Search Results for: nuts
Do Mice Really Like Cheese?
We all know the image of a mouse eating some cheese. It’s prevalent in cartoons and we even chose it for our own logo. Many of us would first think to use cheese if we were hoping to catch a mouse. So, we thought it was about time that we found out: do mice really like cheese?
The simple answer: yes! But it’s a little more complex than that.
In various studies, it has been shown that mice will eat cheese, but that they will usually try to eat something with a higher calorie content or carbohydrate content. For example, the BBC conducted a simple study where peanuts or cheddar cheese were available, and the cheddar cheese was entirely avoided by the mice. They, instead ate the nuts, although one ate a grape; they must have been having a healthy day! Peanuts have approximately 50% more calories than the cheese, so the mice are choosing a food that will give them energy for longer.
Mice are more likely to gravitate towards sweet treats such as fruits or even chocolate, it has also been found. They can be particularly sensitive to smell, so a very pungent cheese is likely to put them off rather than entice them. In rural areas, they will look for grains, fruits, and seeds to eat.
So, if you’re offering a mouse some cheese and nothing else is available, they will go for it. But given a choice, they might opt for something with more calories. We think our mouse must simply be a very hungry cheese lover!
There you have it. If you have always been wondering ‘do mice really like cheese?’ then now you have the answer! Do you have other interesting questions about cheese? Let us know in the comments and we’ll try to answer them!
Grilled Cheese: A Classic
Today we thought we would explore the history of one of our favorite comfort foods: the grilled cheese. Read on to find out about its origins and find some ideas for making yours extra delicious.
The modern American grilled cheese sandwich first originated in the 1920s, when inexpensive sliced bread and American cheese became widely available.
Around the world, people have different preferences for how to make their grilled cheese, be it in a pan, on the griddle, or in a panini maker or sandwich press. In the UK, they are often called toasties and made in a machine which seals the edges of the bread whilst melting the cheese. In Australia, they are often called jaffles!
We’ve put together some fun ideas for you to make an extra special grilled cheese at home today.
1. Add fruit
We absolutely love a sweet and savory combo! Try blueberries with mascarpone, peaches with gouda, apple butter with pepper jack, or strawberries with mozzarella. You could even create a Hawaiian pizza inspired grilled cheese with ham and pineapple. Something that we recently tried was a small amount of jam in a grilled cheese made with ricotta. It sounds strange, but trust us, it really works!
2. Go for different bread
Sometimes you can’t beat the classic sliced white bread, but if you’re feeling adventurous then try something new to sandwich your cheese between. Have you tried brioche bread for your grilled cheese? It gets an incredible caramelization from its high sugar content. Croissants also work really well. Donuts and pound cake are an extra decadent addition to a sweet grilled cheese, although you might want to leave these to the professionals!
3. Add pickles and relishes
Some of you will be purists who want the cheesiest sandwich 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 flavor 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. You’ll find all sorts of combinations work well, although maybe you’ll want to try them out before unleashing them on any unsuspecting guests.
How do you like your grilled cheese? Let us know in the comments below!
Amish Butter: The Best Butter
Sometimes, the simplest of products are the ones that should be of the highest quality. This is what we believe and that’s why we stock the very best Amish Butter.
Our fresh and delicious Amish butter is produced locally and, like our Amish cheeses, this Amish butter is generally produced using milk from hormone-free cows with no preservatives are added. This makes for a much better tasting butter than anything you might find in the supermarket. You will find that it has an enhanced, natural, milky flavor that is just as delicious in dishes as it is on its own.
Butterfat is one of the byproducts of cheese making. As there are abundant amounts available from the local cheese artisans, Northern Ohio has become quite the production hub for fresh Amish butter as well. The butterfat gives an incredibly creamy texture and extra flavor compared to bland normal butters. We stock it in both salted and unsalted, so that you can use it for a variety of different recipes.
Salted Amish Butter
You really cannot beat salted Amish butter spread onto fresh bread or a delicious piece of toast. Try it with our pure clover honey for a sweet treat. You could even have a go at making your own bread to really enhance the experience. We love making a simple meal like breakfast a real event with stunning ingredients.
