tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23771286699635048012011-07-28T12:10:17.862-07:00Musings of a Central Virginia Cheesemonger. Follow my thoughts about my passion, authentic cheeses made from around the world.Danyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909027389700451187noreply@blogger.comBlogger21100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2377128669963504801.post-9798521887186686792009-09-03T14:43:00.000-07:002009-09-03T14:56:59.588-07:00Last winter, when the first issue of <a href="http://www.culturecheesemag.com" target="_blank">Culture</a> hit the news stands, I was beside myself with excitement. Finally, a magazine for me! Combining articles for consumers/enthuiast and for industry/cheesemongers. Each issue has gotten better.<br /><br />In one of my cheese deliveries today, was the Autumn issue of Culture. And of course, when I clocked out at the end of my work day, my copy was in my hand headed for the register. I just finished my first read through. There will be many more, taking more time to digest each article. I don't know how to explain why I am so passionate about cheese, but reading the words of those other people who feel the same way I do makes me feel less alone in the world. I love my job.<br /><br />If you love cheese too, go to your local book seller or cheese shop and look for Culture to take home and read yourself.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2377128669963504801-979852188718668679?l=vacheesemonger.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Danyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909027389700451187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2377128669963504801.post-89259165796760404432009-09-01T22:12:00.000-07:002009-09-01T22:32:52.339-07:00Of course, my first post is going to start off with one of my favorite Virginia Cheesemakers. <a href="http://www.meadowcreekdairy.com/JML/" target="_blank">Meadow Creek Dairy</a> produces several wonderful cheeses, three of which we carry at ET. The award winning Grayson, Appalachian and the Mountaineer.<br /><br />Even before moving back home to Virginia, I encountered Meadow Creek at the Portland ACS in 2006. Meadow Creek was on one of the afternoon panel discussions on Terrior in Cheese. It was a discussion I much enjoyed and it was interesting to see how the 4 different cheese makers on the panel split down the middle, 2 who believed firmly in terrior reflected in their cheeses and 2 who didn't. Yes, I longed for home when I tasted Grayson. Part of it might have been simply suggestion, but damn I am proud to support their cheeses as part of our local program.<br /><br />Appalachian has a natural rind, a very light colored and textured paste, the flavor is a little earthy, almost mushroomy and explodes in rich butteryness.<br /><br />Grayson is a washed rind, with a big aroma, rich orange color and tacky to the touch, the paste is creamy and more ripened, the flavor is deep and full and finishes with a rich fruitiness. Definitely one for lingering.<br /><br />Mountaineer has a natural rind and a firm paste, much deeper in color. Dense is texture and nutty in flavor that gives way to a slight sweet finish. It reminds me much of a comte.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2377128669963504801-8925916579676040443?l=vacheesemonger.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Danyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909027389700451187noreply@blogger.com0