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21 Cheese Street: 21 Interesting, Unique and Mind-blowing Cheese Facts
Cheese is one of the most loved and consumed foods around the world. Its a general term used to describe various milk-based products. Here are some facts that you may not know about cheese.
There is no exact information regarding the origin of cheese, archaeological studies have shown the origin of cheese dates as far back as 6000 BC. Studies also show that during that era cheese was made from cow’s milk and goats in Mesopotamia.
Fact 2
There are more than 2000 varieties of cheese available worldwide, mozzarella is the favorite around the globe, and the most consumed.
Fact 3
People of Greece are the largest consumers of cheese worldwide. An average person from Greece consumes around 27.3 kg of cheese every year, about ¾ of which is feta cheese.
Fact 4
Pizza Hut is the largest cheese-using fast food giant, it uses approximately 300 million pounds of cheese annually, mostly on pizza.
Fact 5
Cheese production around the globe is more than the combined worldwide production of coffee, tobacco, tea, and cocoa beans.
Fact 6
The first cheese factory was established in Switzerland in 1815, however successful mass production began in 1851 in the United States.
Fact 7
Contrary to popular belief cheese, eaten in moderate quantities, is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. It’s saturated fat content is responsible for its bad reputation.
Fact 8
In the United States the month of June is National Dairy Month and the last week of June is National Cheese Week.
Fact 9
Cheese can be produced using a variety of milk including cow, buffalo, goat, horse, and even camel.
Fact 10
A whopping 20 million metric tons of cheese is produced worldwide each year and production is increasing with growing demand.
Fact 11
Approximately 10 pounds of milk is required to make one pound of cheese. If it wasn’t for cheese a lot of milk would have been wasted.
Fact 12
Cheese is kept for a period of time before its ready to eat. Some varieties of cheese, blue cheese, gorgonzola, and brie are exposed to mold which helps them age properly.
Fact 13
During the Roman Empire large Roman houses had separate kitchens for manufacturing cheese only, they were called careale.
Fact 14
Some varieties of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss and American, help prevent tooth decay. It promotes the flow of saliva which leads to elimination of sugar and acids from the mouth.
Fact 15
Another benefit associated with cheese is that it helps protect tooth enamel and has an antibacterial effect. If consumed in moderate quantities it has various health benefits.
Fact 16
Cheesemaking has been around for nearly 4,000 years, according to the International Dairy Foods Association.Though no one really knows who made the very first cheese, historical records indicate that travelers from Asia brought their technique of cheesemaking to Europe before the Roman Empire.
Fact 17
Today, there are over over 2,000 varieties of cheeses.
As a country, the U.S. produces the most cheese in the world annually.
Fact 19
U.S. per capita cheese consumption is about 34 pounds per person—that’s more than one full ton of cheese during the average lifetime. The French eat the most cheese, putting away an average of 57 pounds per person a year.
Fact 20
Mozzarella cheese is the biggest-selling cheese variety in the U.S., followed by Cheddar.
Fact 21
The world’s most expensive sandwich is Serendipity’s “Quintessential Grilled Cheese” made with Caciocavallo Podolico cheese, a rare Italian variety made from the milk of free-ranging cows fed a diet of fennel grasses and wild strawberries, with a truffle spread and gold flakes. It retails for $214.
Check out “Amazing Facts about Jaggery”
Want more cheese history, facts and tastes, stop by Shisler’s Cheese House to get all the latest 101 on everything cheese!
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!
Find the Perfect Gifts at Shisler’s Cheese House
Trying to find a gift for that person who has everything? Perhaps you’re heading to the family for the holidays and want to take them a gift to say thank you?
We know how tricky that can be, which is why we put together our gifts boxes. No-one can resist the joy of cheeses, jams, and charcuterie. Take along a bottle of wine and you’re sure to be invited back next year!
Read on to find out all about what’s inside two of our favorite gift boxes and how you can pair them with the perfect wines.
Our Amish Cheese and Goodies collection is a perfect gift for your loved ones this Christmas.
