Washed rind cheeses are generally submerged in salt water, sometimes wine, brandy or herbs. By bathing the cheese in a liquid solution like saltwater brine, the flavors are heightened and the resulting cheese is much more pungent.
A brine solution nurtures the growth of a smelly bacterium that is unique to washed rind cheeses. This bacteria has an orange hue, which explains why the rind of washed cheese have a lighter, orange color.
Washed rind cheese may have a hard and sandy rind, which is a result of the leftover salt crystals from their washing during the aging process. The brittle nature of the rind ensures that the inner paste of the cheese is protected and can retain its moist and supply quality.
A Great Value Washed Rind Cheese – Fleur d”Aunis I really like this cheese because it is a “value” cheese” however it is still an imported cheese from France so it’s not going to be that inexpensive. It’s also a “washed rind” cheese that is first bathed in Pineau des Charentes, a Cognac-fortified aperitif wine […]
Taleggio – One of the Best “Value” Cheeses Lately I’ve been on the hunt for “value cheeses” and the washed rind Taleggio from Italy is one of the best examples I can describe that fits my idea of a great value cheese. Taleggio is a washed rind cheese that can be found in every gourmet […]
Epoisses, My Favorite Stinky Cheese If you follow my blog, you know I am a huge fan of “stinky” cheeses especially the washed rind variety. In the recent past I depended on my friend Cheeseman Jack to turn me on to new versions of stinky washed rind cheeses from around the world. Unfortunately Jack no […]
And Now, for the Stinky Cheese Lovers Among Us, Have I Got a Cheese For You! This review comes with a warning: If you are the kind of person who thinks that Gorgonzola smells bad or you draw the cheese line firmly at cheddar, this post is not for you. If, however, you love stinky […]
I Love “Stinky” Washed Rind Cheeses Most weekends I head out early to one of our local Farmer’s Markets to pick up local produce and meats with my buddy Barbecue Bob. As I’m leaving the house my wife reminds me to pick a fresh baked French baguette and a stinky cheese for breakfast after our […]
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How to Make the Best Beef Wellington This Beef Wellington recipe has become a tradition in our house. We prepare it every couple of years for Christmas and made it again this year. If I’m lucky, we will have it next year and the year after that. My wife originally found a recipe in Fine […]
Christmas Standing Rib Roast Thanksgiving is a holiday in which turkey really shines. Many of you would rather not deal with another turkey just four weeks after Thanksgiving. Some of you might still have some frozen leftovers. The Christmas meal is a celebratory meal, and as such, celebration food is a natural at the Christmas […]
How to Bake A Ham For Christmas
Baked Christmas Ham Recipe Would you like to serve a wonderfully flavorful and juicy ham for the holidays? Here’s a can’t-go-wrong recipe that will have your guests asking for seconds, and for a plate of leftovers, as well. Be sure to read about the history of serving ham on Christmas and the various types of […]
