August 2008
Fresh... and refreshing!
Fruit, cheese and wine... 'berry' good!
The skinny on cheese


Jully 2008
Perfect for a picnic: Fig-Topped Brie
Pairing sparkling wine and cheese
Beyond calcium...the benefits of cheese


June 2008
Monthly BitesSummertime soirée
une 2008: Refreshing beer and cheese
Don't be afraid of cheese calories!

May 2008
Monthly Bites:...so get cookin'!
Pairing: A classic: bread and cheese
Eating the French way

April 2008
Monthly Bites:... for a job well done
Pairing: Cheese with Harbs!
Wellness:The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid:

March 2008
Monthly Bites: Let It Rain!
Sauvignon Blanc
Wellness:Hormone Free and delicious

February 2008
Monthly Bites: 
Pairing: A Valentine's Day Indulgence...
Wellness:Good news about lactose...

January 2008
Monthly Bites:Score points with gourmet "Big Game" noshes made easy!
Pairing: An unusually delicious pair...
Wellness:A Healthy Snacking Resolution...

December 2007
Monthly Bites:Celebrate every little magical moment this season with Ile de France ®!
Pairing: Paring crispy apples & creamy Camembert
Wellness:3-a-day the delicious way!

November 2007
Monthly Bites: Celebrate he ordinary, really great day!
Pairing: Rich Brie & Creamy Port
Wellness:Lactose-intolerance foodies can enjoy gourmet cheese!

October 200
Monthly Bites: Celebrate the ordinary, really great day!
Pairing: Paring crispy apples & creamy Camembert
Wellness:Lactose-intolerance foodies can enjoy gourmet cheese!

September 2007
Monthly Bites: Searching for a surefire cure for the September blues...?
Pairing: Tangy tomatoes and rich, creamy Brie
Wellness: I don't like those dry, flavorless whole grain breads. How can I add more delicious fiber to my diet?



Fresh... and refreshing!

Green is IN (the environmental trend, that is, not the color). When it comes to herbs, fruits and vegetables, summer is the perfect time to go "green" and enjoy fresh-picked produce from a local farm stand or farmers' market.

With today's economy, it makes sense to buy produce when it's in season. You end up with the best quality product at the best prices.

So what's "in season" this summer? It may depend on where you live, but some of the popular finds include:

• Cherries (sweet or tart)
• Basil (perfect for pesto)
• Blueberries (a source of antioxidants)
• Mint (see our recipe suggestion below)
• Nectarines (yellow and white flesh)
• Parsley (toss a fresh tabbouleh salad)
• Peaches (clingstone, freestone, semi-freestone)
• Strawberries (known for their anti-inflammatory properties)
• Sugar snap peas (a great snack!)
• Tomatoes (on the vine, grape, cherry, etc.)
• Watermelon (picnic, ice-box, seedless, yellow flesh)

Our Berry minted Brie recipe brings together farm-fresh produce and our creamy Brie for a mouth-watering combination. You may want to serve this as an hors d'oeuvre, in between courses, or as an after-dinner treat.

In many communities, a trip to the farmers' market is more than just a matter of running an errand to stock up on fruits and veggies for the week. It's a form of entertainment, and an educational one at that. In addition to fresh produce, you might find grass-fed beef products and other organically grown meats, delicious fresh-fruit pies and desserts, and more.

Some farmers' markets allow other local vendors to set up booths. That means you might also find everything from hand-woven materials to fresh-baked breads to plants and flowers,(including the edible kind).




Fruit, cheese and wine... 'berry' good!


Summer entertaining should be as simple as 1-2-3: Cut the fruit, slice the cheese and pour the wine.

The key to pairing cheese, fruit and wine is in the balancing of fats, acid and tastes. Summer pairings call for lighter, fresh cheeses, such as Chèvre ggoat cheese, Brie, or bleus and other aged cheeses.
These summer-friendly cheeses - often encased in a rind - bring out the natural sweetness of summer fruits such as melons and peaches. And remember, you only need a thin slice of cheese so as not to overwhelm the taste of the fruit. Wines should also be on the lighter side, with such varieties as Chardonnay, Syrah or a fruity Garnacha from Spain.

Following are a few of our favorite fruit and cheese pairings:

• Try Bing cherries with goat cheese and nuts. A goat cheese sorbet with berries or cherries is also a refreshing and unique dessert in the summer.
• Fruits and berries can easily be soaked, dunked or dipped in alcohol to further complement the flavors of cheese and to create a more decadent dessert. Simply choose a wine or spirit that would also complement the cheese.
• Dip strawberries in melted, low-fat Brie cheese (yes, you can call it cheese fondue). Or try them with bleu cheese or in a salad with goat cheese.
• Blueberries - a great source of antioxidants - are excellent with goat cheese.
• Try blackberries, raspberries or boysenberries with Brie or Camembert and a few basil or mint leaves.