You’ll find a 1Lb. Baby Swiss Wheel, a summer sausage link, a ¾ Lb. wheel each of Colby and Pepper Jack cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, home style Amish jam, Carr’s crackers, assorted chocolates and 6oz. REACH coffee.
Colby Cheese is very mild and creamy, so it pairs well with light, unoaked white wines such a Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. For red wines, you also want to aim for something light such as a fruity pinot noir.
You might be thinking that it’s impossible to pair a wine with a spicy cheese like Pepper Jack, but you’ll be pleased to find that a rosé will have the sweetness and strawberry flavors to complement the cheese.
One of our other great gifts is the Troyer’s Trail Bologna and Cheese box.
Inside you will find a 1Lb. Troyer’s Trail Bologna ring, a ¾ Lb. wheel each of Colby and Farmer’s cheese and assorted chocolates.
With Farmer’s cheese, try a Riesling or a sweet dessert such as Muscat. The peach tones will sit perfectly with the mild creaminess of the cheese.
You can even find a wine to go with Bologna. We recommend a Malbec which is robust enough to sit alongside the smoky Troyer’s Trail Bologna.
For the sweet-toothed person, you can also find a wine to go with the chocolates. The general rule for this will always be to find a wine that is sweeter than the chocolate. Try dark chocolate with a Merlot and milk chocolate with Sauternes.
We all know someone who really loves cheese, and that’s why we created the Cheese Lover’s Gift Box. This contains a ¾ Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack, Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack, along with some assorted chocolates. You can see our wine recommendations for Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack above.
Cheddar is a versatile cheese so it stands up alongside lots of different wines. Some of our favorites are an oaky Chardonnay that will bring out the mellowness of the cheese or a vintage port for a real Christmas treat. If you’re presenting to this to someone who isn’t a wine lover, a hard cider or beer will go well with Cheddar.
Try Cojack with a Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, as the slightly spicy, peppery notes of the wine will perfectly complement the mild cheese.
Don’t delay, order your gift boxes today!
Our Beer Collection – Try a More Unusual Cheese Pairing Today!
We know that lots of you love drinking wine with our cheeses. We’ve already shared some great pairing ideas for our Red Wine Collection and White Wine Collection. Today we’re going to share something a little more unusual; beers to pair with our Beer Collection!
When pairing beers with cheeses, follow the same principles as a wine pairing. You’re looking for beers that will complement the flavor of the cheese without overpowering it. This collection should serve around 20 guests. Read on to find out which cheeses are included and how you can pair them with beer for a really fun evening.
Brick
Our Brick cheese is an American original from Wisconsin. It’s a medium-soft cheese with an easy crumble. Whilst this cheese had a sweet, mild flavor when it is young, it matures into a strong, ripe cheese.
To complement these mature flavors, look for a bold, fruity pale ale. This will stand up to the ripe cheese in the same way that a Sauvignon Blanc might. For a younger cheese, consider a Weiss Beer.
Gouda
Gouda is a yellow cow’s milk cheese with a wax coating. It undergoes a process known as “washing the curd” which creates a sweet cheese with a slightly crunchy saltiness.
All of this makes it a very versatile cheese for drinks pairings. You’ll also find it in our White Wine Collection for this reason. One great choice would be Helles. This is a German, pale, lager-style beer with a smooth flavor. Alternatively, a beer with caramel notes such as a malty IPA would work well.
Gruyere
Gruyere is a sweet and nutty cheese, which develops a salty earthiness as it is aged from five months to up to a year. This gives it its slightly grainy texture.
Gruyere will pair well with a number of beers but one of the more unusual choices would be a porter. This a dark style of hoppy beer with brown malt. It’s full-bodied, with a roasted flavor that will complement the nuttiness of this cheese. Add a fruity relish for even more flavor.
Ohio Premium Swiss Cheese
Our Ohio Premium Swiss is made in Pearl Valley through a time-honoured process that gives this cheese its distinctive holes and a nutty, bittersweet taste.
A Weiss beer is a great choice for Ohio Swiss as it adds creaminess and complements through the sweetness. This is a beer made with malted wheat in place of some of the usual barley. It produces a beer with low bitterness and some fruity qualities. You could also try Swiss Cheese with a pale ale or craft lager.
