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Our Top 10 Wines for Valentine’s Day
We know that you’re going to be trying to impress your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. We shared some of our great gift ideas last week, so today we’re sharing our top ten wines to serve on the day. We’ve looked for wines that will pair well with luxurious ingredients, fruity desserts, and chocolate. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a day out or a simple drink, we’ve got you covered.
1. Champagne
Of course, this had to be top of the list. Nothing says romance like bubbles and the pop of a cork. Pick something vintage if you really want to impress. Toast your special someone with the very best.
2. Rosé
Pink is the perfect color for Valentine’s Day. Pick a fruity rosé with hints of strawberry to set the tone. The Mouton Noir Rosé Love Drunk from Oregon has the perfect name for such a loved up day. This is the wine to drink if you’re serving salads, pasta, or even sushi.
3. Crémant
An alternative to champagne, crémant is also made in France and is starting to become really popular elsewhere. It has a creamy feel and small, moussey bubbles. It’s great with seafood.
4. Grenache
If you’re picking up a red wine, it’s best to go for something fruity and delicious that you can fall in love with. That’s why we recommend a grenache as it’s full-bodied as well as flavorful. It’s perfect with spicy foods or rich, meaty dishes.
5. Sparkling rosé
Combine two of our favorites and sip on a sparkling rosé! This is perfect if it’s cold where you are and you need something to remind you of summer. Sparkling rosé is great with smoked salmon and soft cheeses.
6. Sauternes
Serve up something sweet with this dessert wine originating from France. The honey and raisin flavors sit perfectly with creamy desserts and you can even pour it over ice cream.
7. Port
If you’re looking for an after-dinner drink with a little less sweetness, pick a port. If you’re new to it, try a tawny port as it won’t be too rich. You can sip this alongside chocolate or salted caramel.
8. Sparkling Red
You might not have tried a sparkling red wine before, but trust us when we say that they really are a treat. You’ll get the wonderful fizz of champagne with a light fruitiness. This is perfect if you and your partner usually differ in your wine tastes. There are several great ones from California and they pair brilliantly with chocolate.
9. Sauvignon Blanc
If you want to serve a more recognizable wine, a sauvignon blanc will pair well with the fruity flavors of many Valentine’s foods. Serve it with a plate of oysters for extra indulgence.
10. Something local
If you’re looking to show your wine knowledge, choose something local to you. Head to a winery in your area and ask them to help you pick something out. Your date will be head over heels after learning that you went to so much effort.
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us here at Shisler’s Cheese House! Cheers!
5 Ways to Make Your Mac and Cheese Sensational
Today we’re sharing our favorite mac and cheese ideas. It’s one of the nation’s favorite foods, and for a good reason. Ooey, gooey cheese combined with delicious pasta make a comforting dish that can serve as an entree or a side.
As cheese lovers, we certainly know our way around mac and cheese. Read on to find out our top ideas for making it extra special.
1. Combine cheeses
You probably always use the same cheese when you make mac and cheese. Try something different to add new flavors and even more cheesiness. Some of our favorites to add are gruyere, for added nutty flavor, and mozzarella, for that extra melty goodness. You could also try bacon cheese or some of our spicy cheeses like hot habanero cheddar.
2. Add a topping
You might always sprinkle cheese on top, for those cripsy melted edges, but there are other ways to top your mac and cheese. Breadcrumbs, or even crushed up chips, can add another dimension to the dish. Crumbled up bacon will add saltiness and crunch. Toasted pumpkin seeds add a smoky element. Sliced chives or green onions will give your dish freshness. You can be creative with your toppings and find your family’s favorites.
3. Extra ingredients
You might have seen restaurants serving lobster or truffle mac and cheese. These are certainly decadent treats, but you don’t have to splash out to improve your mac and cheese at home. If you want to get more vegetables into your diet, try adding steamed asparagus, roasted squash or pumpkin, spinach or leafy greens. You can even stir pureed cauliflower or broccoli through your sauce to pack in some extra nutrients.
Seafood can work well, but it doesn’t have to be lobster. Crab meat and prawns are excellent stirred into a mac and cheese, but you could also add mussels on top.
Bacon, sausages, chorizo, bologna, and ham can add flavor and texture. You could even add chicken for more protein.
Spices are great for changing the flavor of your mac and cheese. Chilli and herbs are the classics, but horseradish can give it a great kick. You could even stir some pesto in for that Italian flavor!
4. Use sauces and condiments
Hot sauce, BBQ sauce, pickles and ketchup are all great toppings for your mac and cheese. Load up the table with different sauces and everyone can personalize their dish to their taste.
