NATIONAL WINE AND CHEESE DAY

On July 25th, we celebrate the ultimate pairing of wine and cheese. National Wine and Cheese Day provides an opportunity to sample some of our favorites.

Bamboo Charcuterie Cheese Board and Knife Set, Serving Platter Tray with Cutlery Set, Housewarming Gifts, Entertaining Serving Dishes, Cheese Serving Plate, Large Cheese Charcuterie Board

by CAVEPOP
Bamboo Charcuterie Cheese Board and Knife Set, Serving Platter Tray with Cutlery Set, Housewarming Gifts, Entertaining Serving Dishes, Cheese Serving Plate, Large Cheese Charcuterie Board

by CAVEPOP

The pairing of wines and cheese has been a regionalized tradition. Across wine-producing cultures, many pair their regional wines with local cheeses. For example, the French Brie region is noted for its tannic wine varietals. Their Beaujolais goes well with the Brie produced in the area. However, that doesn’t stop a sommelier or cheesemonger from making other recommendations to their clientele.  

[Set of 8, 12 Ounce] All-Purpose Wine Glasses, Lead Free, Classic

by C CREST
[Set of 8, 12 Ounce] All-Purpose Wine Glasses, Lead Free, Classic

by C CREST

Although regional preferences may take precedence in distinct areas, don’t hesitate to accept a sommelier’s suggestion. Sommeliers understand a developing palate. Through experience and skill, they guide those new to wine tasting through the basics. In addition, sommeliers keep sophisticated wine lovers abridged of the latest varietals.

Equally important is the knowledge of the cheesemonger. They’ve developed a knowledge base beyond mold and yeast. Because cheese tops more than a burger or a salad, cheesemongers stay updated on the latest cooking and wine trends. Their highly developed palate leads cheese and wine lovers to the best pairings and satisfying results.

California Delicious Gourmet Cheeseboard Gift

by California Delicious
California Delicious Gourmet Cheeseboard Gift

by California Delicious

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWineAndCheeseDay

The day encourages us to try wines and cheese in combinations we’ve never tried before. That is, step away from our ordinary bottle and learn something new. Sampling the complexities in sweetness and acidity and comparing them at a tasting makes for an enjoyable experience. When we add friends to the adventure, the day becomes a celebration, too! Find a favorite wine and sample it with some of your favorite cheeses. Post photos of your favorite pairings on social media.

Use #NationalWineAndCheeseDay when posting on social media. To learn more about Wine and Cheese pairing…

Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide Hardcover – September 25, 2018

by Madeline Puckette  (Author), Justin Hammack (Author)
Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide Hardcover – September 25, 2018

by Madeline Puckette  (Author), Justin Hammack (Author)

Amazon Prime Free Trial
Amazon Prime Free Trial

NATIONAL CHEESE DAY

Moooove over whiners! June 4 is National Cheese Day!

An encyclopedia of cheese will cover the alphabet and broaden your vocabulary. It will undoubtedly contain more varieties of cheese than what’s found at the local grocer. Cheese is produced from the pressed curds of milk. The milk can come from cows, buffalo, goats or sheep. Temperature and aging affect the flavor and texture of the cheese as well as spices and other seasonings added during the process.

The Book of Cheese: The Essential Guide to Discovering Cheeses You'll Love Hardcover – September 26, 2017

by Liz Thorpe  (Author)
The Book of Cheese: The Essential Guide to Discovering Cheeses You’ll Love

by Liz Thorpe  (Author)

The opportunity to go to a cheese tasting or visit a cheesemonger who is knowledgeable about pairings will improve your enjoyment of the cheese you choose.  Does Stilton melt? Can you serve Chévre with a salad? Be sure to ask questions and provide your preferences. Your favorite wine might find a new sidekick. You might discover a smokey spread to go with bruschetta or a tangy cheddar to pack with lunch.

Bamboo Charcuterie Cheese Board and Knife Set, Serving Platter Tray with Cutlery Set, Housewarming Gifts, Entertaining Serving Dishes, Cheese Serving Plate, Large Cheese Charcuterie Board

by CAVEPOP
Bamboo Charcuterie Cheese Board and Knife Set, Serving Platter Tray with Cutlery Set, Housewarming Gifts, Entertaining Serving Dishes, Cheese Serving Plate, Large Cheese Charcuterie Board

by CAVEPOP

In the United States, a road trip to Wisconsin isn’t out of the question for quality and variety. But, they aren’t the only place to find outstanding flavor and choice. Local delis have selections of domestic and imported cheeses, and independent shops offer a rotating inventory beckoning us to keep visiting to see what’s new.

Wisconsin Cheese Blocks - 6 Pack Assorted (New Flavors)

by Perl Creek
Wisconsin Cheese Blocks – 6 Pack Assorted (New Flavors)

by Perl Creek

Excellent as a snack on its own, cheese is also a perfect ingredient in pasta, soups, souffle and many other recipes. We slap it on a sandwich cold but why stop there when it can be grilled and melted into a Grilled Cheese recipe.  When company comes to visit, nothing is better than a cheeseball, especially when bacon is added. Many varieties are Keto diet friendly too.

Cheese is multinational, too! Every nation in the world has its own variety of cheese. Italy seems to have harnessed the market. They did add it to pizza, and that’s pretty amazing.  Savor the opportunity if you ever have the chance to taste cheeses from around the world. For example, hop on over to Greece.  They have this dessert called cheesecake. Delicious!