Other great cheeses to pair with beers are Limburger or Beer Cheese. We stock both of these cheeses but have chosen not to include them in the collection as they both have a strong smell that might be imparted to the other cheeses in the box. Why not pick them up separately for the ultimate cheese and beer tasting?
Try our Beer Collection today, bring together some friends and have some fun with a cheese and beer evening!
White Wine Collection – Perfect Cheese Pairings for your Favorite Whites
We previously told you all about some of the best cheeses in our Red Wine Collection.
Today, we are going to take you through our White Wine Collection. We’ll show you all of the cheese and offer wine pairing ideas. This collection comes with ample cheeses to serve up to 20 guests. If you’re having a huge celebration this year, why not get both?
Amish Butter Cheese
This is one of our premium local, Ohio cheeses. Amish Butter Cheese is rich and creamy; it certainly lives up to the ‘butter’ in its name! This is a pale cow’s milk cheese with a similar flavor to Havarti. It is ideal for melting, as a snack cheese or as part of a cheeseboard.
An ideal pairing for such a smooth cheese is a glass of Chardonnay. The rich, golden wine with hints of vanilla will sit perfectly with your Amish Butter Cheese.
Wisconsin Brick Cheese
An American original, Wisconsin Brick Cheese is medium-soft, slightly sticky, and crumbles easily. It starts with a sweet, mild flavor, and matures into a strong, ripe cheese. The cheese curds are pressed with clay-fired bricks into a brick-shaped cheese, hence its name.
Try your Wisconsin Brick Cheese with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. This is a full, fruity wine with flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, and floral notes. This will add flavor when eating a young brick cheese, whilst standing up to the strength of an aged cheese.
Gouda
Gouda is a yellow cow’s milk cheese with a wax coating. It undergoes a process known as “washing the curd”. The milk is heated until the curd separates from the whey, some of the whey is drained, and water is added. This creates a sweeter cheese because of the removal of some of the lactic acid. Gouda originates in the Netherlands, and ours is imported from there, so you know you are getting an authentic cheese.
Gouda’s caramel sweetness, along with a slightly crunchy salt, make it a very versatile cheese for drinks pairings. For white wine pairings, you might find, like some of our other cheeses, that Chardonnay works well. However, if you want to try a variety of wines, then a Pinot Grigio pairs well with Gouda. This light, fruity wine won’t overpower the cheese but will enhance its honey tones.
Amish Country Swiss Cheese
Our Amish Swiss Cheese is made in Pearl Valley, Ohio and we truly believe that it’s the best. It has a nutty, bittersweet taste and the recognizable holes that we expect from Swiss cheese. These are created by natural bacteria used in the process of making the cheese. They consume the lactic acid in the cheese and release carbon dioxide gas which forms bubbles and creates the perfectly round holes.
For wine pairings, try going back to the cheese’s European roots with a Gewürztraminer. This is an aromatic wine that will complement the nuttiness of the cheese. Sometimes it has a little ‘spritz’ to it which gives it a lightness and makes it perfect for a celebration.
If you want to add some extra cheeses to your white wine pairing board, then Gruyere, Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Provolone are all great options.
Pick up our White Wine Collection today!
Red Wine Collection – The Best Cheeses to Pair with Your Favorite Red
Looking to celebrate with your loved ones this holiday season?
One of our favorite additions to a Thanksgiving or Christmas party is our Red Wine Collection. We’ve chosen a great selection of cheeses, perfect for pairing with red wines. This collection will serve up to 20 guests, so it’s perfect for those celebratory moments.
Read on to find out all about the cheeses included and the wines that will make them shine!
Asiago
Asiago is an Italian sister of Parmesan cheese. It is aged anywhere from three months up to a year and will vary from semi-firm to firm. Its taste is similar to Parmesan, although its texture is less crystallized. It is delicious eaten with crackers and fruits, such as figs, pears, and plums.