5. Really make the effort with the sauce
You might have never made a cheese sauce before, but it couldn’t be more simple. Trust us! All you’ll need is butter, flour, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper. Once you’ve made a sauce from scratch you won’t go back, and everyone will be clamoring for your recipe.
So, there you have it. Five ways to make your mac and cheese truly sensational. Which one will you try? How do you like to make mac and cheese? Let us know in the comments!
Show Your Love This Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and it’s time to start preparing to show your loved ones your affection.
We’ve created two fabulous gift boxes that are sure to hit the right note on February 14th.
Our Valentine’s Day All Chocolate Gift Box is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Inside you’ll find a Heggy’s Solid Milk Chocolate Heart, Chocolate Cheese, Heggy’s Milk Chocolate Turtles, and two kinds of chocolate covered fruit!
With this much chocolate packed in, your loved ones will be thinking of you for a long time.
For inspiration on how to use the chocolate cheese, check out our recent blog post.
Our Valentine’s Day Gift Box combines some of our favorite treats. Inside you’ll find Havarti Cheese, a Heggy’s Milk Chocolate Heart, Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl Fudge, Strawberry Caramel Creams and Yogurt Covered Cranberries.
This is the ideal gift if you’re preparing a special dinner and want to have cheese and sweet treats to complete the evening.
Wine pairings
If you want to serve up some wine along with your gift boxes, you have several options.
To complement the Havarti Cheese, a merlot or chardonnay would both work well. Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cow’s milk cheese with a buttery aroma and a sweet, sometimes nutty, taste. These wines will complement the flavors whilst matching its smooth texture.
If you want to pair wine with the chocolate, you need to find something that is slightly sweeter. A dessert wine such as Moscato or Sauternes is ideal for this. For something lighter, try a sweet Riesling. This will also work well with the Strawberry and Cream flavor
Whether you’re a new couple or celebrating years of marriage, Valentine’s Day is the time to take a moment to appreciate those that we love.
We don’t want to be too cheesy (!), but we love all of our Shisler’s Cheese House customers! Happy Valentine’s Day!
How to Shop For Cheese
You might be looking at the title thinking that you know how to go into a shop and grab some cheese… right?
But we are talking about how to shop for cheese and get the best experience possible. Today we’re going to share some tips to expand your cheese horizons.
1. Get to know your cheesemonger
When you pop into Shisler’s Cheese House, we’re always on hand to chat about cheese. We’ll help you find exactly what you need for that special occasion, pick the selection that will form the perfect cheeseboard, or show you the new cheeses that we have in stock.
If you’re shopping online you can still get in touch via our Facebook page or contact form.
2. Try cheeses made from different milk
You might always buy cow’s milk cheese and be missing out on sheep’s and goat’s milk cheeses. Try a variety of cheese and then you’ll always be able to buy your favorites. Trying different cheeses also means that you can eliminate the ones that you don’t like, which is just as important as finding the ones that you love.
3. Try different textures of cheese
You might always buy a hard cheese because you want it for sandwiches, but a soft or semi-soft cheese might be perfect for your party. Try all of the textures and you’ll find the ones for you.
4. Try cheeses from different countries
We have a huge range of imported cheeses ready for you to try. They’re sure to impress at a dinner party and you’ll be able to try out some new recipes.
5. Keep loving local cheeses
It’s great to try something imported, but there’s nothing like the taste of cheese that you know was made just a few miles down the road. You’ll be supporting local businesses and enjoying food with lower air miles.
6. Try different food pairings
Sometimes we decide that we don’t like a cheese, only to discover later that we like it with the right accompaniments. Don’t waste time finding this out later; try cheeses with different foods right away. Fruits, vegetables, pickles, and sauces can all change the flavor of cheeses. Ask us for recommendations to help you find the right combinations.
7. Try different drinks pairings
Just as trying cheeses with different foods can change your opinion of them, so can different drinks. Try a cheese with a recommended wine pairing to bring out its flavor. You might even find that a beer, whiskey or soft drink is the best pairing you. As always, experiment with flavors to get the most out of your cheese.
8. Don’t be afraid!
It can seem complicated or daunting to try new cheeses, especially if they’re really distinctive or new to you! But don’t be afraid, we are here to help. Even if you’ve always gone for the same cheese, you can become a cheese connoisseur in no time at all!
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our cheese shopping tips and now you’ll feel confident when you shop for cheese. Pop in and see us soon to try them out!
Why is Cheese Aged?
We all love eating cheese, but how much do we know about the process of making it? Today, let’s explore why cheese is aged and what this process does.