It’s perfect for cooking vegetables to add seasoning and extra color. Pop some on your cheeseboard for those who like butter with their cheese and crackers. It’s also excellent for adding to sauces to create a smooth finish and add depth to your dishes.
Unsalted Amish Butter
This is perfect for all of your baking needs. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of brownies, some fun cupcakes or even a stack of pancakes, you’ll find that Amish Butter is the best ingredient to use. The high butterfat is ideal for making brilliant shortcrust pastry and cookies that melt in the mouth. Why not try making our favorite crepes recipe with our butter and taste the difference today?
Amish Products
If you’ve enjoyed our butter then we have a whole range of products that you’re sure to love. Start with our Amish Butter Cheese, made from the best butter. It is a rich, creamy cheese that works well in sandwiches and cooking. Several of our gift boxes showcase Amish flavors, including our Amish Cheese and Goodies Box and the Amish Country Sampler Box. We also offer a local Amish Peanut Butter that is great for baking with or enjoying in sandwiches. For snacking on movie nights or when you’re hiking, try our Amish Hot Mix. This includes hot Cajun sesame sticks, taco sesame corn sticks, redskin peanuts, pretzel twists, and chili bits for all of you spice lovers. Many of our cheeses are also locally produced using the Amish method and farm fresh milk. We’re proud to support our local community and provide our customers with the very best quality!
Seeds: How to Eat More of these Superfoods
Did you know that seeds are incredibly good for you?
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.
We’ve put together a list of ideas to help you eat more and get the goodness into your diet. We stock both sunflower and pumpkin seeds which will both work well in any of the options below.
Seeds: On Cereal
Start your day with a spoonful of seeds sprinkled on top of your usual cereal. Even better, you could have seeds as part of a bowl of granola or muesli. You can easily make your own granola by choosing a selection of oats, nuts, and seeds and gently roasting them in the oven. Drizzle them with honey or maple syrup if you like them to be slightly sweet, or mix in a selection of dried fruit before storing the granola away.
On Yogurt
Yogurt can be a great healthy snack if you choose one that is low in sugar and fat. It is full of protein and when sprinkled with seeds will give you the energy to take you right through the day. If you find yourself experiencing a mid-afternoon moment of tiredness then why not pack a pot of yogurt and a small tub of them to enjoy wherever you happen to be?
Stir Fry
Next time you whip up a quick stir fry of your favorite meats and vegetables, add a spoonful towards the end of cooking. Not only will they add a crunchy texture, but they’ll toast beautifully and add plenty of nutty flavor to your dish. Just be careful not to burn them.
Salads
Of course, salads had to be on this list. You always want to be adding texture and protein to your salad and seeds are a quick and easy way to do this. If you are often making a quick lunch at the office, keep a pot of them at your desk or in your car so that you can quickly add them without any fuss.
Soups
Instead of a swirl of cream, try a smattering of seeds! They’re better for you and add both texture and flavor to your dish. Even if you haven’t made the soup from scratch yourself, you can make it seem like a put together meal.
Trail Mix
This is another option that you can make yourself with all of your favorite ingredients, but if you need a quick and easy option then our diet trail mix contains nuts, seeds, and fruits to give you a boost of energy.
We hope that these handy tips will help you to get some of those essential fatty acids and vitamins into your day to day meals. How do you like to eat seeds? Let us know in the comments!
Lacy Swiss: Everything You Need to Know
You know that we love to help you get to know all of the cheeses that we have on offer. If you always pick up Swiss Cheese then you might not have tried Lacy Swiss, thinking that it’s just a variation. However, it’s a great alternative and a really delicious way to eat cheese with a lower fat and sodium content.
What is Lacy Swiss Cheese?
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.
How should I eat Lacy Swiss Cheese?
It’s a great table cheese but it is also delicious on deli sandwiches or to top off hamburgers and patty melts. It’s rather light and delicate, so if you’re looking to add a true Swiss flavor to a recipe, our sharper imported varieties like Jarlsberg or Gruyere may be better choices.
It melts very well, so it is a good option to use in quiches or pasta dishes when you want to add creaminess without too much fat. We also love it paired with dried fruits and nuts, so it’s a great addition to any cheeseboard, especially if you want to offer a healthier option. Try it with slices of apple or pear for a refreshing afternoon snack.