Cabernet Sauvignon is flavor red wine choice to accompany your Asiago. The tanginess and salty, buttery qualities of the cheese will cut through the dark fruit, tannins, and spice of the wine. Alternatively, a Merlot can be an excellent choice.
Danish Blue Cheese
Blue cheeses are made with Penicillium cultures which create the blue veins this cheese is known for. They are aged in a temperature and moisture controlled environment to replicate a cave. Danish Blue is moderate in sharpness with a creamy finish.
Because of its depth of savory flavor, you will need to look for a sweet wine that works alongside the richness. flavor examples include a Port or Sauternes if serving cheese after dinner. For blue cheese based appetizers or entrées, a robust red such as a Shiraz or Syrah will work wonders.
Gruyere
Gruyere is a sweet and nutty cheese, which develops a salty earthiness as it ages. Originating in Switzerland, it is often used as the basis for a fondue. It is aged from five months up to a year, giving it a compact and slightly grainy texture.
Grenache or Syrah work well with Gruyere as they are not too rich and will allow the cheese to be the star of the show. For something a little more unusual, try a Cinsault. All of these fruity reds will blend with the sweetness of the cheese to create an exceptional flavor profile.
Romano Pecorino
Another Italian imported cheese, Romano Pecorino boasts a firm texture with a fantastic saltiness. Made from sheep’s milk, it has a very distinctive flavor that is an asset to any cheese board. The cheese is pressed with a weight to remove all of the whey and then covered with salt. This imparts the incredible flavour that the cheese carries.
For a full Italian flavour, pair this cheese with a Chianti. This is a dry red wine with high acidity and plenty of fresh berries perfect for the salty flavor of this cheese.
To make this a really fun celebration we suggest picking up our Red Wine Collection, inviting friends and family over, and encouraging each of them to bring a bottle!
If you are looking to add some extra cheeses to your red wine pairing board then Brick, Parmesan, Cheddar, Havarti and Ohio Premium Swiss are all good options.
What are you waiting for? Try our Red Wine Collection today!
Christmas At Shisler’s Cheese House
It’s amazing how fast the year passes by. It feels like just yesterday that we were picking up our Easter chocolate and gift boxes from Shisler’s Cheese House.
With Christmas just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about what gifts would be ideal for our family and friends.
A lot of the time, it can be extremely difficult to think of gift ideas year after year, but here at our store, we feel that we have something for everyone with our wide selection of gift boxes.
Check out our high quality, affordable gift boxes here:
Gift Box #1: Baby Swiss Cheese: $25
This gift box includes a 4 lb. wheel of our signature Baby Swiss Cheese. Our Baby Swiss is one of our local selections that is made in Charm, Ohio by the original producer Guggisberg Cheese. It is a young, semi-soft whole milk cheese which is distinguishable by its myriad of small holes. Although Baby Swiss is closely related to Swiss Cheese, the holes are smaller and it has a milder flavor which is delightfully creamy and delicious.
This gift box makes a perfect gift for pretty much anyone who likes cheese as the flavor is not as acquired as some of our other complex cheeses. It also comes with assorted chocolates that you can find!
4 lb. Baby Swiss Wheel
Assorted Chocolates
Gift Box #2: Troyer’s Trail Bologna and Cheese: $25
This box contains a mixture of meat, cheese, and chocolates- what an amazing combination!
For three generations we at Shisler’s Cheese House have prided ourselves on providing the best examples of local fare to tourists and locals alike. Troyer’s Trail Bologna is one of the best examples of local fare we can recommend. Our Trail Bologna comes from the fourth generation of the Troyer family. Don’t be fooled by imitators. There is only one Troyer’s Trail Bologna, made in Trail, OH and sold exclusively by Ohio retailers so this gift box will be a one of a kind gift for your family or friends!
Also in this box comes two of our delicious cheeses Farmers and Colby. Farmers Cheese is a mild unripened white cheese made by adding rennet to cow’s milk. When the milk coagulates it separates into solid curds and liquid whey, which is drained off. The result at this stage is sometimes referred to as pot cheese. Further pressing out of the moisture results in a more firm and crumbly Farmer’s Cheese. It is often enjoyed in a sandwich with delicious bologna from our store, which is why it why this gift box is an amazing combination.