Cranberries not only combat urinary tract infections, but they also are a natural probiotic, supporting healthy bacteria that grow in the gastrointestinal tract and aiding in digestion. Serve them in salads with goat cheese.

This summer, shake your head when it comes to the traditional ice cream cone. Then shake it up with your own unique pairings of fruit and cheese.




The skinny on cheese

When enjoyed in moderation, cheese is a wholesome addition to a healthy diet. It naturally contains milk fat, which does not raise cholesterol levels. With the exception of double and triple cream cheese varieties, which contain added cream, no fat is added to cheese.

Fats have different functions, acting as fuel to satisfy the body's energy needs. They also transport lipo-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K in the body. Vitamins A and D are found in dairy products. Vitamin A, which is predominant in cheese, is essential for cell growth, vision and the immune system. About 80 to 85% of the Vitamin A present in milk is passed on to cheese. Ripening results in little, if any, change in a cheese's vitamin A content. Cheese also contains a large amount of other essential nutrients such as phosphorous, zinc, riboflavin and vitamin B12.

The vitamin content of specific cheeses varies widely as a result of the vitamins in the milk used, the manufacture of cheese, the cultures or microorganisms used, and the conditions and length of the curing period. As most of the fat in milk is retained in the curd, cheese contains the fat-soluble vitamins of the milk used in cheese-making.

The water-soluble vitamins in cheeses vary widely. Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, biotin, and folate remain in the whey. The more whey retained in the cheese, the greater the content of these water-soluble vitamins in the cheese. The bacterial surface-ripened and mold-ripened cheeses may contain a higher concentration of the B-complex vitamins than the hard and semi-hard types of cheese. Some mold-ripened cheeses contain more of the B vitamins than other types of cheeses.

In short, you shouldn't feel guilty about indulging in cheese – you’re actually doing your body a favor.

Perfect for a picnic: Fig-Topped Brie
In the idyllic world of poet Omar Khayyam, "A loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou" would be the makings of a perfect picnic. In the summertime, however, you have to factor in hamburger buns and hot dog rolls, bottles of beer and rowdy children.

But it all adds up to good old-fashioned fun. A picnic can be as simple – or as elegant – as you want to make it. That depends on your personal style.

If you’re the laid-back type, a picnic means throwing a blanket in the trunk of your car, a few sandwiches, munchies and cans of sodas in the cooler, and your cares to the wind. Be sure to throw in (literally) a Frisbee®, football or volleyball. You’ll also want to bring a boom box and crank up the Buffet tunes. And bug spray.

If you’re more of a perfectionist (OK, some may call you a snob), a picnic isn’t complete without folding chairs, the traditional wicker basket, coordinating paper and plastic goods (or even linens, china, crystal and silver), caviar, tea sandwiches and more. And when it comes to leisure activities, a croquet set is a must. Load up your portable MP3 player with classical music. And bring the bug spray.

The element of surprise will always win over your family and friends. So be a little unconventional and "think out of the picnic basket," so to speak. If your guests are expecting the same-old hamburgers and hot dogs, mix it up with turkey, salmon or veggie burgers. If they’re expecting a vintage wine, offer a selection of fine imported beers.

Whatever your style, you and your guests are certain to enjoy Fig-Topped Ile de France® Brie. You’ll love the recipe because it’s so easy to make. Your friends and family will love it because it’s different – and delicious. Served on crackers, this recipe makes a great appetizer or an after-dinner treat.

Oh, and if you forget the bug spray, you can always play a game of connect-the-dots with the mosquito bites on your extremities later in the evening.

Pairing sparkling wine and cheese


Caviar often is the first thing that comes to mind when you're deciding what to serve with champagne, besides the obligatory strawberries. Beyond that, however, cheese is a wonderful complement to champagne. Cheese and champagne are like two distinct personalities coming together. On the one hand, you've got the bubbly, effervescent champagne. On the other, there's a mellow, perhaps aged cheese. It's great chemistry.

Champagne is a sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France. In Spain, sparkling wine is called Cava; in Italy it's known as Prosecco, Asti or Spumante in Italy; and in Germany it's Sekt. Whatever you call it, sparkling wine is a refreshing change of pace to more traditional wines. The effervescence of Champagne is what makes it the perfect partner for cheese. Its bubbles help break down cheese's acids and butterfat. Champagne is particularly good at breaking down some of the denser, more aged, mountain cow's milk cheeses. In addition, the less “Brut” the Champagne or sparkling wine, the more likely it will balance the relative saltiness of the cheese.

Following is a quick run-down of the types of sparkling wine and suggested cheese pairings:

Brut:
Brut is the driest champagne. Ironically, extra dry is not as dry as Brut. Chevre is a good choice.

Extra dry:
This champagne has a touch of fruity sweetness, finishing on a dry note. It lands in the middle of the spectrum. You’re safe with a Camembert.

