The Spanish say queso.
The French say fromage.
I say cheese and more of it, please!
This special feature follows a cheese-driven girl on her journey to try all of the sweet, creamy, sharp, stinky and spicy cheeses the world is lucky to devour. I’m the friend who is constantly tagged in those cheese memes on Facebook about drowning in grated cheese when the waiter/waitress asks you to “say when.” In queso emergency, just say cheese!
As we officially move into the slightly “cooler” fall months, I attempted to hunt down a comfort cheese. You might be asking yourself what the heck I even mean by that. Allow me to explain…
When I think of fall (whether it be the lack we have of it here in sunny, humid FL or elsewhere), I think of sweaters, soups and all things cozy. While I’m on the topic of soups, my mind always goes to creamy mushroom or potato and leek, so when I came across this month’s cheese, I just couldn’t resist. Found in the local Publix deli, the Morel Mushroom and Leek Monterey Jack cheese blessed my cart … and my taste buds!
Made in the USA, this cheese contains simple ingredients of mushrooms, leek, parsley and morel mushrooms. I’m a total mushroom lover, but nowhere near as much as I am a cheese lover. The anticipation built quickly as I cut open the package and the aroma of mushrooms filled my nose and made my mouth water. The cheese sliced pretty easily, and I savored the flavor as the ‘shrooms and leek notes coated my palette.
Although the cheese was fresh out of the refrigerator, I felt an instant warmth come over me, like I was cozied up next to a fireplace. Thoughts of mashed potatoes and gravy appeared in my mind, and I could imagine this cheese pairing perfectly with the comfort food. Speaking of comfort food … I would love to use this mushroom and leek cheese in a homemade mac and cheese or grilled cheese and mix it with truffle oil. The more mushrooms, the better (in my opinion)! Ooh, maybe even a truffle fettuccine with fresh mushrooms and this cheese grated on top. Excuse me while I go dream up more recipes for this jack cheese wonder. At $4.27 for a little more than half a pound, I’ll definitely be picking this cheesy goodness up the next time I go grocery shopping.
Q: Why did the mushroom get invited to all of the parties?
A: ‘Cuz he’s a fungi!
Is this article too cheesy? DEFINITELY. Send me your favorite cheese meme or joke to [email protected] and let me know your thoughts on your favorite cheese-filled meals! Is anybody else hungry all of a sudden?