Aging cheese is sometimes called ripening. Some say that this is the most important part of the cheesemaking process because it gives each cheese its distinctive characteristics.
How does the cheesemaking process start?
Cheese is made by culturing milk, adding rennet and then separating the curds from the whey. These curds make cheese and are usually salted to start the process.
We eat some cheeses, such as ricotta and mozzarella, when they are young and unripened. However, most cheeses are aged for varying lengths of time.
Why are cheeses aged?
Cheeses are aged in order to transform the texture and intensify the flavor. The microbes and enzymes contained within the cheese react to the temperature and moisture of their environment, creating the different cheeses that we know and love.
What happens whilst a cheese is aging?
Over time, the cultures that were added to the cheese will grow and eat the lactose in the milk, changing it into lactic acid. Lactic acid gives cheeses their sharpness and tanginess.
There is also a process known as proteolysis, where the long protein strands created when the rennet was added begin to break down. These are responsible for the flavors that we experience in aged cheeses such as gouda and parmesan. If a cheese is smoky or nutty, it is because of the proteolysis.
This proteolysis also creates the gooey texture found in camembert, brie and limburger cheese.
Who is in charge of the aging process?
The person who looks after the cheese and decides how it is aged is known as an affineur.
Where are cheeses aged?
This all depends on the cheese and the desired effect of the aging.
Cheeses have historically been ripened in caves. Caves have a cool temperature and a high humidity, which allows the cheese to ripen without losing too much volume. Cheese is also very porous and so it takes on flavor from its surroundings. Aging in a cave allows the cheese to develop a strong, nutty flavor.
Some cheeses will be aged in a refrigerator or in a cool space such as a cellar. The affineur will make careful choices about the humidity and temperature involved to create the final product.
What about blue cheeses? How are they ripened?
Blue cheeses, such as Danish Blue and Stilton, have Penicillium cultures added to them. Tiny holes are made in the cheese to allow the air to reach the cultures. This encourages the blue/green veins that we recognize to form.
Can I age cheese that I have made at home?
Yes, you can. We recommend reading as much as you can about the cheese you are making before doing so. Some cheesemakers have had success using a wine refrigerator or spare refrigerator to age cheeses.
So, now you know about the cheese aging process! Do you have other questions about cheese making? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer them!
How to Make Pickles for your Cheeseboard
We know that our customers love cheese! We’re always looking for new ways for you to serve it, but we also know that creating a cheeseboard is a real joy. You can serve a cheeseboard as a fun appetizer or instead of dessert. It’s quick to prepare and you can even ask your guests to bring along a favorite cheese!
There are so many ways to make your cheeseboards unique and impress at any dinner party. The huge variety of crackers, fruit, chips or nuts that you can serve makes this a great dish to help you stand out.
Today we’re sharing some ideas for pickles which can be made to accompany your cheeseboard. Some take longer than others, but they are all delicious additions to your table.
1. Same day pickles
Throwing a last minute dinner party? These pickles can be rustled up in no time and are sure to wow your guests.
They are best eaten on the day that they are made.
You will need:
1 large cucumber
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp white wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 tbsp white sugar
A handful of dill leaves
- Cut the cucumber into long thin ribbons. This is easily done with a potato peeler or you could use a spiralizer.
- Cover the cucumber with salt for 15 minutes.
- Squeeze as much moisture as you can out of the cucumber using a paper towel
- Mix the other ingredients together in a bowl
- Add the cucumber
- Leave it to infuse for as long as you can, but they will be delicious straight away!
2. Pickled grapes
You’re used to serving grapes on your cheeseboard, but you probably haven’t tried pickling them. You need to make these a few days before eating, and they should keep in the fridge for a week*.
You will need:
1 bunch seedless grapes, removed from their stems and cut in half
1 1/2 cups distilled white vinegar
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 whole cloves
- Mix the vinegar, sugar, spices, and cloves together in a saucepan
- Bring to the boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the grapes.
- Pour the grapes and vinegar into a sterilized jar. Leave the lid off until they have cooled.
- Once cooled, place a lid on the jar and refrigerate.
3. Shisler’s Private Label
Sometimes you just don’t have time to make pickles. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our delicious private label pickles. We’re sure you’ll find some that will complement your cheeseboard amongst our selection. Choose from:
We also stock a wide range of others alongside our Private Label, including baby beets and hot pickled garlic.
So, there you have it. Three ways to add perfect pickles to your cheeseboard. Eat them with aged cheddar for a great, tangy combination.
What are your favorite pickles? Do you have a fabulous go-to recipe? Let us know in the comments!
*Always check pickles that you have kept before eating them to make sure that they are still safe to eat.