Demi-sec:
The perfect dessert bubbly, demi-sec should not be paired with food that is sweeter, as it will come off harsh and dry. Go with tangy bleu or Roquefort cheese.

Blanc de Blanc:
This bubbly is made from 100% Chardonnay, which lends a toasty, nutty, rich quality. A mild cheese, such as Boursault, is a good pick.

Blanc de Noir:
This champagne is made from mostly Pinot Noir, giving it a refreshing, citrus quality. Brie is a good bet for this bubbly.

So the next time you pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly, bring out the gourmet cheese. In no time, you’ll be toasting the delicious duo.



Beyond calcium...the benefits of cheese


Your mother probably always told you to drink your milk. She knew that milk is rich in calcium, a key mineral contributing to the growth and strength of bones and teeth and overall growth and development of young people in particular.

But did Mom tell you to eat your cheese, an even better source of calcium? Cheese can help you maintain good bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Adults need calcium to keep their heart, their muscles and their nervous system healthy. Calcium also plays a role in many other vital physiological activities, including blood clotting, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and blood pressure regulation. Calcium also has been linked to prevention of colon cancer, migraines and PMS.
Although calcium is the body's most abundant mineral, our body does not produce enough of it on its own.

Firm cheeses contain more calcium than soft cheeses. On average, a 1-ounce serving of natural mild cheddar cheese has 20% of the adult daily recommended nutritional intake of calcium. The calcium content of cheese depends on the variety and upon the manufacturing process.

But cheese offers many other health benefits as well:

Phosphorus:
cheese is an excellent source of phosphorous. One portion (30g) of regular cheddar cheese provides 28% of the recommended daily requirement for an adult aged 19-50. Like calcium, phosphorous promotes healthy bones and teeth as well as aids in energy production and normal tissue growth.

Protein:
In addition to calcium, cheese is a great source of high-quality protein. Casein is the main protein in cheese, and both the method of coagulation of milk and the degree of ripening influence the protein in cheese. Dairy protein has recently been touted for its ability to control weight. Studies also suggest that dairy protein can reduce blood pressure and protect the body against toxins, bacteria and viruses.

Other nutrients:
cheese is also abundant in essential nutrients like riboflavin and vitamin B12 needed for energy production, vitamin A and zinc to maintain a healthy immune system. cheese is a natural source of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), a healthy fat that has been shown to fight obesity, cancer, and diabetes in lab animals. Human studies are under way.

So now you can do a role reversal and tell Mom to eat her cheese!




Summertime soirée

The summer solstice officially kicks off summer. Be prepared for some lazy summer days: put away your Blackberry, turn off your laptop. As the temperature rises, you’re ready to chill.

This is the perfect time to get together with friends and family. We’re not talking fancy, sit-down dinners or mailed invitations. We’re talking about phoning a few close friends or relatives, and seeing if they want to stop by. We’re talking paper plates and napkins. (And if you’re really into green living, go ahead and wash the cups and utensils afterward for re-use.)

Light several citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes away – and to add a touch of natural ambience to your gathering. Set the mood with some smooth jazz or summertime blues.

Whatever you do, keep it simple. Simple is good.

So whip up some “frozen concoction” in the blender, and a quick meal. Toss some steaks or seafood on the grill, a loaf of French bread in the oven, and a handful of ingredients in a bowl for our Crunchy Apple Slaw with Walnuts and Ile de France Brie.

You might never think to mix sweet apples and raisins with tart cabbage and red onions. (Sort of like mixing your crazy Uncle Bob with your favorite co-workers on your informal guest list.) But it’s a winning combination. And the creamy Brie is the perfect counterpart to the spicy walnuts that top it all off.

A word of warning, however, about our mouth-watering slaw: It’s so good that you might find uninvited guests on your doorstep next weekend. If so, we havea solution for you in just two words: Gone fishin’.
Don't be afraid of cheese calories!

Cheese has received a bad rap over the years, but that doesn't mean you need to keep it off your plate. Its high nutritional value and vitamin content make it an important part of a healthy diet.

According to the American Dietetic Association, one ounce of cheese (roughly the size of four dice) is considered one serving and provides 200 - 300 mg of calcium. On average, cheese contains about 100 calories and 8 or 9 grams of fat per ounce. As with many milk-based products, cheese provides a good source of protein and vitamins.

You might be surprised to know that harder, longer-aged cheeses have a higher fat content than creamy, rich cheeses. Fat in cheese is measured in parts per dry matter. That means one ounce of an aged cheese, like Gruyere will have more fat than an ounce of a triple creme, since soft cheeses like Brie or St Andre contain more water.

It is important, however, to pay attention to the type and amount of cheese you eat. Cheese can be a very healthy addition to your diet when you follow a few simple guidelines. Moderation is the key, along with choosing high quality products. Take an intense flavor, like Bleu d'Auvergne, or Comte, and you need only a small portion to enhance any recipe. So enjoy, and "Say cheese"!

