Fleur de Maquis, the above cheese, epitomizes the festive soft-ripened cheese. This deliciously creamy and sweet Corsican cheese is covered in rosemary and thyme. During the holiday season, I enjoy rich soft-ripened cheeses, such as Vacherin Mont D'Or, that are in season. A festive cheese is one that you can have with a feast. This means it's important for it to be able to go along with several other foods at the celebration. Choose a cheese that will not dominate everything else being served. Fleur de Maquis is perfect because it's flavor tends to pair well with not just fruits and nuts, but also a variety of sparkling wines and even cured meats.
After the jump are 5 festive soft-ripened cheeses that are perfect for celebrating the New Year.
- Pierre Robert: This luscious rich triple-crème is easy to find. Pierre Robert pairs well with fresh strawberries and a glass of champagne. It's also a great deal; a whole wheel (about 18 oz) sells for approximately $25. One wheel can serve 15-30 people; depending on the quantities of everything else that you're serving.
- Constant Bliss: From Jasper Hill Farm in Vermont, Constant Bliss is a unique raw cow's milk cheese with a cakey to creamy texture and a nutty sweet taste. Formaggio Kitchen, in Cambridge, suggests Bourbon with this cheese. It also goes well with a variety of different ales.
- Sennefladä: This is my favorite cheese on the list because of it's exquisite and one-of-a-kind milky creamy flavor. It's hand-made by Paul Bieri in his dairy in Hinwil, Switzerland. Formaggio Kitchen is the exclusive importer in the U.S. It's well worth the splurge!
- La Tur: A consistent "crowd-pleaser" comes form the Piedmont region of Italy and is made from a mix of cow, goat, and sheep's milk. The texture is cakey in the center and gooey towards the rind. It's flavor is mild and sweet. This cheese is easy to find at most specialty grocery stores, such as Dean and Deluca and Whole Foods.
- Brie de Coulommiers: This Brie comes in a smaller format that's perfect for parties. It's pungent mushroom-like aroma emanates from its paste. This bloomy rind cheese is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of fruits and sparkling wines.
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