Colby cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese native to the United States. But today Colby cheese is made in other regions of the world as well. It is often compared to cheddar cheese since the two both typically appear orange or creamy yellow. But two kinds of cheese taste very different. The flavor of Colby cheese is much milder and creamy. Washing the curds reduces the acid content, making Colby cheese less tangy when it is finished. Colby also has a higher moisture content, and it tends to be much softer than cheddar. Colby often goes well with rye bread, pears and apples. It can also be used as a table cheese, the possibilities are endless.
Like gift box #1, the box also comes with assorted chocolates, because who doesn’t love chocolate at Christmas?
1 Lb. Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Colby
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Farmers
Assorted Chocolates
Gift Box #3: Cheese Lover’s: $23
This is the ultimate cheese lover’s collection. With a selection of some of our most amazing cheese, this gift will not be forgotten this Christmas!
It comes with 3/4 wheels of 4 kinds of cheese:
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Cheddar
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Cojack (Marble)
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Farmer’s Cheese
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Pepper Jack
Orange Cheddar is traditional white cheddar with Annatto, an extract from the tropical achiote tree, and oleoresin paprika added. These added ingredients give the orange cheddar its orange color and a milder flavor. Many connoisseurs claim that White Cheddar is slightly sharper than orange cheddar, but that is more dependent on aging than color.
Marble Cheese is so named because of its two-toned color. It is made by taking the curds from Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses or white and orange Cheddar curds and pressing them together into a Longhorn. Because Marble Cheese is made from Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, it is sometimes called “Cojack.”
Farmers Cheese is a mild unripened white cheese made by adding rennet to cow’s milk. When the milk coagulates it separates into solid curds and liquid whey, which is drained off. The result at this stage is sometimes referred to as pot cheese. Further pressing out of the moisture results in a more firm and crumbly Farmer’s Cheese.
Pepper Jack Cheese is just one of our selection of many spicy pepper kinds of cheese. Pepper Jack Cheese is a cow’s milk cheese which blends the creamy, buttery flavor of jack cheese with the intensity of spicy peppers, most notably jalapeños, but also includes some serrano peppers and habañeros. Pepper Jack Cheese is used in a wide variety of recipes, and it is particularly popular in the American West, where people have an acquired taste for spicy peppers.
This gift box also comes with assorted chocolates.
Gift Box #4: Amish Cheese and Goodies: $50
With Amish country being a big part of our store production and community, we had to include a gift box packed full of amazing goodies:
1 Lb. Baby Swiss Wheel
1 Summer Sausage Link
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Colby
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Pepper Jack
Shisler’s Private Label Mustard
Home Style Amish Jam
Carr’s Crackers
Assorted Chocolates
6oz. REACH Coffee
Baby Swiss is a young, semi-soft whole milk cheese distinguishable by its myriad of small holes. Baby Swiss is closely related to Swiss cheese, made by substituting water for the milk’s whey to slow bacterial action, Baby Swiss has smaller holes and a milder flavor. Baby Swiss is often made from whole milk. Baby Swiss has a delightfully creamy and mild taste, a delicious favorite!
Summer sausage is a type of sausage that can be kept without the use of refrigeration. It earned its name from its ability to be kept during the summer without electricity.
Colby cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese native to the United States. But today Colby cheese is made in other regions of the world as well. It is often compared to cheddar cheese since the two both typically appear orange or creamy yellow. But two kinds of cheese taste very different. The flavor of Colby cheese is much milder and creamy. Washing the curds reduces the acid content, making Colby cheese less tangy when it is finished. Colby also has a higher moisture content, and it tends to be much softer than cheddar. Colby often goes well with rye bread, pears and apples. It can also be used as a table cheese, the possibilities are endless.
Pepper Jack Cheese is just one of our selection of many spicy pepper kinds of cheese. Pepper Jack Cheese is a cow’s milk cheese which blends the creamy, buttery flavor of jack cheese with the intensity of spicy peppers, most notably jalapeños, but also includes some serrano peppers and habañeros. Pepper Jack Cheese is used in a wide variety of recipes, and it is particularly popular in the American West, where people have an acquired taste for spicy peppers.
