Summer Cheeses

May 23rd, 2013

For reasons unknown, cheese seems to be an afterthought or merely a garnish ingredient in summer cooking. For most, the summer diet is centered on the almighty grill and the fresh flavors of colorful fruits and vegetables. However, just because the weather is warming up doesn’t mean you have to stop eating cheese.

Two of the most versatile – not to mention delicious – summertime cheeses are Chevre and Brie. Both are ideal for warm weather eating!

 

1. Chevre

This slightly salty and fresh tasting cheese with a rich texture tastes great with mixed vegetables, crunchy greens, and sweet, citrus fruits. The tangy acidity pairs well with white wines such as, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. (Cobb Salad with Goat Cheese and Vinaigrette pictured.)

2. Brie

The fresh milky note and remarkably creamy texture of this cheese tastes delicious on its own and can also be enjoyed in several ways. Served with fruit compote, light summer pasta, or on top a grilled burger, this cheese will enhance any flavor profile. (Exotic Lamb Burger with Herbed Brie pictured.)

Camembert: Pasteurized vs Non-Pasteurized?

May 2nd, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to an article from takepart.com, a new risk assessment from the FDA shows that if you recently purchased Camembert produced from non-pasteurized milk, your risk of listeriosis could be up to 160 times higher than if it was made from pasteurized milk. Taken from this website on bacteriology, Listeriosis is classified as a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria.

If you enjoy a creamy and nutty Camembert, make sure to diminish your risk of illness and go for Ile de France Camembert, made authentically fresh from pasteurized milk.

Stressed Out? Try Some Desserts!

April 23rd, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coincidentally enough, ‘Stressed’ spelled backwards becomes ‘Desserts’. So if you’re feeling stressed, why not take it as a sign to indulge on some deliciously sweet treats! We love talking about the scrumptious dessert recipes that are even more flavorful just because it is made with Ile de France Cheese. Try our Ile de France Goat and Cream Cheesecake, our Strawberry Chipotle Brie en Croute or our Amaretto & Goat Cheese Stuffed Pears for a cheesy and sweet twist!

April is Grilled Cheese Month!

April 9th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re a cheese lover, this may be the best time of the year for you. Grilled Cheese sandwich is a true classic that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The crispy outer texture blending in perfectly with the oozing melted cheese can take you to heaven and back with one bite. Take advantage of this cheese fan-favorite delight during the month where it is highly appreciated!

Looking to make that unforgettable Grilled Cheese sandwich? Take a look at our wonderful tips & ideas for the perfect crispy melted cheese delight!

If you’re looking to get creative with your Grilled Cheese, try our sensational Fol Epi Grilled Cheese sandwich with Caramelized Onion, Apple & Walnut or our Gourmet Comté Grilled Cheese and Ham Sandwich with Fried Egg!

No Meat This Friday? Cheese to The Rescue!

March 25th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re like many people who choose not to eat Meat on Fridays leading up to Easter Sunday, we have some magnificent meatless dishes featuring Ile de France Cheese for you to try.

 

Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner party or a casual get-together, our Gourmet Goat
Cheeseballs are easy to make, flavorful and look fabulous when presented on cute serving trays. For a meatless entrée, make our Squash & Fol Epi Cheese Casserole that is sure to have your guests going for seconds!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our salads with cheese recipes feature many great meatless options, too!

Enjoy Croquettes with Ile de France Cheese

March 19th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have ever had a croquette as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a finger food at a get-together, you know how scrumptious they can be! The crispy, delightful bites make for a fun plate with enough flavors to have guests reaching for seconds. So whether you’re a cheese lover, croquette fan, or a willing foodie, serve these deliciously creamy bites with your favorite Ile de France Cheese.

Looking for ideas to get you started? Try making our Ile de France Brie Croquettes, Camembert & Herb Croquettes, or Goat Cheese & Fish Croquettes. Enjoy!

Wine Pairing Wednesday!

March 13th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week’s cheese pairing recommendation is from wok star and fellow cheese lover, Eleanor Hoh (@wokstar):

“As a wok cooking teacher and Wok Star , I’m always finding new foods to cook in my wok! My husband and I like to experiment with new ways to make omelets interesting and there’s nothing better than adding cheese. Cheese gives omelets another flavor dimension and oompf! Two of our favorites are soft or hard goat cheese and ones that melt like Emmental. This is probably sacrilegious to the French but we slather chili sauce all over our cheese omelets, yum. We like to pair Asian foods with Champagne, Francois Montand sparkling wine because it’s light and not too sweet. When I serve this pairing in my Wok Workshops, people always enjoy it. I also like Vouvray wine, again not too sweet to overwhelm my dishes.”

Be sure to check out our previous wine & cheese suggestions from previous featured followers!

Have a favorite wine pairing? Tell us why you love to savor it! Contact us on TwitterFacebook or in an email to emilie@iledefrancecheese.com – we’d love to feature you and your favorite wine pairing!

Pairing Chocolate with Ile de France Cheese

March 11th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boasting a rich and succulent consistency, chocolate generally makes for a favorable treat enjoyed by many around the world. As a delectable aliment, chocolate is quite satisfying on its own, but if there is another food that can complement it by enhancing the overall flavor and creaminess, it is definitely cheese. Not just any cheese, but gourmet cheese.

Though everyone’s palate is unique, we suggest starting your chocolate and cheese pairing adventure by trying a mild and rich cheese likeIle de France Brie with a creamy milk chocolate while contrasting the bittersweet dark chocolate with a robustly tangy fromage like Ile de France Roquefort.

If you’ve never had a recipe that paired the two foods together, try making our Chocolate-glazed St. André or our White Chocolate Cheesecake!

Mac & Cheese: Kraft vs. Ile de France Cheese

March 7th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An article on Kraft’s Mac & Cheese was recently published in ABCNEWS that focused on an American mom’s concern with the iconic brand’s inclusion of an additive that “has been associated with hyperactivity in children, allergies, migraine and maybe cancer”. The additive in question is yellow dye. Yellow dye generally adds no flavor to the food but affects the coloring. According to the article, the Mac and Cheese produced by Kraft in the UK does not use additives due to stricter regulations, yet tastes the same as the American version; so why add this ingredient in the first place?

For an authentic and better tasting Mac and Cheese, we suggest using gourmet cheeses like Ile de France Brie or Ile de France Goat Cheese in order to get more flavors out of the creamy popular dish. Check out our rich & flavorful Mac and Cheese recipes using the finest French cheeses with no additives used.

Goat Cheese Goodness!

February 26th, 2013


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goat cheese is a popular creamy cheese capable of livening up a grilled cheese, recreating a margarita pizza or adding a fresh tangy twist to pasta. This cheese alone has the ability to make chicken exciting again. Fortunately, Goat Cheese is an affordable gourmet fromage so there are no reasons for you not to indulge in its richness from time to time. It’s mild enough to mix with most flavors, yet zesty enough to contribute to the recipe.

To get you started on a Goat Cheese adventure, check out our delicious recipes using Ile de France Goat Cheese! We suggest trying this flavorful Provencal Vegetable Grill with Toasted Goat Cheese Nut Rounds that will surely impress your dinner guests.

And if you were wondering about which food pairs excellently with Goat Cheese, here are our Top Five Ile de France Pairings!