What is Lacy Baby Swiss?
We also stock Lacy Baby Swiss. This is another of our local selections. Lacy Baby Swiss is a young, semi-soft cheese distinguishable by its myriad of small holes. Baby Swiss is made by substituting water for the milk’s whey to slow bacterial action compared to a traditional Swiss Cheese. The Lacy version has smaller holes and a milder flavor, as well as the lower fat and sodium content found in Lacy Swiss.
What should I drink with it?
Due to their mild flavor, these cheeses very well with numerous wines. The most popular pairings are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. but Beaujolais and Pinot Noir are also great matches. If you are a white wine lover, then Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc would all be good choices. Lacy Swiss even goes well with Lager, Pale Ale, and Weiss Beer.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our exploration of these healthy cheeses. Perhaps you could by a few different Swiss types of cheese and compare them to see which is your favorite. We even offer a Smoked Swiss Cheese if you like a smokey taste on your cheeseboard. Pop into the store if you’re nearby and we’ll help you to choose a great selection.
How do you like to enjoy Lacy Swiss cheese? Let us know in the comments!
Mardi Gras is Upon Us!
What is Mardi Gras?
A Carnival celebration usually celebrated in the days before Ash Wednesday. Sometimes known as ‘Fat Tuesday’, it is a time to feast before Lent. In some traditions, it is associated with the time all the way from Epiphany up until Lent. One of the most famous Mardi Gras celebrations takes place in New Orleans, but there are famous parties everywhere from Rio de Janeiro to Venice.
Masks and costumes often form part of the celebrations and parades can be seen through cities around the world. Parades and balls are organized by krewes, which will raise funds throughout the year to put on the elaborate floats seen during the festivities.
The History of Mardi Gras
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced all the way back to Roman celebrations in Europe, when celebrations would be held to welcome spring. Over time, the festivities became wrapped up in the Christian traditions and started to spread.
Mardi Gras first arrived in North America as a French Catholic tradition with the Le Moyne brothers in the late 17th century. The pair were sent by King Louis XIV to defend France’s claim on the territory of Louisiane. They arrived and set up camp around 60 miles downriver of modern-day New Orleans on March 3, 1699, the day of Mardi Gras. In honor of the holiday, they named the place Point du Mardi Gras. By 1703, French settlers in Mobile, Alabama had established their first organized Mardi Gras celebrations. The first krewe was formed in 1711.
Mardi Gras Food Traditions
There are a variety of different foods eaten around the world during the Mardi Gras festivities.
In the United States, we celebrate with rich foods, as a way to eat them before the deprivation of Lent. Traditional dishes include gumbo, crawfish boil, and beignets (classic French doughnuts served with powdered sugar). The King Cake is usually filled with nuts and spiced fruit and is topped with sprinkles in the Mardi Gras colors: purple, green, and gold.
Over in the United Kingdom they celebrate Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day. Pancakes, usually in the French crepe style, are served with a variety of toppings. The traditional way to eat them is with a sprinkling of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice, although many other toppings are also enjoyed.
In Sweden, they delight in the fastlagsbulle, more commonly known as Semla, a sweet cardamom-spiced roll, cut in half and filled with both almond paste and cream. In Finland, they sometimes have a jam filling instead. It is common to eat them with a cup of tea or served in a bowl of hot milk.
Do you celebrate? Let us know how in the comments!
Chevre: Everything You Need to Know
Today we explore another cheese for you: chevre!
What is Chevre?
Chevre is cheese made from the milk of goats, with the word chevre meaning goat in French. Our chevre is imported straight from France, so you know you’re getting the authentic taste.
This cheese almost resembles cream cheese. It is slightly crumbly whilst also being creamy and can have a strong goat flavor. This is somewhat fresh and grassy, with earthy undertones.
How is Chevre made?
Chevre is often made in France, but is now also made around the world. It is produced from goat’s milk which is brought to temperature and has cultures added. Rennet helps the milk to gradually coagulate over time. The curd is drained with a cloth until it is separated from the whey. The curds are then put into molds which are called faisselles.