Gift Box #5 – Baby Swiss Cheese and Troyer’s Trail Bologna: A Classic Amish Country Combination: $50
This box gives a classic combination of Amish county, with a well-rounded selection of each of our special delicacies. This can be a perfect give for a family, neighbors or to bring along to a Christmas gathering. There’s plenty of delicious food to go around and enjoy while supporting not only Shisler’s Cheese House but our very own Amish Country.
The box includes:
4 Lb. Baby Swiss Wheel
Large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring
Shisler’s Private Label Mustard
Carr’s Crackers
Assorted Chocolates
6oz. REACH Coffee
Gift Box #6: Amish Country Sampler Gift Box: $75
This gift box is the biggest gift packed full of a huge selection of all Shisler’s Cheese House has to offer. This is the ultimate gift for people who are passionate about fine foods and complex tastes.
The best that Amish Country has to offer!
Our Amish Country Sampler Gift Box includes:
Large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring
1 Lb. Box of Heggy’s Chocolates
Home Style Amish Jam
Shisler’s Private Label Hot Jalapeno Mustard
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Cheddar
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Cojack (Marble)
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Farmer’s Cheese
3/4 Lb. Wheel of Pepper Jack Cheese
Baby Swiss Cheese Wedge
Summer Sausage Link
Townhouse Crackers
6oz. REACH Coffee
Other Gifts
If you would rather leave the choice to your family member or friend, you can always purchase them their very own gift certificate to be used at Shisler’s Cheese House so that you can be sure they get exactly what they desire.
These gift certificates are valid for one year and can be used all at once or for multiple transactions. We’ll just subtract the amount spent!
You will be provided with a Gift Certificate code immediately after checkout. Gift certificates can be mailed via US postal service on the following business day if selected.
Select from these set amounts:
$25
$50 (+ $25.00)
$100 (+ $75.00)
$200 (+ $175.00)
Enjoy These WonderFALL Treats At Shisler’s Cheese House!
Fall is such a refreshing time of the year, the kids are back at school, the weather is cooling down, Halloween is just around the corner and most importantly, the Football Season has begun!
Come on down to Shisler’s Cheese House and check out these amazing gift boxes packed with dreamy treats for our Fall occasions!
If you are out of state, you can always visit our website and order your goodies online to be delivered straight to your door.
Going back to college this Fall? Come down and get yourself our ‘Back To School Care Package‘!
This gift box is perfect for students going back to college as it contains a selection of popular foods amongst young adults. If you are feeling homesick, these home comforts will help with that. You can share these treats with your friends and dorm mates, make a night of it! The good thing about this care package is that the items do not require refrigeration and are not very perishable.
This gift box is also rather good for military service men and women. Sending them a piece of home overseas is a perfect gesture.
The gift box contains generous amounts of the following items:
– Banana Split Mix
– Blue Raspberry Licorice
– Buggy Trail Mix
– Cinnamon Graham Pretzels
– Mikey’s Mix
– Peanut Butter Pretzels
– Shisler’s Private Label Raspberry Pretzel Dip
Taste the most amazing flavors of Fall in Amish Country without ‘Fall Harvest Collection‘ gift box!
What better way to welcome Fall into your home than enjoying our Fall Harvest Collection fresh from Amish Country. Not only will you be tasting the flavors of Fall, you will be supporting the local Amish community with their fresh and high-quality products.
This package is only available for a limited time.
The gift box includes:
– Baby Swiss Cheese (2 Lbs.)
– Streb Meats Smoked Sausage (1 Lb.)
– Cranberry Delight (1 Lb.)
– Pumpkin Muffin Mix
– Pumpkin Butter (Not Pictured)
– Popcorn on the Cob
Enjoy Football Sunday’s with a ‘Football Season Special‘!
