Photo by USA Cheese Guild

Ask me about USA Cheese!

#USACheeseLovers #USACheeseGuild

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in a three-day virtual course hosted by the USA Cheese Guild where they shared their expertise and insights on all things cheesy.

The USA Cheese Guild is dedicated to promoting the rich quality and craftsmanship of USA cheeses worldwide, representing American dairy farmers and the cheese community. Through engaging educational and promotional activities, they connect chefs, importers, and consumers with the variety, versatility, and innovation of USA cheeses. With over 20 years in the specialty cheese industry, certified cheese specialist and veteran fromager Sherri Allen brings unmatched expertise to each training session, sharing her passion and knowledge of American cheeses.

USA Cheeses. Photos by USA Cheese Guild.
USA Cheeses. Photos by USA Cheese Guild.

The course covers various topics from the origins and history of cheese (Did you know? Cheese was born through early man’s efforts of extending the shelf life of milk.), the different families of cheese and how U.S. cheesemakers have shaped cheesemaking traditions since it was first introduced by 19th Century European settlers (Fun fact! USA is now the world’s largest cheese producer). Best of all, participants got to enjoy a cheese tasting experience to put their senses to the test. This allowed participants to discern the nuances in aroma, texture and flavour of the different families of cheeses. It was truly every cheese lover’s dream!

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we are also excited to share some tips and tricks for a wholesome Thanksgiving meal. Impress your family and friends by assembling a cheeseboard and designing cheese pairings!

The most common foods for cheese pairings are cured meats, pickled vegetables, crackers and dried fruits, but did you know that chocolates, coffee and tea are also compatible with the right cheeses? Frankly there is no wrong way to enjoy your favourite food, but there is a gastronomy science behind how the professionals do it.

When it comes to designing cheese pairings, there is some food for thought involved. Are the flavours complementary or contrasting? What is the acidity and intensity of each component like? The order of tasting the different components and the range of pairing intensities also play important roles. With an infinite combination of cheese pairings out there, there are some unique examples which are lesser heard of, such as:

  1. Sweet Pear Cider with Blue Cheese
  2. Manhattan Cocktail with Aged Cheddar Cheese
  3. Dirty Martini with Swiss Cheese
  4. Earl Grey Black Tea with Colby Jack
  5. Espresso with Cream Cheese

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving cheeseboard is simpler than you might think! Start by selecting a variety of cheese styles to offer a well-rounded tasting experience. Enhance your cheeseboard with dried fruits, nuts, and a bowl of honey or fruit spread—perfect palate cleansers between cheeses. Don’t forget to add small signs to help guests identify each cheese and your thoughtfully chosen pairings. With these cheeseboard tips, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and bring more smiles to the table this Thanksgiving!

Cheeseboard assembling. Photo by USA Cheese Guild.

With our partner brands like Food for Friends, Cacique, Belgioioso Cheeses, Lavazza Coffee, English Tea Shop, Les Comtes de Provence fruit conserves and more, we are your one-stop shop for all your dinner party needs. Browse through our product catalogue here and reach out to us for more information.

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