June 2008: Refreshing beer and cheese If you were to ask a self-proclaimed foodie what to serve with fine cheese, fine wine would most likely be the answer. And if you were to argue that beer might give wine a run for its money, the foodie might turn pale at the thought of pale ale with precious brie.

But, any way you slice it, beer and cheese are natural complements to each other. The flavors of beer and cheese - earthy, musty, rich, toasty - go together in a way that, in many cases, wine and cheese just can’t match. As with any pairing, of course, be sure that one flavor doesn’t overpower the other.

So where do you start if you want to serve up steins of beer with slivers of cheese? Start with some common sense. A beer that is lighter in body and flavor (such as pilsner or wheat beer) would go well with a mild, mellow cheese; and conversely, a dark, rich ale would hold its own alongside a heavier, more pungent cheese. But a strong beer paired with an intense cheese also can overwhelm the palate. So choose your cheese carefully.

Here are a few hints for those who want to serve cheese and brews side by side: Young, fresh cheeses (like our award-winning goat cheese) are best with light beers and wheat beers. Try a Belgian "Wittekerke" or a German or US "Weizen". Blue vein, marbled cheese, strong flavored including Bleu d’Auvergne pairs well with two groups. Stronger porters, Imperial stouts, and heavier dark beers, such as "Sierra Nevada Bigfoot" or "Brooklyn Monster" are an excellent choice. The other possibility is sweet beers: cherry "Kriek" or any of the Belgian triples that are high in alcohol content but have a bright fruity crispness. "Chimay triple" does well with high-fat, mild-flavored cheeses, as well as "La Bècasse" or "Mort Subite".

Soft, spreadable cheeses, such as Camembert or Brie, go well with Euro-lagers, pilsners, pale ales, porters and American fruit ales. A Belgian Pilsner like "Stella Artois", an American IPA "HopDevil" or a West Coast IPA like "Green flash". Semi-hard cheeses, such as Emmental and Gruyere go well with extra special bitter beers like double IPAs like "Dreadnaught IPA", doppelbock (double bocks), and strong ales.

Hard cheeses, such as Comte, pair well with strong ale or doppelbock, stout or porter, such as the English: "Samuel Smith's" or "The Famous Taddy Porter".

So enjoy your brews and cheese.
...so get cookin'!
You tiptoe out of the bedroom so as not to awake the slumbering little one. You glance with disbelief at the clock-can it be?-bedtime has arrived early tonight??!!

With nary a trace of parental guilt, you smile as you clean up the leftover finger food from the early-bird dinner. No kiddie food for us tonight, you think to yourself. You're ready for some grown-up fare...and some quality time together.

If you can't remember the last time you had an interrupted evening with your significant other, you're long overdue. So forget about the bills that need to be paid, the laundry that needs to be done, the carpools and play dates that need to be arranged.

You don't want to spend the rest of your evening in the kitchen. That means you want a recipe that's quick to make. Like Brie Omelet with Mushrooms and Spinach. The addition of Crimini mushrooms and Brie transforms this mundane dish into a grown up and entertaining delight. The omelet will be ready in about the time it takes to read Goodnight Moon. And, with the kids asleep, you don't have to deal with the shaking head that's a given when you serve something that you actually enjoy eating.

Go ahead and bring out the good china for your intimate dinner party. After all, you don't have to worry about little hands creating big havoc with your table setting.

Without the evening whine, you'll want to open up a bottle of wine. A light-bodied red wine goes well with this dish. You'll also want some toasty bread, to rescue the delicious drops of Brie that escape from your omelet.

And please don't forget to turn off the cell phones.
A classic: bread and cheese


Man does not live by bread alone… of course, there must be cheese!

Raisin bread, nut bread, sunflower seed loaf, sourdough bread or French baguette, bread with herbs or olives – any kind of bread goes well with cheese, as long as its taste does not overwhelm that of the cheese.

Select bread not only according to taste, but to texture as well. Thick-crusted and densely crumbed rustic breads work well with both hard and soft cheeses. A crisp, salted cracker with a soft cheese like Brie provides an interesting contrast in texture. Brie also goes well with pain de campagne, "country bread," which is a large round loaf similar to sourdough.

Nut bread is the perfect complement to a double-cream cheese such as a Boursault, rye is a good choice for pressed cheeses, and dark rye goes well with goat cheese.

Ile de France goat cheese is best served with a somewhat sweet bread, such as gingerbread, or a toasted bread like brioche. Brioche, a type of French bread - with its rich, sweet flavor and flaky texture - is more like a pastry than a bread. And if you're enjoying your goat cheese in a salad, walnut bread is the way to go. Not a fan of sweet breads? A fresh baguette is always a prefect choice- simple, yet savory and smooth.