What’s better than cheese and bologna while watching your favorite team win? Nothing is better than that! Order your Football Season gift box today ready for the weekend and all things Football. Our gift box is tailored for sport’s fans, containing a custom spread of cheese and trail bologna!
The gift box includes:
– Swiss Cheese
– Troyer’s Trail Bologna
– Pepper Jack Cheese
– Shisler’s Private Label Mustard
– Shisler’s Private Label Hot Pepper Relish
– Carr’s Crackers
All About Cheese Textures
Silky, firm, soft and crumbly- just a few of the delicious textures available in our favorite, mouth-watering cheeses. It may not seem it, but the texture is detrimental to the way cheese is classified and marketed to be sold.
The texture of cheese really all depends on how they were made. They could be creamy, grainy or plain hard. Generally, the texture is dependent on the age of the cheese and how much moisture it contains. The more moisture content, the softer the cheese is, while harder variations may be a lot older and subjected to heat to make them drier. To get a better idea, let’s explore the various cheese textures and how they are created and classified.
Ripened Or Fresh?
Although there are many variations, cheese can be generally broken down into two broad types: ripened and fresh. With ripened cheeses, curds are drained by many different ways such as soaking, cooking or bacteria inoculation. The ripened cheeses are then stored according to a specific recipe after they are cured. While using various humidity and temperature controlled environments, cheese makers can formulate a variety of textures.
For fresh cheeses, they are ready to be eaten soon after the whey is drained from the curds. Although they may be molded or pressed into different, they are still soft and spreadable in texture. Popular fresh cheeses are Ricotta, Mascarpone, and Cream Cheese.
Soft-Ripened
These cheeses are surface-ripened and are neither cooked or pressed. Instead, bacteria processes are used to ripen from the outside in. They develop golden colored rinds and can range from creamy to semi-soft. Favorites include Camembert and Brie.
Semi-Soft
Semi-soft is soft but still sliceable. They can even be pressed and might be cooked. Cheeses which are in this category are Gouda, Monterey Jack, and Tilsit.
Semi-Firm
Semi-firm cheeses are cooked and pressed but not aged as much as fully hard cheeses. Although they are generally firm, they are not crumbly. Popular semi-firm cheeses are Swiss, Cheddar and Edam.
Hard
These cheeses are typically aged for 2 years and they are cooked and pressed. Hard cheeses are also very firm and dry. Popular hard cheeses include Asiago, Parmesan, and Pecorino.
Special Process
With special cheeses with unique texture qualities, comes special cheese making processes. An example would be when blue cheese is made, it is either inoculated, punctured or sprayed with spores of molds like Penicillium Roquefort during the aging period. After this, the cheese develops the famous pockets of blue-green mold, forming the creamy, gritty texture. Another part of the special process is called “pasta filata”. Putting a curd in a hot whey bath and kneading and stretching it until it is pliable creates a thing called “spun paste” cheeses.
Storing Cheeses Based On Their Textures
To fully experience and enjoy the distinctive textures of your favorite cheeses, it is best to store them based on their type. Here is a simple guide on how to store your cheese based on their texture.
Semi-Soft, Semi-Firm And Firm
The best way to store cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan, they should be wrapped in airtight plastic bags and placed in a refrigerator compartment or the location which is warmest in the refrigerator. Many varieties will be good for many weeks. If you want to store the cheese for more time, you can lightly dampen a paper towel with vinegar and then fold it around the cheese before wrapping and refrigerating. It will also make it less likely that mold will be able to grow, but if it does indeed happen, you can simply cut away the molded portion and discard it. Cutting away mold is only good for semi-soft, semi-firm, and firm cheeses, it is dangerous to consume molded fresh or soft ripened cheeses.
Soft-Ripened
If you are wanting to ripen cheeses like Camembert and Brie, wrap them tightly and store them at a cool room temperature for around a day. When the cheese is ripe, store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator for two weeks at the most. If mold appears on soft-ripened cheese, it is an indication that it is no longer good or safe to consume.