French Cheeses for the Connoisseur Assortment (30.5 ounce)

by igourmet
French Cheeses for the Connoisseur Assortment (30.5 ounce)

by igourmet

HOW TO OBSERVE

There are many ways to celebrate National Cheese Day.  Try a new recipe or take a risk and try a type of cheese you’ve never heard of before. Ask for recommendations from friends or share your favorites.  Make sure you post to social media using #NationalCheeseDay

AMERICAN CHEESE MONTH

Melt it, toast it, or add it to a salad. May is American Cheese Month!

In the United States, we enjoy quite a list of American cheeses. While you may recognize Swiss and Colby, bleu and cheddar, it’s the artisan cheeses that add that extra flair. American cheesemakers across the country provide an abundance of flavor and choice and American Cheese Month sets out to let you know what’s available.

No matter what you’re looking for, there is an American cheese that will fit the necessary taste profile. Philadelphia created a soft cheese perfect for baking and dips. Our cheesemongers recommend the ideal cheese to pair with your wine to start a romantic meal. The roots of cheesemaking run deep in the United States and show no signs of stopping.

According to the USDA, Americans consumed 34 pounds of cheese per capita in 2015, and they have steadily increased that amount over the last 20 years. We love our cheese. There are so many ways we enjoy it. We add it to soups, salads, pizza and so much more. By itself, it’s a go-to snack. We. Love. Cheese. Even better than that, we love American cheeses!

Celebrate cheese days nearly every month of the year! If you eat cheese, there’s a day for you. National Goat Cheese Month in August gives you another entire month to celebrate. Some of us wonder about the fuzzy stuff on cheese. There’s a day for that, too. National Moldy Cheese Day is October 9. Visit a cheesemonger and discover an American cheese you haven’t tried before.

HISTORY

The American Cheese Society celebrated the first American Cheese Month in October 2011 to spread awareness concerning the growing variety of American cheese available.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Explore the wide variety of American cheeses made in the United States. Use #AmericanCheeseMonth to post on social media.

NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH DAY

Each year, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12th recognizes one of the top comfort foods in the United States. Why wouldn’t it be when we’re talking about bread grilled to perfection, and warm, gooey, melted cheese. 

According to food historians, many cultures around the world have enjoyed cooked bread and cheese since ancient times. The United States modern version of the grilled cheese sandwich originated in the 1920s. As sliced bread and American cheese became easily available, Americans began making open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches. 

United States government cookbooks describe Navy cooks broiling “American cheese filling sandwiches” during World War II. 

Grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile thanks to the ability to mix and match cheeses, bread, and seasonings. Adding sauteed vegetables or herb-infused oils can elevate this simple comfort food to a whole other level.  

More to explore….

HOW TO OBSERVE #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay

  • Make your favorite version of a grilled cheese sandwich.
  • Share the best cheeses to make grilled cheese. Do you use American cheese or do you prefer Swiss? What’s your favorite cheese?
  • Serve it with your favorite soup and sides, too.
  • Layer it and make a double-decker grilled cheese sandwich. Add ham or bacon for extra flavor and variety.
  • Share with us all the ways you make grilled cheese sandwiches or try a new recipe.
  • Families, take this day to the next level and make personalized sandwiches. Get creative with your grilled cheese by bringing out the cookie cutters. Imagine the fun the kids will have and everyone can make unique-shaped sandwiches. Don’t fret about the crusts because you can dip them in your favorite sauces or soups. Try adding ranch, siracha or a dill dip. How will you mix it up?
  • My mom taught me that the best way to capture the gooey goodness is to butter both sides of your slices of bread.  3 slices of cheese, or my favorite 1/4 inch slab of Velveeta (best choice in my opinion), and make the outside golden brown.  To this day we still practice these methods…
  • Use #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL NOUGAT DAY

National Nougat Day on March 26th celebrates a soft and chewy or sometimes hard and crunchy candy often found at the center of a candy bar. 

Made by whipping egg whites together and adding honey or sugar, roasted nuts, and sometimes candied fruit, some say nougat has been a sweet treat since ancient Rome. Enjoyed both as a candy all on its own or paired with chocolate or other flavorings.

Recipes range from the more traditional nougat made with almonds and honey to those with hints of citrus.In Italy, they call it torrone. In Spain, a nougat is called turrón. The United States has a version made with corn syrup called divinity.

Three basic kinds of nougats include:

1.     White nougat – made with beaten egg whites and honey.
2.     Brown nougat – made without egg whites and has a firmer, often crunchy texture.
3.     Viennese or German nougat – chocolate and nut praline

In the United States, modern candy bar makers use a different recipe than the traditional nougat. Today they make of a mixture of sucrose and corn syrup aerated with a whipping agent such as egg white or hydrolyzed soy protein or gelatin. It is the preferred and often used ingredient of large candy companies because it is inexpensive to make and used as a filler.

Varieties of nougat are found in:
3 Musketeers, Mars, Snickers, Milky Way, Zero, Salted Nut Rolls, Payday, Reese’s Fast Break, Baby Ruth, and others.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNougatDay

This holiday offers an opportunity to become a nougat aficionado. Or perhaps try learning the nuances of nougat. No matter how you spend the day, be sure to get a sample or two. Whether it’s a big bite or small, enjoy some nougats. Be sure to share a piece, too! Use #NationalNougatDay to post on social media.