Here are some creative ideas for pairing cheese with other foods and wine that will delight your palate during the holidays. Certain combinations of food bring out the finest aspects of each flavor profile. These pairings are from New Leaf Community Markets’ December Flavor magazine – pick one up in the store or view it online at www.newleaf.com.
Garden Variety’s Cheese’s Beau’s Blend
This cheese is a blend of Garden Variety’s own sheep’s milk with cow’s milk from the local Schoch Family Farmstead Creamery. Pair with toasted pecans or Friend in Cheeses Carrot Marmalade and a glass of Gruet Blanc de Noir.
Saxon Creamery’s Big Ed’s Farm-Style Gouda
A mild, creamy and buttery cheese with a hint of an Alpine. Pair with Delk Bees Jalapeno Honey and a pour of Warre’s Warrior Port.
Nicasio Valley Cheese’s Loma Alta
This organic farmstead cheese is soft-ripened with a defined rind and nutty undertones. Pair with Van Dyke Dried Apricots and a pint of Anchor Brewing Christmas Ale.
Roeilli’s Red Rock
A stunning American-style naturally-rinded cheddar with a slight blue vein that is richly colored with annatto. It is cage-aged to maturity and has a delightful mild flavor and creamy texture. Pair with Mendocino.
Franklin’s Washed Rind Teleme
Aromatic yet mild in flavor, this washed Teleme features tangy notes with a fruity finish. The texture of the cheese is moist to oozy with a very pleasant melt-in-your-mouth feel and buttery flavor. Pair with La Quercia Speck, figs, and a slash of Prager Port.
You can find these foods at New Leaf Community Markets, but not all products are available at all locations.
Patti Bond of Bond Marketing Communications is a writer, marketing consultant, and publicist for New Leaf Community Markets.
