With many of us back at school and work after a fun summer, many of you will be thinking about options for packed lunches. There’s nearly always someone in the household that needs to take lunch with them in the morning.
Packed Lunch Ideas: Warming Lunches for Fall
As it starts to get cooler, you’re probably going to want something warming at lunch. Why not take a delicious soup, hearty stew or even a rich pasta dish with you to keep the cold at bay. There are so many options for food containers that will keep your lunch hot as you work or learn these days. Not only that, but taking your own along reduces the environmental impact of packaged foods.
Packed Lunch Ideas: Baking Mixes
Our range of quick baking mixes will help you to whip up something quick for tomorrow’s lunch that feels truly homemade.
For the sweet tooth, we have a great range of muffin mixes. These include strawberry, apple cinnamon, chocolate chip, pumpkin raspberry, and “bran”ana.
Packed Lunch Ideas: Trail Mix
We’ve got a trail mix to suit every taste here at Shisler’s Cheese House!
Banana Split Mix: Cranberries, banana chips, almonds, chocolate covered peanuts, chocolate drops, pineapple tidbits, raisins, yogurt covered peanuts, peanuts, and yogurt drops for those of you looking for a fruity sweet treat.
Amish Hot Mix: Hot Cajun sesame sticks, taco sesame corn sticks, redskin peanuts, pretzel twists, and chili bits for spicy food lovers.
Buggy Trail Mix: Butter toffee peanuts, honey roasted sesame sticks, cheddar crackers, pretzel nuggets, and wheat crackers for anyone who loves a bit of crunch.
We also have a Diet Trail Mix, Mikey’s Mix and a basic Trail Mix. You could even combine some of these to create your ultimate trail mix. This is a great snack if you’re sending hungry kids to school. Just be sure to check whether the school has any allergy requirements as you may not be able to send snacks containing nuts.
Packed Lunch Ideas: Dried Fruit
Another great healthy snack is dried fruit. We stock Think Fruit: a fab dried fruit snack. Try pineapple, blueberries, cranberries, peach slices, cherries, and cinnamon apple slices to discover your favorite.
We hope some of these ideas will be useful to you as you plan your lunches in the coming weeks. Something that you might find useful is creating a meal plan so that you always know what’s coming up for lunch and which snacks you need to stock up on. You could even cook batches of meals ahead of time and freeze them for later. A couple of great soups and stews frozen in portions can save a lot of time and headaches later!
What do you like to take for your packed lunch? Let us know in the comments!
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!
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!
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.
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!
Today we will tell you everything you need to know about Farmer’s Cheese.
What is Farmer’s Cheese?
This is a mild, unripened white cheese made by adding rennet to cow’s milk. It can also be made with other types of milk, but we sell the version made with cow’s milk. When the milk coagulates it separates into solid curds and liquid whey. They whey is then drained off, leaving behind the soft curds. The result at this stage is sometimes referred to as pot cheese. This is creamy and spreadable, with a similar consistency to ricotta cheese. Further pressing out of the moisture results in a more firm and crumbly Farmer’s Cheese. It is also known for having fewer calories, and being lower in fat and cholesterol, than many other kinds of cheese.
If you would like to have a go at cheese making at home, you may find that Farmer’s Cheese is a simple place to start. Of course, you can simply order from us and enjoy the cheese without the work!
How should I eat it?
Farmer’s Cheese is often used in recipes for Blintzes or Pierogies. It also works well in pasta shells and ravioli. One popular local use is to lightly fry Farmer’s Cheese and use it in a sandwich, but our favorite use is to slice it very thinly and roll it with our flavorful smoked meats. It’s a great addition to a platter of cheeses and charcuterie. We also recommend it as a cheese to keep at home for sandwiches and salads. You can even use it in dips.
It is delicious with potatoes. Try it mixed into your mashed potatoes or piled into loaded potato skins. Try it as a topping on pizza or as part of a mezze platter with pitta bread and olives.
For a sweet snack, drizzle the cheese with honey and serve with slices of apple. We absolutely love the sweet and salty contrast. Some people enjoy this cheese in dishes that contain sugar or cinnamon, such as pancakes, as they find its buttery flavor works well with the sweetness. You only need a little of the cheese to add richness without throwing off the balance of flavors.