How to Serve Raclette
If you’re anything like us here at Shisler’s Cheese House, you love entertaining. We’re always looking for great new ways to share food and fun with our friends and family.
If you haven’t had a Raclette dinner party yet, then today we’re here to tell you why this might be your next big hit.
What is Raclette?
Raclette (ra-klet) is a semi-firm, salted cheese made from cow’s milk. It originated in the Swiss canton of Valais, but is today also produced in the French regions of Savoie and Franche-Comté.
The term raclette derives from the French racler, meaning “to scrape”. Raclette cheese is heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners’ plates.
What is the history of Raclette?
Raclette is mentioned in medieval writings and was then known in the German-speaking part of Switzerland as Bratchäs, or “roasted cheese.” Traditionally, the Swiss cow herders used to take the cheese with them into the mountains. They would cook it by the campfire and scrape it onto bread.
How can we enjoy it at a dinner party?
These days, you don’t have to go into the mountains or start an open fire to enjoy Raclette around the dinner table. Electric table-top grills with small pans make the job of melting the cheese easy and fun. Each guest fills their small pan, known as a coupelles, with cheese and melts it before adding it to their plate.
What should it be served with?
This is where you can let your imagination run wild! Anything that you think might be delicious with cheese could be tried, but there are some classics that are essential for a Raclette party:
- Small boiled potatoes
- Sliced vegetables including carrots, peppers, celery, mushrooms and any other favourites
- Sliced fresh bread
- Meats or seafood
Whilst the cheese is melting in the coupelles, guests can cook their meat or seafood to their liking on the top of the grill. They can even throw the vegetables on to cook them slightly or crisp the potatoes up. The beauty of this is that everyone can select what they would like to eat and how they would like to eat it.
You can also serve apple slices, to cut through the sweetness, and other treats that you might usually serve with cheese.
Could I serve other cheeses?
Certainly! Let guests experiment with Raclette cheese, gouda and gruyere. They can find their favorite combinations.
What drinks should I serve with Raclette?
A white wine is a great choice to pair with Raclette. A Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling or Pinot Grigio would all work well. You could also serve a light wheat ale or a fruity Pinot Noir for red wine lovers.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some supplies and you could be hosting the dinner party that will have all your friends hoping for a second invite!
How do you serve your Raclette? What are your top dinner party tips? Let us know in the comments!
5 Ways to Take Your Grilled Cheese to the Next Level
It’s one of the nation’s favorites: the grilled cheese.
If you’re anything like us, you’ve tried a lot of grilled cheeses. You’ve probably already decided whether you like to butter your bread on both sides (we’re firmly in the yes camp!). You might have found your favorite cheese or chosen the ultimate bread. Well today, we’re going to show you how to take your grilled cheese to the next level with some clever additions and changes.
1. Add fruit
We absolutely love a sweet and savory combo! Adding fruit to your grilled cheese is an incredible way to add sweetness. You might want to choose a cheese based on the fruit that you’re going to use. Blueberries with mascarpone, peaches with gouda, apple butter with pepper jack, and strawberries with mozzarella are all great combinations. You could even create a Hawaiian pizza inspired grilled cheese with ham and pineapple.
2. Go for different bread
You might have found your favorite loaf, but that doesn’t mean you need to always reach for it. Have you tried brioche bread for your grilled cheese? It gets an incredible caramelization from its high sugar content. You could also try bagels! Even croissants work really well. Donuts and pound cake are an extra decadent addition to a sweet grilled cheese. Trust us, get creative and try a different bread for your grilled cheese this week.
3. Add pickles and relishes
Some of you will be purists who want the cheesiest grilled cheese that they can find, but we’re pretty partial to a good pickle in our sandwiches. It cuts through the richness and will pack a flavour punch at the same time. A spoonful of mustard can also work wonders with the right cheese.
4. Top it with a fried egg
Whether you like yours over easy or sunny side up, you won’t be sorry that you topped your grilled cheese with a fried egg. It does mean that you’ll have to use a knife and fork to dig in, rather than picking it up, but that’s a small sacrifice to make for the perfect combination of bread, melted cheese, and oozing egg yolks.
5. Go wild
We know that there’s a combination that you’ve dreamed of but haven’t dared to try. Now is the time! You want a mac and grilled cheese? You got it! Want to put crushed up pretzels inside? It sounds like a great idea! You want to grill chocolate and cheese between slices of cake? Go for it!
However you make your grilled cheese, we want you to love it. Pop into Shisler’s Cheese House to pick up your favorite cheeses and condiments.
Tell us about your grilled cheese inspiration in the comments!
