Exploring Cheese

I really love cheese. If I’m stressed, I eat straight up cheddar. If I’m trying to have some fun, a cheese and cracker plate sounds nice.

But going in to select some cheese can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of types of cheese, at different price points of course, each with unique characteristics based on factors like:

• milk type
• aging process
• production method

Here's an overview of cheese categories and examples:

Fresh Cheeses (Unaged, soft, and mild)
- Mozzarella: Mild and elastic, often used in pizza and salads.
- Ricotta: Creamy and slightly sweet, used in Italian dishes.
- Feta: Salty and crumbly, made from sheep or goat's milk.
- Cottage Cheese: Soft curds with a tangy flavor.

Soft-Ripened Cheeses (Aged briefly with a creamy texture)
- Brie: Creamy with a white edible rind.
- Camembert: Similar to Brie, but typically stronger in flavor.
- Chaource: French cheese with a buttery texture.

I’m not getting these right now, due to pregnancy, but I have enjoyed them as treats before and will again soon enough.

Semi-Soft Cheeses (Mild and pliable)
- Havarti: Creamy and slightly tangy, often flavored with herbs.
- Monterey Jack: Mild and buttery, common in American cuisine.
- Fontina: Rich and nutty, good for…