What should I drink with it?
Farmer’s cheese pairs well with flavorful white wines like Chardonnay and Riesling. Red wines that pair well include Gamay Noir (Beaujolais) and Pinot Noir. You will also find that rose or blush wines like White Zinfandel are also a good match as they go well with the slightly salty, creamy flavor of the cheese. You can even try it with a Muscat dessert wine.
We continue our exploration of cheese from around the world with a look at Lucerne cheese today.
What is Lucerne Cheese?
Lucerne Cheese is another of our local selections, made in Charm, Ohio by the original producer Guggisberg Cheese. The Guggisberg Cheese Company was started in 1967 just outside of Charm, Ohio by cheese connoisseur Alfred Guggisberg, an alumnus of the famous Swiss Federal “Molkereishulle” (Cheese Maker’s Institute).
Lucerne Cheese is a young, semi-soft cheese with small holes, somewhat similar to Baby Swiss. It has a very mild flavor that is both light and smooth. It’s also lower in fat and sodium than Swiss cheese, making it a delicious favorite for those counting calories or watching their sodium intake.
Do you offer other local cheeses?
Yes! We stock a huge range of local cheeses including Swiss, Baby Swiss, Sharp Swiss, Amish Butter Cheese, Yogurt Cheese, and several variations of each. We’re really proud to stock such a great range of cheeses from right here in Ohio. Please pop into the store if would ever like to try any of them; we’re happy to help!
How is Lucerne Cheese made?
Lucerne cheese is made in the same manner as many other kinds of cheese, by separating the curds and whey. Natural bacteria consume the lactic acid in the cheese, producing small holes. The aging process breaks down the milk sugar, reducing the carbohydrates in the cheese as well as the lactose content.
How should I eat Lucerne Cheese?
This cheese melts well, so you could enjoy a slice of it on a burger or in a healthier grilled cheese. Our favorite way to eat it is grated over soups and salads. It adds flavor and texture without adding too much fat to your meal. It’s also mild enough that it won’t overpower your dish.
If you are serving it as part of a cheeseboard, try to include fruits such as pears, apples, and grapes. The sweetness of these fruits is excellent against the mild cheese. Cut the Lucerne into thin slices that your guests can enjoy or even cubes to accompany fruit on skewers. It’s a great snacking cheese for those moments in the afternoon when you need a quick savory pick-me-up.
What should I drink with Lucerne Cheese?
This cheese pairs very well with a wide selection of different wines. The most popular red wine pairings are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but Beaujolais and Pinot Noir are also great matches. If you prefer white wine, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc would all be good choices. If you are a beer lover, then Lucerne Cheese goes well with Lager, Pale Ale, and Weiss Beer.
How do you like to eat Lucerne Cheese? Let us know in the comments!
With Veteran’s Day approaching this weekend, we wanted to share our Veteran’s Day Care Package with you.
This is a great way to remind our heroes that we still appreciate all they do! It is perfect as a gift for our veterans or as active duty military care packages. We have included less perishable options than some of our other gift boxes, for those who wish to send a care package to military personnel stationed overseas.
There really is nothing like a little taste of home to let our men and women in uniform know they are appreciated. We will ship to any FPO-AP address via U.S. Postal service. We will also show our appreciation for our men and women in uniform by donating a portion of the proceeds from every package sold to The Wounded Warrior Project.
The Veteran’s Day Care Package Includes:
Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel (2 Lbs.)
Trail Bologna Ring or Beef Jerky (In non-perishable option)
Clem’s Hot Pepper Relish – delicious with cheese and crackers!
Banana Split Mix – cranberries, banana chips, almonds, chocolate covered peanuts, chocolate drops, pineapple tidbits, raisins, yogurt covered peanuts, peanuts, and yogurt drops all mixed together for a great trail mix
Amish Peanut Butter Spread
Amish Homestyle Jam
Carr’s Crackers
We know that you love to show your appreciation and, to us, food is the perfect way to do that.