Fresh
Fresh cheeses like Cream Cheese and Ricotta perish quickly. It is ideal to purchase them at food markets with a good turnover and to check the packages for expiry dates because many times the packages are only good for a couple days. You should store the fresh cheese in the coldest part of the refrigerator for no longer than two weeks or the expiry date, depending on which comes first. If you are consuming Cream Cheese, you should use it within one week of opening and it should be rewrapped thoroughly.
Discovering Dutch Cheeses
Amongst the famous windmills and glorious green pastures full of grazing cattle, Holland’s history has a heritage of cheese, milk, and butter that dates back centuries. Although the country is just a speck on the world map, it may be surprising to know that such a small European country is, in fact, the world’s largest exporter of dairy products! Holland sends the majority of their cheese to America, Western Europe, and Japan, the dairy industry is what keeps Holland thriving.
The Dutch cheese industry has undergone a massive modernisation in this last century. Modernisation that has brought technology such as milking machines and computers to farm. Despite the advancements, there are still many dairies who make cheese the traditional way, as well.
Cheese making remains an art which is ingrained in Dutch culture. Traditional cheese markets are still held in the towns of Gouda, Edam, Woerden, and Alkmaar, to this day. Not only that but visitors can explore cheese museums and sixteenth and seventeenth-century whey houses throughout the Netherlands.
As we all know, Holland is home to one of the world’s greatest cheeses-Gouda, but it is also home to many more excellent creations which are definitely worth appreciating:
Maasdam
This cheese showed up a little late to the cheese game, being created in the 1990s. Nonetheless, this sweet buttery cheese is delicious in its own right, is made from cow’s milk and a lot less expensive than the original Swiss variety. Its shape is like a boulder and is domed on top and has large holes throughout. You can enjoy this cheese in many different ways, salads, sandwiches, and breakfasts.
Edam
Famous all over the world, Edam is Holland’s second most exported cheese, after Gouda. It is made from skimmed or part-skimmed cow’s milk and is semi-hard. The pressed cheese is usually shaped balls which range from 1-4 pounds in weight. People generally consume Edam whilst is is still young in age. The color is pale yellow with a smooth texture and sweet, nutty flavor. You can enjoy this cheese in many ways such as with a tall glass of Pinot Noir or a pint of dark beer.
Leyden
Leyden is a traditional farmhouse cheese which is a big favorite of the Dutch. It is made from a partial blend of skimmed cow’s milk and buttermilk. Cumin seeds or caraway are mixed in with the curds before they are pressed so that the aroma gives off a spicy note along with a creamy, nutty flavor. It can be quite similar to Gouda, but it is a lot drier and is shaped differently. The rind is also painted with red plastic or annatto. You can enjoy Leyden with a nice glass of dark beer and bread on the side.
Gouda
This is definitely Holland’s most famous cheese and it is also its biggest export, contributing to more than half of the country’s cheese production. Gouda gets its name from the Dutch town which is outside of Rotterdam and the flavor is very similar to Edam, with the exception that it is made from whole or part-skimmed cow’s milk. The creamier texture and yellow interior are due to the higher fat content. You can either eat Gouda fresh or aged. The vary in flavor is that when it is young, the flavor is sweet and fruity. When it is aged, it is more complex and cheddar-like. If you mature it for over 18 months, the cheese is coated in black wax while younger variations are covered in rinds of yellow wax. Gouda can be a delicious table cheese or a great addition to a wine pairing.
Smoked Gouda
Even though this cheese is produced in some of Holland’s modernized dairy plants, the savory kind is still smoked using ancient brick ovens which are filled with smoldering hickory chips. A lot of cheese lovers will attest that the brick ovens make the smoky, brown rind the cheese’s best part. The cheese as a whole is creamy yellow colored and can be flavored with garlic or herbs. Smoked Gouda would definitely be an amazing addition to a cheese board.
Dutch Mimolette (Commissiekaas)
This creamy, hard cheese made from cow’s milk is bright orange with rough gritty skin. It might as well be an aged Edam colored with carrot juice. This cheese takes around 6-12 months to ripen and when young the texture is firm and oily. When it is aged, however, its colors turns into a deeper orange and the cheese texture becomes harder. Its aroma is fruity with a nutty flavor.
