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Charcuterie and Snack Inspiration
Always looking for inspiration, we have been eyeing the Instagram accounts of some very creative charcuterie artists. We can see some of our products working themselves into these beautiful presentations quite nicely!
Cupcake Tour 2020 – September 25 & 26
Last year’s Wayne County Cupcake Tour was a huge success! This year we thought it might not happen due to the pandemic. But, the organizers have decided that cupcakes will prevail and Shisler’s Cheesehouse is on board for being a stop at this year’s event!
Some Updates from the Cheesehouse
We wanted to take a moment to update you on what’s been going with the gang at Shisler’s Cheesehouse!
Cheese of the Month: Asiago
March’s cheese of the month is…
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 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. It 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. Add toasted flaked almonds for a crunchy topping or even some raisins if you like sweet and savory dishes.
Wine Pairing
Like many Italian cheeses, it 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 this cheese? What’s your favorite way to eat it? Let us know in the comments!
10 Minute Pasta Sauce To Make Today!
We know that sometimes time is a factor in your cooking decisions, which is why today we are sharing a 10-minute pasta sauce that you can whip up with plenty of time to spare.
Pop your pasta on the stove and you’ll have a sauce ready in the time that it takes to cook.
You will need:
1 clove garlic
20 black olives
2 tbsp capers
1 tin chopped tomatoes (or fresh as an alternative)
1 bunch fresh basil
Salt and pepper
- Finely slice the garlic and fry it in a pan with a small amount of olive oil for 1 minute.
- Finely dice the olives and capers together and add them to the pan. Fry for another minute, then pour in the chopped tomatoes.
- Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Tear in the basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you do have an afternoon free, why not try making fresh pasta to go with your sauce? Read on for the recipe!
Recipe – Makes enough fresh pasta for 6 people
You will need:
6 large eggs
600g ‘00’ flour
Method – making the dough:
- Put the flour onto a board or in a bowl.
- Make a well in the center of the flour and crack the eggs into it.
- Beat the eggs with a fork until they are smooth.
- Using your hands, incorporate a little of the flour into the eggs at a time, until everything is mixed together.
- Combine the dough until you have one smooth lump.
- Knead the dough to develop the gluten. Stop when the pasta feels smooth and silky.
- Cover the dough fully and rest it in the fridge for at half an hour.
Method – rolling the dough:
You can simply use a rolling pin to roll pieces of the dough until they are lovely and thin.
If you have a pasta machine, the best thing to do is follow the instructions that it comes with as some have different mechanisms. In general, though, this will be your basic method.
- Dust your work surface with some ‘00’ flour. Take a handful of pasta dough, press it flat and roll it through your machine on the widest setting.
- Move the pasta machine down a setting and roll the dough through again.
- Fold the pasta in half. Repeat steps 1 and 2 five or six times, folding each time.
- Once the pasta is very smooth, roll it through all of the settings on the machine from widest down to narrowest.
- If you are making tagliatelle or lasagne, rolling it until it is just slightly thicker than a playing card. For stuffed pasta including ravioli and tortellini, make it thin enough that you can clearly see your hand through it.
- Cut or shape your pasta before it dries. Use a clean, damp cloth to stop it from drying out if you need to.
Shaping and cutting fresh pasta:
For lasagne or tagliatelle, you will simply need a sharp knife to cut the pasta to the desired shape. Your pasta machine may have attachments to cut the pasta. If you are shaping the pasta we recommend finding video instructions that will show you the quickest method. Get the family involved to get the pasta ready before it dries!
To cook your pasta:
- Add pasta to a large pot of boiling salted water.
- It will take 1 to 3 minutes, so watch the pot closely.
- Test the pasta to ensure that it is just slightly al dente before serving.
Whether you’re using fresh pasta or dried, we know you’ll love this 10-minute pasta sauce!
It’s National Snack Food Month!
It’s National Snack Food Month this February so we are bringing you a list of our favorite snack foods.
- 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.
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.
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.
- Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a great source of energy and nutrients. 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 pop in your bag for those on-the-go snack moments.
- Jerky
Jerky is full of protein which makes it a great snack, especially if you’re exercising or having a busy day. Try our Uncle Mike’s Beef Jerky, which we offer in Mild, Hot or Teriyaki flavor. It’s easy to pack and pull out when you’re out and about.
- 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 to snack on. Keeping a jar of nuts in the kitchen can stop you reaching for more unhealthy snacks, especially at hungry moments like when you’ve just got in from work!
- Seeds
Seeds contain high levels of essential fatty acids as well as lots of vitamins and minerals that can help to keep us healthy. Because they are so nutrient-rich, you don’t need to eat a lot each day to get the health benefits of them. A tablespoon a day is more than enough and they’re easy to snack on. Try toasting them and adding them to salads if you’re having a more substantial snack.
- Cheese!
Of course, cheese is one of our favorite snacks. Whether you have a few slices with some crunchy crackers or create a more substantial snack with slices of bologna, it’s a great source of calcium and a delicious treat. Pop in to try some new cheeses and you might find a new favorite for your snack pack.
What’s your favorite snack food? Let us know in the comments below!
Celebrating National Hot Breakfast Month
Can you believe February is actually National Hot Breakfast Month?
With that in mind, we’ve got some ideas for hot breakfasts to energize you in the morning!
Chocolate Croissants
Take some crescent rolls and roll them up with pieces of chocolate inside. Bake in the oven until the rolls are golden brown and the chocolate is melted. These make a great breakfast that will surprise your family any day of the week!
Crepes
Crepes are simply a delicious thin pancake that can be filled with toppings both sweet and savory.
You will need:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
0.25 teaspoon salt
1.5 cups of milk
3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
How to make the crepes:
- Mix all ingredients in a blender. This will create a puree and will ensure that all of the ingredients are mixed well. If you don’t have a blender you can do this by hand, but ensure that you mix thoroughly.
- Bubbles will form on the top when the batter is ready. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. If you are preparing ahead for a dinner party, it can be kept in the fridge for 1 day.
- Heat a non-stick 12inch skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter and allow this to melt and coat the pan.
- Add 1/3 of a cup of batter, swirl it to evenly cover the pan, and cook until golden brown. This should take 2 to 3 minutes.
- Carefully flip the crepe using a silicone spatula. Cook for another minute and remove from the pan.
- Continue with the remaining batter, adding butter before each crepe.
Oatmeal
It’s a classic for a reason! If you need fueling up for a full morning then oatmeal is nearly always the one to go for. You’ll have your own favorite way of making it, whether it’s with water or milk, and that’s one of the best things about it. Why not try a new topping? Peanut butter, jams, fresh fruit, seeds, you name it and it can be popped on top of a bowl of oatmeal!
Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a Mediterranean breakfast dish.
Preheat your oven to 350F. Start by cooking down one chopped clove of garlic, a sliced onion and a sliced red pepper in an ovenproof frying pan. You want them to be cooked until they are really soft. Add a tin of chopped tomatoes and a teaspoon each of ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
When ready, make 4 small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each one. Pop the whole pan into the oven for around 10 minutes. Watch closely so that the eggs are cooked how you like them. Once removed from the oven, a sprinkle of fresh coriander can add freshness. Simply serve with fresh bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
What’s your favorite hot breakfast? Let us know in the comments!
Why We Use Champagne Flutes
If you’re enjoying a glass of champagne, you might wonder why the flute is used as the glassware of choice for sparkling wine. Read on to find out why we use champagne flutes and the importance of choosing the right glass for your drink.
Whilst you could drink wine out of any glass if you are simply having a casual drink, if you are looking to really taste wine then you need the right glassware.
The right glassware means that you can see the color of the wine properly. This is all a part of the tasting experience. It will also allow the aroma of the wine to be released properly and give you space to enjoy it. Whether you have selected the right glass will depend on both the size and the material of the glass.