Here at Shisler’s Cheese House, we also make a range of gift boxes if the Veteran’s Care Package isn’t quite right for you.
Our Football Season Special is perfect for sports lovers. It contains Swiss Cheese, Troyer’s Trail Bologna, Pepper Jack Cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Pepper Relish, and Carr’s Crackers.
The Fall Harvest Collection celebrates the best flavors of fall in Amish Country. You’ll find Baby Swiss Cheese (2 Lbs.), Streb Meats Smoked Sausage (1 Lb.), Cranberry Delight (1 Lb.), Pumpkin Muffin Mix, Pumpkin Butter, and Popcorn on the Cob inside.
If you want to show your support to a beer and cheese lover, then our Beer Collection is absolutely the gift for you. It contains enough Brick, Gouda, Gruyere, and Ohio Premium Swiss Cheese to entertain 20 people. These cheeses have been chosen for their strong flavors which pair beautifully with beer. We recommend trying out a few different beers to compare the tasting experience.
Finally, our Hot Stuff Collection has everything that you might need for someone who lives spice and heat. Enjoy trying Hot Pepper Cheese, Habanero Cheese, Troyer’s Trail Bologna with Hot Pepper Cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Pepper Relish, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Jalapeno Mustard, Hot Pepper Jelly, and Carr’s Crackers. Be warned, you might need a cooling glass of milk on hand.
Do get in touch if you have any questions about any of our gift boxes, but especially if you would like to get a Veteran’s Day care package for a special someone to recognise their service this month.
We’d also love for you to take a look at the work of the Wounded Warrior Project and consider supporting them in their efforts.
Now that we are really in fall, you might be looking for some fall foods to enjoy. That’s why we wanted to share our fantastic Fall Harvest Collection with you. It has everything you need for a cozy evening in with loved ones or a picnic under the trees as they change color.
Inside you will find:
2 Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese
Our Baby Swiss is made locally in Charm, Ohio by the original producer: Guggisberg Cheese. This is a young, semi-soft cheese with lots of small holes that you will recognize from Swiss cheese. Because water is substituted for the milk’s whey in Baby Swiss production, the bacterial action is slowed down creating smaller holes and a milder flavor. It is also made from whole milk, giving it an extra creamy, mild taste.
1 Lb. Streb Meats Smoked Sausage
Streb Meats is a third generation family-owned company that has been famous in our area for over 70 years. All of their meats are locally raised and hickory smoked in a real smokehouse, creating a quality product that you just can’t beat.
1 Lb. of our Cranberry Delight mix
This is one of our favorite mixes because it includes a great selection of both nuts and fruit which give it a true fall flavor. It contains dried cranberries, golden raisins, peanuts, almonds, pecans, dried cherries, pineapple dices, and papaya dices. A great healthy snack for your next hike or to keep you fuelled at your desk.
Pumpkin Muffin Mix
Our muffin mixes are ideal for those moments when you want to whip up something to share with guests without any fuss. They include all of the dry ingredients to make delicious muffins. What flavor could be better for fall food than pumpkin? If you have extra time, you could even make a cream cheese frosting to go with them.
Pumpkin Butter
A delicious way to add fall food flavors to lots of different dishes. This will be great with the pumpkin muffins that you make with the muffin mix. It’s also brilliant on toast in the mornings or even stirred into coffee with milk or cream for a pumpkin latte.
Popcorn on the Cob
Have some fun making popcorn with this quick way to a delicious snack. You can pop the corn right on the cob and then settle down to a cozy movie night with the family. Try adding your own flavorings such as salt, sugar, butter or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to keep the fall theme going.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our tour of the Fall Harvest Collection. This is available for a limited time only, so shop today to get yours! What’s your favorite fall food? Let us know in the comments!
We continue our exploration of cheese from around the world with a look at Gruyere today.
What is Gruyere Cheese?
Gruyere Cheese is a hard, yellow cow’s milk cheese. It is named after the town of Gruyere, in Switzerland, although some do maintain that it is a French cheese. It has a sweet but slightly salty flavor and often has a creamy texture. When fully aged, it has small cracks and a slightly grainy texture. It can have quite a strong smell because of the process that creates its rind.
