Cheese CONNOISSEUR - Feature

Truffle Plate

Hunting for Oregon Truffles

Move over france and Italy, there are some new truffles in town, and they’re sending seismic shocks of pleasure through chefs and food connoisseurs alike. Though truffles are found throughout many U.S. states, the ones that are causing the most notice — and are in demand — are pure-bred Oregonian

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San Fermin festival

Running of the Bulls: A Spanish Tradition

It’s a little before dawn on July 7 and already thousands of spectators are jockeying for a spot behind newly-erected safety fences along Calle Santo Domingo in Pamplona, Spain for the Running of the Bulls. Those lucky enough to live on the street in apartments with balconies don’t need to

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French Butter

Spicing Up Artisanal French Butter

While the average, mass-produced American butters contain about 80 percent butterfat and aren’t particularly distinctive, French butters are required to have at least 82 percent butterfat, a maximum of 16 percent water, and 2 percent vitamins, carbohydrates and minerals. Although the difference is a mere 2 percent, the higher fat

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Probiotic Cheese

Probiotics in Cheese Proven Beneficial

Raw milk cheese may be as close as it gets to a perfect food. It offers near-complete nutrition with the full distribution of amino acids, a balanced ratio of calories derived from proteins and fats, and an abundance of great-for-you probiotics.

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Deer Valley Resort fireplace

Ski Town Cheeses

If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that one of the very best parts of winter is skiing. But it’s not just the swooshing down the slopes that gets me excited for snow; it’s also the culture surrounding ski resorts. There are the woodsy, rustic alpine cabins nestled into the

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Rush Creek Reserve

Rush Creek Reserve

To understand the making of Rush Creek Reserve cheese, it’s important to appreciate the operations of its producer, Uplands Cheese, located in Dodgeville, WI. The dairy farm milks its cows seasonally while the animals are on  pasture, producing grass-fed milk. This is used to craft the company’s Pleasant Ridge Reserve,

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Lebanon Steps

Lebanon Cheesemaking Traditions

Recently, I made a spontaneous decision to travel to Lebanon, which turned out to be a revelation in cheesemaking. This was prompted by my partner, who was attending a last-minute wine trip in the country during a week we were planning to spend together. After he asked me what I

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Pears

Perfect Pear Preparations

It’s been said that Eve offered Adam the apple just so she could keep the pear for herself. I admit, it’s a bit apocryphal, but in my book, totally understandable. Of all the orchard fruits, pears are the most versatile in varieties and culinary prowess. Not to mention, also can

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All About Appenzeller

Appenzellerland, set between the Alps and Lake Constance in the northeast region of Switzerland, is a place where traditions are closely guarded and time is a relative term. In fact, as I walk through the car-free village of Appenzell, with its candy colored, chalet-style houses, quaint restaurants and whimsical displays

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Tour de France

‘Share The Passion’ — 2016 Tour de France

If you don’t already have plans for July 2 through July 24 this year, I have a suggestion. The Tour de France — the greatest bicycle race in the world and the third-most popular sporting event, drawing close to 4 million TV viewers worldwide — takes place during those three

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Gouda

Going Gaga For Gouda

For people who love dairy and cheese, a visit to The Netherlands is a must. So prevalent is the national love of dairy that it’s difficult to avoid the sight and smell of cheese, or ‘kaas’ in Dutch. From the proliferation of independent cheese shops to the tourist attractions based

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Braised Lamb Shoulder

Discovering Lamb

A person’s first taste of lamb can be one of those great palate-changers, a moment when you realize there is a lot more for dinner than the same old steak. Fresh lamb shank, leg or loin has an earthy richness and complexity that can make a lot of beef and

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