Whichever bread you choose, make sure it's fresh. You might want to heat the bread as well, so the cheese melts a bit, which magnifies its taste.

Eating the French way

Ooh-la-la. The French - and French women in particular - somehow manage to indulge in wine, bread, cheese and rich food... without increasing their waistlines. Mireille Guiliano writes about this phenomenon in her bestseller, French Women Don't Get Fat.

So what's their secret? First, they savor their food. Each meal is a leisurely event, marked by good food and good conversation. In America, there's a double meaning to the term "fast food." We're constantly on the run, and we're barely aware of the food we're putting in our mouths - and our bodies. In fact, author Brian Wansink, Ph.D., calls this "mindless eating" and has devoted an entire book to the topic: Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think.

Another secret of the French is portion control. On this side of the Atlantic, we super-size everything. The documentary "Super Size Me" is a perfect example of Americans' obsession with large portions. Even McDonald's in Paris serves smaller portions, with the same menu items containing fewer calories-for instance, there are fewer fries in a serving and fewer ounces in a large soda.

The French, au contraire, are more concerned with quality than quantity. Author Guiliano explains how a small portion of a fine cheese or a single piece of gourmet chocolate is more satisfying than a large helping of lesser-quality cheese or chocolate.

The bottom line? When in America, do as the French do. ... for a job well done!
Spring is slow to arrive this year. But with each passing day, the sun lasts longer, and the birds chirp louder. Until finally, it is time to move the coats and boots, throw open the windows, and make room for the warmer season.

Contemplating the culinary choices for your annual cleaning ritual, you decide that the afternoon meal should match the mood of the new season. The heaviness of winter foods, much like the clothing, must be banned for the next six months. The dawn of spring is an occasion for wine and cheese - not a day for creamy sauces and starches.

Herbed Chicken Papillottes with Brie is your choice of the day. It’s fairly simple, and doesn’t come with a big mess. The star of this dish is the creamy Ile de France® Brie - it melts and oozes inside the plump chicken breasts, creating a fresh medley of flavors with the mild herbs and spices. The Brie is much easier to use when refrigerated, as it slows down the melting process.

With spring time the joy of the farmer’s market returns. Luckily, you stopped at yours this morning, so the seasoning is fresh and handy: finely chop some oregano, thyme and marjoram, and add crushed garlic. (Of course some Provencal type seasoning form your pantry will do the trick as well.)

Eagerly anticipating the upcoming feast, you invite a few friends over for dinner and then tackle your closets. Time flies by as winter clothing migrates into boxes, and a few hours later, the smell of mushrooms and garlic fills the air. Your mouth waters in anticipation of the smooth, buttery brie and crimini mushrooms.

Your guests arrive as you complete the final spring touches and happily Share the culinary reward you have prepared for yourself.

Cheese with Harbs!
A multitude of herbs have been known to mankind from the beginning, and are used for their medicinal benefits or as culinary delights. Although the vitamins herbs provide may be minute, it is the taste, and mood they give foods that makes them so valuable.

The choices are limitless - herbs are available throughout the year: whole, chopped or ground, fresh, dried, or frozen. Their perfume and taste comes from the volatile oils. Some of the most common and essential culinary herbs are Provencal: basil, oregano, bay leaves, tarragon, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme - just like in the ballad Scarborough Fair.

When it comes to cheese, feel free to experiment. Herbs can serve as a garnish, a vibrant color on the platter, seasoning in a cheese spread, or infused aromas when cooking and baking. Using herbs can add that extra zest and sparkling flavor to any mundane recipe. Soft cheeses and herbs go wonderfully together to make spreads, dips, or appetizers, like our Italian Goat Cheese recipe. It is also excellent to mix young leaves of chervil and chives with Goat cheese to enhance the tangy flavors. Use 1 or 2 tsp. per 1/4 pound of cheese. Oregano and basil are a perfect complement to Goat cheese as well: while oregano leans towards the savory and peppery side, basil is more on the sweet side. Try the Vine-Ripened Summer Tomato and Basil Soup with Goat Cheese.

Fresh sage leaves, rosemary, or chives are also delicious when minced and added to creamy Brie. Use 1 tsp. per 1/4 pound. Also, consider Ham Pinwheels with Brie, Herbs, and Nuts, for a simple hors d’oeuvre.

Hard cheeses are very flavorful on their own, so you’ll want to be delicate when pairing them with herbs. Thyme and sage are a good choice to complement the spicy aromas of Comte Charles Arnaud cheese. Thyme, sage, and marjoram would lighten the most hearty dish or gratin as well.