It is one of our favorite imported cheeses and we know that many of our customers love being able to get hold of this Alpine cheese right here in Ohio.
How is Gruyere Cheese made?
It is made by heating raw milk in a copper vat, adding rennet and separating the curds and whey. The curds are placed into molds, salted in brine and smeared with bacteria. The cheese is then ripened for at least two months at room temperature, generally on wooden boards. The cheese is turned every couple of days to ensure even moisture distribution. It can be cured for up to 10 months and develops a more intense, almost earthy, flavor as it ages.
How should I eat Gruyere Cheese?
Gruyere Cheese melts very well. This makes it a great cheese for a fondue with white wine and garlic. Serve it with crusty bread, crudites and simply roasted potatoes alongside dipping forks for a fun sharing dinner with friends.
Because it melts so well, it is also an excellent cheese to incorporate into baking. Try it in your next quiche for extra flavor. Melt it onto small pieces of toast to eat with French Onion Soup or put it into a grilled cheese sandwich. Even better, make a Croque Monsieur by using gruyere and ham in a toasted sandwich. You could even incorporate it into bread dough before baking to create a cheesy bread for lunch or a picnic.
You could grate it to serve with pasta or salads, as it is not too overpowering. If you are serving it as part of a cheeseboard, try to include fruits such as pears, apples, and grapes. The sweetness of these fruits is excellent against the nuttiness of the cheese. Cut it into thin slices that your guests can enjoy.
It is also excellent for adding comfort to a dish of mac and cheese. Gratin dishes such as potato dauphinoise will benefit from some slices of the cheese, as would butternut squash or sweet potato dishes.
What should I drink with Gruyere Cheese?
Gruyere goes best with slightly sweet white wines like Chardonnay, Riesling, or dessert wines. These complement creamy, nutty nature of the cheese. You could also enjoy it with an apple cider or a glass of Bock beer. All of these will enhance the flavor of the cheese without overpowering its more delicate elements.
How do you like to eat Gruyere Cheese? Let us know in the comments!
With the time approaching for college students to begin their studies or return after a well-earned break, we’ve put together a back to school care package that’s sure to keep them happy.
Send them off with a selection of treats and they’ll be able to share them with friends when they arrive. We’ve put together our care package with those difficult goodbyes in mind. It’s a perfect gift for any student who might get homesick or simply need a pick me up between all their new lectures.
Buggy Trail Mix – includes butter toffee peanuts, honey roasted sesame sticks, cheddar crackers, pretzel nuggets, and wheat crackers
Cinnamon Graham Pretzels – the classic flavor of cinnamon graham crackers in the shape of a pretzel. These are especially delicious with a cream cheese dip.
Mikey’s Mix – packed full of nuts, raisins, and chocolate treats
Peanut Butter Pretzels – a crunchy snack filled with delicious peanut butter
Shisler’s Private Label Raspberry Pretzel Dip – perfect for eating with our pretzels
As these items are less perishable than others that we stock, they can be sent in the mail. You could even send them overseas to our service men and women to let them know that you are thinking of them.
If you know that your college goer is going to need help getting up in the morning, you could also send them some REACH coffee. This is a specialty coffee from the region of Chanchamayo in Peru that is then roasted in Cleveland, Ohio. We’re proud to stock this coffee as it’s great for everything from an espresso to a frothy latte.
Explore our other gift boxes for different tastes. Some do have perishable items so be sure to check how long shipping will take and whether your recipient has access to a fridge. If you are finding a gift for someone with a sweet tooth, then our Heggy’s Chocolate Gift Box might be a great option for you. It will contain an assortment of premium hand crafted chocolates and candies from a wide selection including vanilla creams, chocolate coated caramels, marshmallows, and Heggy’s Crunch.
So, whether your loved one is heading back to school for the first year or their last, you can show them how much you love them with our care packages. Surprise them with a taste of home or something new for them to try. You could also give one of our e-gift certificates if you would like them to be able to order a special treat for themselves. The code will be sent to you after purchase, so it doesn’t matter whether you buy it for them to go back to school with or during the semester.
What are your top back to school tips for all the new college students out there? Let us know in the comments!
