mojito, but this is definitely something to experiment with. Make sure that you give everything a good shake before serving.
8. Pancakes
Pop jams and jellies on the table when you’re serving pancakes and watch them get eaten up! This is especially good with whipped cream.
9. Oatmeal
Oatmeal with a dollop of jam on top is a true joy. Try different flavors to find your favorite. You’ll never have a boring bowl for breakfast again.
10. Biscuits
Sandwich biscuits together with jam or even add a little to the batter to create an added sweetness. This is a quick and easy way to add excitement to your baking. It’s also a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list. If you need some jam or jelly to try out these ideas, we’ve got you covered. Which will you try? Let us know in the comments!
