I like cheese (alert the media)
Submitted by AE on Tue, 2004-08-17 16:42.
Cheese, in reality, is a very broad statement and actually consists of a range of products that covers a spectrum from the divine, to the (let's face it) quite-clearly-past-the-best-before-date.
So here, in brief, is where you can get my favourites (after 3 years of extensive study).
Cheese can be divided into 4 edible catagories:
1. Cheddar: Everybody likes cheddar. It's what vanilla is to ice-cream. Here's how to select a good cheddar at your local supermarket (according to irrational): The perfect cheddar has short cracks across it's surface and when pressed with a finger, leaves a brief impression.
This method worked for me for months, until I discovered Woolworths' Mild Cheddar. Superior taste and texture that lasts on average around two weeks longer than any other cheddar, so go ahead, buy the bigger buy-bulk-and-save-block. In the long run, it works out cheaper with no wasted mouldy cheese.
2. Mozzarella: A light cheese that adds zest to any home cooked meal and a perfect companion to cheddar when melted together over any substrate (do not try this at home, unless you know what you're doing).
For months I was so blinded by Woolworths' superior cheddar, that I bought their Mozzarella exclusively. Do not let this happen to you! Look no further than Simonsberg. If your mozzarella is shaped like a traditional cheese block, you are making a mistake. Get a ball of Simonsberg today.
3. Feta: Pure decadence. No salad is complete without the crumbly goodness of Feta, and you haven't enjoyed avo to it's full potential were it not accompanied by Feta.
Pick'n'Pay brand Feta with herbs is wonderful, but the winner in this category again, is Simonsberg. Exceptional flavour and lasts longer than most.
4. Processed cheese: Dare I admit, there is a place in the universe for this abomination. Sandwhich spread is a no-no (especially after labour day). Do not offend a piece of bread with this atrocity (unless it's rye, I wouldn't have touched it anyway).
Melrose cheese wedges on the other hand, makes a delightful little snack-on-the-run. If you feel a pang of guilt placing a pack in your trolley, then don't...you now have my blessing.
Author's note: The comments posted to the original of this article has been recovered despite (what I've come to refer to as) "the incident". Included here for posterity
And some more cheese...
Submitted by irrational on Tue, 2004/08/17 - 2:24pm.
A very hard to find and awesome snacking cheese is "Dubliner".
Its a dry-ish Irish cheese containing some herbs.
This is quite expensive but can be found in small blocks only.
Its in a white, waxy paper and I have found it at Pick&Pay mostly.
Well worth your while looking for it. It has a fascinating taste that lingers and you are guaranteed not to get mold - you will finish the block LONG before the BB date.
Another cheese great for salad and even a sandwich is a creamy parmalat cheese I found with embedded sundried tomatoes and garlic. Bit strong on the garlic for me, but an interesting taste.
And lets not forget...
Submitted by GypsyWizard on Tue, 2004/08/17 - 3:59pm.
... Parmesan cheese!
More traditionally known as Parmigiano Reggiano. IMHO the best cheese around =)
More info can be found here:
I love cheese
Have some cheese with your whine...
Submitted by DemiGoddess on Thu, 2004/08/19 - 6:05pm.
My own personal favorite is Simonsberg White Rock (like blue, except, y'know... white :P). Best served with Bacon Kips and *drumroll* Strawberry Jam. No I kid you not. The sharp tang of the cheese is beautifully offset by the smokiness of the Bacon Kips and the sweetness of the jam. Don't knock it till you've tried it. ;)
Of course, no cheese platter is complete without the perfect wine to compliment it. With the above, might I suggest Robertsons Winery Ruby Cabertnet, sold at the Pick 'N Pay at R39.00 per 2L box.
Yes... as if I don't realise that I blaspheme in the eyes of cheeselovers worldwide with that little recipe, I desecrate it further with my preference of serving it with a cheap wine.
Tasty though...
Lon
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Did someone say Bacon Kips!?
Submitted by MordracK on Fri, 2004/08/20 - 9:00am.
Strawberry jam and cheap wines both have a place in the sun, to be revered for their stylised approaches to pleasure.
Bacon Kips have earned the right to be worshipped. There is no other savoury snack. Did I say snack? Nay...meal. There is no stopping once that box is opened..
The only inconceivable part of the above recipe is having the patience and self-control to bring the ingredients together.
