"cowgirl creamery" news and stories

From bright red strawberries with smooth whipped cream to seductively buttery and sweet chocolate paired with wine, the thought of aphrodisiacs conjures up an array of tastes, aromas and images that are sure to romance that special someone this Valentine's Day. And sharing cheese is another great expression of love. Whether eaten alone or with chocolate or, better yet, with a celebratory flute of Champagne, the right cheese can express just how strongly you feel about your valentine.

We've checked out cheese pairings, gift baskets and heart-shaped fromages from the nation's leading cheese shops to find the best Valentine's Day cheese gifts that can be mail-ordered and shared with that significant other.

After the jump, our three favorites.

The holiday season usually means plenty of us will be saying "cheese!" But the smiles it brings doesn't only have to be for family photos.

Consider mail-ordering a festive cheese platter for holiday events or as gifts. From one-time cheese platters and cheese-of-the-month clubs to special cutlery and distinct pairings, the gift offerings available from some of the nation's top cheese stores can't be beat. Here are three of our favorites.

In the U.S., many rich cheeses like Brie, Camembert and triple crèmes like Pierre Robert are too buttery and lack a distinctive kick of flavor. St Pat, on the other hand, provides a sensational surprise to the palate with a sweet, nutty vegetal taste reminiscent of artichokes. Tucking into a luxuriously creamy half-pound wheel of St Pat is like partaking of a springtime cheesecake.

Read more about St Pat after the jump.

By now, you've heard about San Francisco's Ferry Building marketplace, an enclosed public market located on the Wharf. It's been the subject of many food blog posts, newspapers articles, and conversation. The market opened after I moved away from the Bay Area, and though I have made several trips to SF and Berkeley since, my free time to wander and do personal fun stuff was limited.

I finally got to see the Ferry Building Marketplace on this last trip, and now you get to see it, too!

Er, at least the stuff that I was able to capture on digi-film.