12 Ways to Eat Maple Syrup… Without Pancakes!
Sometimes it’s easy to forget about those ingredients that we take for granted, like a simple maple syrup. Our pure amber maple syrup is tapped and processed right here in Ohio’s Amish Country. It’s available in 8oz. and 16oz. sizes so you can stock up for home or buy some as a gift.
It’s also so delicious that we know it’s not just for pancakes. Read on to find our great ideas for enjoying our maple syrup.
1. Add it to your oatmeal
If you want to add maple syrup to your breakfast, but you don’t want to eat pancakes every day, try it on top of your oatmeal. Add blueberries for extra freshness.
2. Use it to roast vegetables
Carrots and parsnips are deliciously sweet when combined with maple syrup for roasting. You can also add it to roasted tomatoes before making a salad for that lovely caramelization. It’s also great with Brussel sprouts; that’s certainly one way to get everyone eating them!
3. Stir it into your coffee
If you love those flavored, syrupy coffees from the store then now you can create them at home with a drop of maple syrup.
4. Drizzle it over ice cream
An easy way to make ice cream into a dinner party dessert.
5. Make granola
Before baking your favorite granola ingredients, add some maple syrup. You’ll get crunchy clusters filled with sweetness.
6. Add it to your applesauce
When you make applesauce, add a dash of cinnamon and a little maple syrup. You can keep your special ingredient a secret or share it with the world!
7. Use it as a glaze
Mixed with mustard, maple syrup is a fantastic glaze for salmon or pork. Simply brush it on before it goes in the oven.
8. Use it as a marinade
Whilst it makes a great glaze, it’s an even better marinade. Use it for chicken or turkey before you fry it. You’ll get crisp, caramelized parts and tender meat that is sure to please a crowd.
9. Add it to your salad dressings
You might be used to adding honey to your salad dressings, so why not try maple syrup for sweetness next time?
10. Use it in your jam recipes
You need to be careful when adding extra sweetness to jams, but if you’re making a fiery chili jam then a little maple syrup can do wonders for the flavor.
11. Make popcorn with it
If you love a movie night with homemade popcorn, then this is going to revolutionize it. Pour maple syrup onto hot popcorn and let it glaze all of the kernels. You could even add crispy bacon bits for true indulgence!
12. Use it in cheesecake
We’re pretty sure that we don’t need to convince you why this is a good idea! You could add it to the cheesecake mix or use it as a glaze on the top.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our ideas for using maple syrup without always thinking of pancakes. How do you use your syrup? Let us know in the comments!
3 Uses for Mozzarella – Let’s Try Homemade Cheese Today!
As regular readers will know, we’re huge fans of sharing fantastic cheese recipes with you.
If you’re needing some fresh to pep up your January, there’s nothing better than our homemade mozzarella. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and you can make it at home. Even better, once you’ve made some delicious mozzarella, you get to eat it!
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 in the fridge.
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”.
You probably already have some favorite mozzarella recipes, but we hope our ideas will inspire you to make some cheese today.
1. On a pizza
We know this isn’t a new idea, but if you’ve never made pizza at home then now is definitely the time to give it a go. Pizza dough is really easy to make and if you get yourself a pizza stone you will be able to enjoy the crispy base you love without even leaving the house.
You only need a little mozzarella, to stop the dough from becoming soggy, and then you add your favorite toppings. You could even put some mozzarella on the edges of the pizza and roll over the dough to make your own stuffed crust. Invite your friends over for a pizza party and they’re sure to marvel at your homemade cheese.
2. In a fruity salad
Whilst you might always think of having mozzarella in a Caprese salad with tomatoes, its creaminess is the perfect accompaniment to a salad with fruits.
Combine mozzarella with figs and green beans, oranges and arugula, or peaches and basil for a great pick-me-up salad. All of these will go perfectly with ham or bacon. Get creative and try your own combinations, too.
3. In a burger
No, we don’t mean in a bun with your burger, we actually mean in a burger. This is another recipe to try at home if you’ve never had a go before. Patties can be made simply out of ground beef, bread crumbs, an egg and salt and pepper. But next time you make them, roll a small piece of mozzarella into the middle. When they cook, the cheese will melt inside and will ooze deliciousness with every bite.
Make sure to fill your bun with your favorite salad and relishes for real perfection.
If you’re looking for a wine pairing for mozzarella, a fruity Sauvignon Blanc will work perfectly with the mild freshness of the cheese. If you prefer red wine, the cherry flavors of Sangiovese or Chianti would work well.
Let us know what you make in the comments! We’d love to hear your ideas for using mozzarella.