As spring arrives, the farmer’s markets become the best “hunting place” for fresh herbs; so take advantage, and enjoy. The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid: Medical studies conducted as far back as the 1940's have shown that the cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea have lower rates of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, along with a higher life expectancy than other Western cultures. The key dietary habits of this region, known as the Mediterranean Diet, are now also common throughout the Middle East and Europe, and are based on the principles of balance and satisfaction, not deprivation. This style of eating includes minimal meat and plenty of olive oil and garlic, and consists mostly of grains, fruits, beans, and vegetables. Cheeses and yogurts are also daily essentials of this healthy diet. Ile de France offers a full selection of the Goat and Brie cheeses that are popular in the Mediterranean region, so don't forget to include us into your daily "pyramid". Let it rain!
Looking out the window today I saw this wet, grey sky. We decided to stay home. Why go outside on a day like today, that funny between-seasons time when the weather makes no sense. Is it winter still, or spring finally? I do love these cozy days when we don't even leave the house, an afternoon that slips by in movies, meals and lots of lazing around together.

On quiet indoor days it's especially satisfying to prepare treats made with my favorite Brie. That first slice into a wheel of Brie always makes me think of cutting my birthday cake as a kid, with the crazy creamy taste of the cheese inside. It's a sophisticated snack, sure; I even love the soft white rind, which is entirely edible. But Brie is a cheese I could eat every day of the week, rain or shine.

With a complex but accessible taste, many people detect notes of mushroom, hazelnut or fruit among the pronounced buttery richness. Though perfect for a party (a wheel of brie is the very definition of crowd-pleaser), it's equally perfect for more mellow days at home.

This afternoon, I could set out a plate of cheese and charcuterie with some sliced pear and toasted bread, maybe some nuts and honey, too. Instead, I think I'll make it all into a Brie, Ham and Pear Sandwich, grilled and pressed so it's warm and gooey, salty and sweet. On a cheese board, Brie should usually be served at room temperature, but warm it up and see how beautifully it oozes and melds with other flavors.

Pressed down into a hot pan, the brie and ham get deliciously melty, offset by the cool crisp of the tangy pear. It's the laziest of Sundays as I carry my warm sandwiches to the couch (it’s about the most effort I’m planning to put forth today). Open the bottle of French Chardonnay, would you? And let’s settle in for the next film.


A Valentine's Day Indulgence...


Pairing is always a question of balance. There is a certain harmony to be established between the flavors of your dish. In this month’s featured recipe, Dilled Salmon Papillotte with Goat Cheese, the rich tone is created by the fresh, grassy taste of the dill, the savory salmon, and the tangy goat cheese; it is further enhanced by the appropriate wine.

Your wine choice should have a sophisticated flavor without breaking this fragile balance. Therefore, any strong or rich red wines are excluded. The delicacy of a fruity wine will lead to a better complementing. Of course, a white wine with crisp and dry tones will make more sense, considering the salmon is steamed in papillotte. The best match, without a doubt, is a Sauvignon blanc.

Sauvignon Blanc are produced in the Loire Valley of France, but excellent Sauvigons are made in California, New Zealand, and South Africa. If you're planning on having a French Sauvignon, we suggest a Pouilly Fume 2005 or 2003. Another recommended French pick would be the Sancerre, which is more affordable. Of course, Napa Valley wines are also perfect choices.


Hormone Free and delicious


Savvy Americans are more concerned than ever before about artificial ingredients and unnatural processes used to make the foods we eat. Good news: Ile de France® cheeses are naturally delicious! Strict French regulations require us to use only all-natural ingredients and growth-hormone free milk when we make our authentic imported cheeses. So, bon appétit and bonne santé (good health)!



In this month dedicated to celebrating the many pleasures of love, it's not unusual for all that revelry to lead to a bit of self-reprisal and guilt. Yet, such self-indulgent joie de vivre - in moderation - is actually the key to a long and happy life! In his new book titled "The Spectrum," Dr. Dean Ornish confirms that when we eat mindfully, and experience every luscious bite, "smaller portions can be exquisitely satisfying."


In conducting gourmet tastings across the country, cheese and wine expert Michael Landis has discovered that mindful eating can lead us to entirely new levels of texture and flavor pleasures. For example, he notes that Ile de France Brie, when tasted three times concurrently, reveals deeper, diverse flavors in each bite. The first is creamy and slightly salty, like salted butter; the second bite gets earthy and mushroomy, like sautéed mushrooms; the third finally brings the cream, salt and mushroom flavors together with rich, rounded flavor. (Ready to test the theory? Michael recommends serving Sliced Apples, Brie & Lavender Honey-Nut Topping with a crisp Pinot Grigio this Valentine's Day!) This approach makes every experience more enjoyable, and it prevents overindulgence, which means you can luxuriate in those pleasures more often... without a moment of guilt!


A Valentine's Day Indulgence...


Who can choose between rich, sweet chocolate and creamy, decadent Ile de France® Brie this Valentine's Day? Who should have to? Instead, pair the two for a doubly delicious indulgence. To up the romance, dip strawberries in semisweet chocolate and serve with a wedge of Brie and mild crackers for an intimate fruit & cheese plate for two!


