One of my guilty pleasures is cheese (aside, I'm no hedonist, but why should pleasure be described as guilty?). Anyway, I like it sprinkled atop pasta, cooked into sauces, toasted into sandwiches and especially paired with an assortment of fruit, nuts, olives and a glass of very good wine (life is too short to waste on bad wine!).
Life is also too short to waste on bad cheese, so on that note, let's put aside the regular Tasty, Feta and Haloumi varieties for a moment (not that they don't have their - very delicious - places) and take a look at some Dutch favourites.
Enter Frico cheese, produced in Holland by experienced Dutch cheese makers since 1898. The cheeses are made from fresh Frisian cow milk using original recipes which result in quality cheese that can be used in a number of ways. Apparently, Holland, where Frico is based, is a mecca for delicious, quality cheeses. And clogs. I do like clogs.
Here are some of the delicious semi hard Dutch cheeses that I've been playing with lately:
Maasdam - I have to say I'd never heard of Maasdam cheese before this, but it's got a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. I'm told it makes a delicious cheesey fondue, but we had it served on a cheese board. That's it there on the right, in front of a glass of good red wine. I ask you, is there a better pairing out there?
Gouda - Good Gouda! This cheese was delicious, creamy and smooth and perfectly melty! Ellie particularly enjoyed it in grilled cheese and asparagus sandwiches. Let's all take a moment to appreciate that oozy goodness shall we? That's the way all cheese sandwiches should melt!
Spiced Gouda - All the characteristics of plain Gouda, with the addition of some aromatic cumin. This was delicious as an addition to a cheeseboard (see above on the left)... and was also delicious eaten with freshly baked sourdough.
Smoked Cheese - I have to admit, on opening this packet, Mr Fork was practically drooling, as he said it smells exactly like bacon. Apparently, it tastes delightfully mild and smoky too, and it was a tough feat to bat away grabbing hands (Mr Fork's and Ellie's) so that toasted cheese sandwiches could be constructed. This cheese didn't melt nicely, but glowing reviews mean that we will definitely be buying it again, probably to use for snacking as it was a big hit that way too.
If you consider yourself as a cheese lover, Frico cheeses should definitely be on your radar. Each cheese has a unique taste and texture, and is accessible and versatile to partner with whatever is cooking. With so many types of cheese available, the options are nearly endless!
Frico cheeses are available in the deli section at Woolworths nationally.
Disclosure: I received four packs of Frico cheeses via Nuffnang to review. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and I received no payment for this review.
Disclosure: I received four packs of Frico cheeses via Nuffnang to review. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and I received no payment for this review.
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