There are four main parts of a wine glass:
The foot of the glass is the base that allows it to stand upright.
The stem is where you hold the glass. It stops your hands from warming the wine and avoids smudges on the glass.
The bowl is the actual cup of the glass. This is where the most variation exists between wine glasses because the different sizes are suitable for different wines.
The rim of the wine glass is important because it enhances the experience of drinking the wine. A thin rim that is smooth to the touch will let the wine flow out of the glass easily.
A sparkling wine is usually served from a tulip-shaped glass or flute. This is because the upright, narrow glass retains the carbonation and flavor of the drink.
Flutes create a steady stream of fizz and preserve the bubbles in the wine. A tulip-shaped glass or a narrow-mouthed white wine glass will usually help you to enjoy the aroma and taste of the wine more. Furthermore, stemmed glass prevents the temperature of your hands from affecting the temperature of the wine.
You will often see Prosecco served in a tulip-shaped glass, whilst Champagne will be found in a flute or coupe. However, a tulip-shaped glass is actually the best for any sparkling wine that you are enjoying. When filling a glass, pour in a little, let it settle, and then top it up.
In terms of material, crystal is usually the best for serving wine. It is very strong and can, therefore, be spun into thin glassware. This has the effect of creating a very smooth rim and refracting the light well. This helps you to better enjoy the color of your wine. However, the main decision will depend on whether you are able to maintain fragile crystal glasses. They are the best for tasting wine but may not be the best to purchase if you are worried about them breaking.
So, there you have it. That’s why we use flutes for sparkling wine! We also find it just makes us feel happy to be a little fancy every now and again!
What’s your favorite sparkling wine? Let us know in the comments below.
Baked Cheese Recipes: Our Top 5
Did you know that you can bake cheese? It’s a delicious way to eat our favorite food, especially at this time of year when we’re waiting for spring to arrive. We’ve put together 5 great baked cheese recipes. Read on to find out which cheeses bake best.
1. Camembert
Camembert is a surface-ripened cow’s milk cheese. It’s soft and creamy, with a pungent aroma. You’ll normally buy it in a wooden box. Start by unwrapping the cheese and making sure that any stickers have been removed. Replace it into its box. Make several cuts in the top of the cheese and add some garlic cloves and rosemary. Bake at 400F for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey.
Serve with baguettes and crudites for everyone to dip in the melted goodness!
2. Raclette
Whilst you can serve raclette cheese at the table using a tabletop grill, you can also easily bake it in the oven. Simply put your cheese into a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil and any flavorings that you want to add such as herbs, garlic or spices. Bake it at 400F for around 8 minutes or until it is golden and bubbling. Serve it with a fruity white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a real treat.
3. Feta
You might not have thought to bake feta before, but it’s delicious! One of the simplest ways to bake it is to place the whole block of feta on a baking sheet, drizzle over 1tbsp of olive oil and the juice of a lemon, along with 1 crushed garlic clove and 1tsp oregano. Grind some black pepper on the top and put it in the oven at 400F for 5 minutes. It will start to brown at the edges, but no more as then it will dry out. You can serve this mixed into pasta or over roasted vegetables such as zucchinis, tomatoes, and peppers.
4. Goat’s Cheese
Goat’s cheese with a rind bakes very well as it melts slightly while retaining it’s lovely, creamy texture. Try baking it in the oven at 400F for 5 minutes. Serve it on a salad of bitter leaves, tomatoes, and olives with a lemony dressing. A light white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio, would work well with this dish.
5. Blue Cheese
Did you know that you can bake blue cheese? Place a good wedge of cheese in a baking tray, using a knife to make a few holes around the cheese. Pop it in the oven at 400F for 10 to 15 minutes. This will create a melted blue cheese dip, perfect for slathering onto bread or pouring over a salad. You could even use it as a dip for chips!
Have you tried baking cheese? Let us know which of our baked cheese recipes is your favorite in the comments below.
Get Prepared for Valentine’s Day 2020!
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!