Good news about lactose...


For the 50 million lactose-intolerant Americans who often think the enjoyment of luscious gourmet cheeses is off-limits, there's good news. Goat's milk cheeses - like Ile de France Chevre Buchette - are often better tolerated than cow's milk cheeses. Ask your doctor if indulging in gourmet cheese is right for you!


Score points with gourmet "Big Game" noshes made easy!


After the merry - and sometimes maddening - momentum of the holiday season, who doesn't welcome the opportunity to relax with a few friends, some simple food and an agenda that revolves solely around the television? Fortunately, there's no shortage of fun sporting events to choose from on TV these days, from football playoff and championship games to ice hockey and basketball. It's party time, and whether the big game's a heated rivalry between favorite teams, or just a reason to gather favorite friends together, the planning is easy!


With Ile de France® cheeses in the lineup, you can celebrate in leisurely style with a gourmet-inspired menu that comes together effortlessly. Be sure to welcome guests with a quick, delicious appetizer they can chat over, like our five-minutes-to-fabulous Italian Goat cheese, served with sliced baguettes and some dried fruit and nuts. When halftime comes, serve a traditional sandwich with a luscious twist - a Philly "Briesteak"! For more revelry-ready recipes perfect for any winter bash, check out our new microsite... and enter to win a trip to Paris!



An unusually delicious pair...


Winter get-togethers call for a relaxed menu... and an unexpected surprise or two along the way! This month, celebrate a casual gathering with a fun pairing of Ile de France Brie with a well-matched beer. We like the bright, lively, slightly-spicy flavor of Hennepin - a Belgian-style Saison Ale from Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY.


Deliciously nutritious...


It's the start of a new year, and the perfect time to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits - like snacking between meals! Research shows that the right snack can stabilize blood sugar and metabolism between meals, prevent overindulging at mealtime and add needed nutrition. A rich, indulgent serving of Ile de France Goat Cheese or Brie with Fine Herbs, served on whole-grain baguette or crackers, fits the bill for nutrition and flavor!


Celebrate every little magical moment this season with Ile de France®!


Every year, the holiday calendar seems to fill itself with big events-from cocktail soirees and office parties to traditional celebrations with family and friends. With the demands of December's nonstop social whirlwind, it's easy to overlook those little moments that can bring a more spontaneous kind of holiday merriment and magic. Don't miss them this year! Capture the opportunity to gather your favorite friends around your undecked halls, for instance, and spread out a selection of ornaments- along with an irresistibly warm, savory Brie en Croute with Roasted Tomatoes to nosh- for a spur-of-the-moment tree-trimming party. Or celebrate the first snow. Take someone special on a wintry walk, and warm up later with a cozy dinner starring simple-to-make dishes like our Creamy Brie Spinach with Fennel. For more ideas on making a little holiday- or everyday- magic of your own, check out our collage of life's big and little moments ... and our exclusive gourmet recipes to complement them.


Rich Brie & Creamy Port


A deliciously different way to conclude a holiday meal with all of its complexity of flavors is to serve a simple wine and cheese dessert course. The best pairing we've found features rich, luscious Ile de France® Brie and a creamy-sweet Tawny Port like Taylor Fladgate. The longer it ages the better; choose at least a 10-year vintage, which retails for $25-30.


3-a-day the delicious way!


According to the USDA, most adults need 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day. Even if you drink milk each morning or enjoy a daily yogurt, it's easy to fall short. Looking for a delicious way to add 100 milligrams to your total today? Crumble 11/2 oz. of tangy, creamy Ile de France goat cheese on your salad, or treat yourself to a 11/2 ounce slice of rich Ile de France Brie on a whole grain baguette for an afternoon snack.


Staying in is totally in, thanks to Ile de France!


There's a place that makes you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in the door. You love the food. Your favorite music's always playing. You're always surrounded by your closest friends. Of course...it's your place! And, while going out on the town can be fun, we think Dorothy had it right: When it comes to spending quality time with friends, there really is no place like home.


Luckily, the time is right for entertaining at home, with the weather turning and the holidays approaching. But don't wait for the calendar to tell you when to schedule a soiree; celebrate the little moments, too. Host a "polished poker night" with friends, a few bottles of Chardonnay and a batch or two of Brie Quesadillas. Embrace a childhood ritual, and invite someone special over to celebrate your half-birthday, complete with a grown-up version of every kid's favorite dinner, Macaroni & Goat Cheese. Is your favorite television show off to a great start this season? Call all your fellow fans over to watch the latest episode, and indulge in a wedge of Brie with dried cranberries and crackers during the commercials. Still in the party mood? Check out our collage of life's big and little moments we think are well-worth celebrating...and our exclusive gourmet recipes to complement them.


Pairing tart-sweet dried cranberries & decadent Brie...