Once the cheese is in the mold, it is usually salted, which helps the taste of the cheese to develop. Whilst the cheese can then be eaten fresh, it can also be aged. The cheese is usually placed on racks in a humid room so that the bacteria can mature and develop into a fine white, yellow, or brown mold on the rind of the cheese.
How does it taste?
Fresh goat’s cheese has a very delicate, slightly salty taste. As it ages, it develops a more tart, earthy flavor. Some people can be very divided on whether they like it or not, but we definitely recommend trying this cheese at different stages of the aging process, as you’ll find that it can be quite varied.
How should I eat it?
Creamy goat’s cheese is delicious in salads, bread, and pizzas. Although it will soften when exposed to heat, chevre does not melt as other cheeses do. It will add delicious moments of cheesy goodness to any dish it is melted onto. Try it grilled on the top of pasta dishes or simply bake it in the oven before spreading it onto bread for a quick lunch.
Goat’s cheese combines well with sweet flavors such as honey, figs or nuts. Try them together to see for yourself! You could cut up slices of apples or pears to eat it with or combine these in a salad. It also pairs well with savory vegetables such as caramelized onions, roasted beets or simply roasted tomatoes. Using it in tarts is another way to enjoy its creaminess as well as the flavor.
You can even use goat’s cheese to make desserts such as a unique cheesecake! Balancing it with honey and spices can create something truly unexpected. See if your guests can guess which cheese you made their dessert from.
What should I drink with it?
Fruity wines go best with the earthiness of the goat’s cheese. Try a glass of Sauvignon Blanc with fresh cheese or a Chardonnay with older cheeses. Fruity reds such as a Pinot Noir would work perfectly with the tart flavors of the cheese.
How do you like to eat chevre? Let us know in the comments!
Dried Fruit Ideas to Add to Your Diet
Today we’re sharing ideas for using dried fruit in your recipes. Whether you’ve got some left over from Christmas baking or you’re looking to get some more healthy snacks into your day, we’ve got ideas for you. Dried fruits are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great addition to a healthy, balanced diet. They’re also super tasty, portable and versatile, as we hope you’ll see if you read on!
Snacks
We stock Think Fruit Dried Fruit Snacks which are perfect if you need a quick bag of energy to throw into your bag as you head out of the door. We offer pineapple, cranberry, peach, blueberry, cherry and cinnamon apple pieces. We also offer a variety of trail mix options if you’re heading out on a hike and want to combine your fruits with nuts and other snacks.
Granola
A great way to use up dried fruit or add it to your diet is to make your own granola. Not only does this reduce the cost of your breakfast, but you can also add only the ingredients that you really like. We know how annoying it is to find that your granola has one ingredient that you don’t want to eat, so why not make your own? Check out our range of nuts to help you with this. Roast them and mix with dried fruits and any spices that you like such as cinnamon, vanilla, or cardamom. Make sure that you store your granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Compote
It’s really easy to create a compote from your favorite dried fruits, which you can then enjoy on top of yogurt or oatmeal. Put your dried fruit in a bowl with any spices that you want to use to flavor them, such as cinnamon. Pour over 3 fl. oz. of boiling water and 3 fl. oz. of juice (apple or orange work well) for 2 oz. fruit. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge overnight. In the morning you will have soft, broken down fruit ready to spoon onto your breakfast! You can experiment with different combinations of fruit to find the best one for you.
Desserts
You can add dried fruit to many different desserts, such as cobbler or crumble, to add an extra element of texture or flavor. Simply mix them in with the fresh fruit that you are using. You can also bake dried fruits into bread or cakes. For best results, soak them in some hot water or juice before using so that they do not affect the moisture of the cake. Be careful to seek out a bread recipe that includes dried fruits as they will affect the rise of the dough.
Salads
We really love adding dried fruit to salads. It adds a burst of sweetness, extra flavor and a pop of color as a feast for the eyes. Our favorites are cranberries or cherries as their tartness works well against fresh vegetables. Add some seeds or croutons for extra crunch and you’ll have a well-balanced salad.
How do you like to eat dried fruits? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Veteran’s Day: Let’s Show Our Appreciation
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.
Fall Food: Try our Fall Harvest Collection
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!