Sweetened dried cranberries are a November staple, finding their way into stuffings, salads and holiday desserts in record numbers.Their rich fall color and sweet-tart flavor make them the perfect pairing for a wheel of smooth, decadent Brie, too. Serve it with baguette and a spicy Zinfandel as an appetizer or when entertaining unexpected holiday visitors.


Goat cheese& Olive Oil: Perfect Together


Olive oil is packed with Omega-3s, "good fats" that contribute to healthy cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Indulging in Omega-3 rich olive oil is easy; simply drizzle a teaspoon or two over a log of Ile de France® goat cheese, season with freshly ground black pepper, and spread on water crackers for a snack. Or, to extend the life of your goat cheese, store it in a container filled with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (sprinkled with dried herbs, if you'd like) in the refrigerator. The oil and herbs will marinate the cheese, giving it an even richer flavor, and will keep it moist as well. Dressed up with fresh herbs and sundried tomatoes in a pretty jar, it makes a great hostess gift for the holidays, too!


Celebrate the ordinary, really great day!


We've all had "one of those days": You wake up feeling, well, inspired. Your morning coffee tastes perfect. Your hair looks sleeker and shinier than ever. Your boss loves your presentation. You hit every green light all the way home. It's not your birthday, and there's no winning lottery ticket in your pocket... but it sure feels like a day worth celebrating. We say, go for it! It's an ordinary, really great day, and they just don't come along often enough to allow it to go unheralded! The key to reveling in such a day is to keep it casual-chic, with a few good friends and Ile de France Brie cheese. Whether you decide on a simple wedge with fruit and baguette, or a speedy, scrumptious little fall dish like Polenta Toasts with Brie & Sautéed Mushrooms or CroqueMonsieur au Brie, our rich, decadent, perfect-every-time Brie will help you savor your ordinary, really great day in style! And if all that flavorfulfun finds you yearning for the next time, get inspired with our collage of life's big and little moments we think are well-worth celebrating...and our exclusive gourmet recipes to complement them.


Paring crispy apples & creamy Camembert


Camembert is fall's ideal French cheese . It's lush and buttery like Brie, but Camembert's creamy texture combines with a more intense flavor and nutty, mushroom notes. It's the perfect pairing for another fall favorite - crisp, juicy apples. Serve them simply sliced side by side, or combine them in a classic Normandy cheese recipe for dessert or brunch: Apples & Calvados Crepes with Ile de France Camembert.



Lactose-intolerance foodies can enjoy gourmet cheese!

Lactose-intolerance affects an astounding 30-50 million adults and children in the U.S. to some degree. It occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme needed to digest the sugar (lactose) found in milk. Lactose is present in all cheeses; however, certain cheese - such as Ile de France goat cheese - have lower lactose content than others, and may be easier to digest. Check with your health-care professional to find out whether goat"s milk cheeses are right for you.


Searching for a surefire cure for the September blues...?


Ever feel like there are just too many days to tick off before the calendar gives us a "sanctioned" day to celebrate? We say, don't wait for a reason to kick back, relax and enjoy... create one! If you've got a rich, creamy, decadent wedge of Ile de France Brie cheese in your fridge, there's no limit to the creative - and dare we say, capricious? - reasons you can conjure up to share it with family and friends. In fact, we'vecollected quite a collage of life's best big and small moments and the recipes that complement them, just to spur your imagination!


Rain or shine, every great celebration starts with Ile de France Le Brie. It's the perfect cheese for all of life's extraordinary moments - elegant and grand, or joyfully simple. Whether you're packing an easy picnic lunch of Fig-topped Ile de France Brie with a wine pairing, or treating that special guest to a pre-show gourmet cheese recipe like Crunchy Apple Slaw with walnuts and Brie, our authentic French cheese is the surefire cure for the "September blues"!


Tangy tomatoes and rich, creamy Brie


There's no better way to savor the last moments of summer than with juicy, sweet-tangy tomatoes, which are at their peak in early to mid-September. And there's nothing simpler, or more satisfying, than an easy salad of ripe heirloom, cherry or beefsteak tomatoes and Ile de France Brie. For a dramatic presentation, slice medium tomatoes horizontally into 1/2" slices, then re-stack the tomato, placing a thin slice of Brie in between each tomato slice. This cheese pairing is just as luscious with Ile de France Camembert, too.



I don't like those dry, flavorless whole grain breads. How can I add more delicious fiber to my diet?

The good news is that fiber can be found in a scrumptious array of foods, from juicy fruits to hearty vegetables and crisp, tasty crackers. Strawberries, for instance, are high in fiber: Halve and hull them, then stuff with Ile de France goat cheese and drizzle with honey for a luscious, fiber-rich treat. Dried fruit is another excellent source of fiber, so serve a wheel of creamy Ile de France Brie sprinkled with dried figs, apricots, cherries and raisins at your next party!