LindsayAnn

BAHHH I just checked out Zingermans (I have never heard of it previous to now) and searched for you beloved Lincolnshire Poacher....sold out! BOOOO Both the 1/2pd and the pd are all gone. What shall I do? I wanted to taste this since I got the recommendation from the almighty cheese lord, Gariotin! So, any other recommendations, oh lord?

You betcha Gariotin! And, you can all call me Lindsay, LindsayAnn was my screen name cause it appeared that Lindsay was taken! And Ann, is my last name Thanks for asking though - really! You're too kind

http://www.artisanalcheese.com/products.asp?dept=1010 Here you are ma'dam....great sight...tons of choices. You can even search by milk type, cheese consistency (blue, fresh and mild, hard, semi soft, soft, stinky, etc....) And - even wine searches are available...I beleive that they even have the option of recommending wines for pairings. How's that for a site!

Ahhh Sazji!!! I am a UofI grad! class of 2004 (a youngan, I know - 25 years old ) Loving your blog!

* I can't hear you!!!* Kidding around...yes I have heard this Simon and Gariotin, I just don;t listen well. Haha No for real though, I don't think its the cheese (in my case I mean). I have been told by my doctor (although this was when I was 8 years old, thus 17 years ago) that is was probably MSG in my case. We did testing, food journals linked to my headaches....etc... I therefore TRY to avoid MSG, but at times this ingredient is in things that I would never suspect (I mean its in the liptons french onion soup mix, the one that you can make chip dip with). I def. know MSG is in a lot of prosessed foods, meats (salami's, hotdogs, etc..) so on these common items I check labels. Yet when at restaurants, MSG is often used (its very flavorful and goes along way, thus saves the restaurants money and they therefore often use it). I eat cheese daily, yet only get headaches maybe 2-3 times a month (normal headaches), migrains are more sporatic (sp?), sometimes I will go 3-4 months without one, and then I will all the sudden get migraines twice in a month. I would estimate I get around 4-8 a year. Sucks though, when they hit its the most excruciating pain, unlike ANYTHING I have experienced. They can last up to 24 hours (in my case), and I HAVE to be in a dark, cool room with NO noise. Also - when I ahve a migraine I cannot fall asleep, which makes it all the worse. Migraines and headaches are soooo different - you know when you have a migraine,. I wouldnt wish these basterds on anyone, ever.... Okay, sorry to blab on and on! My migraine is all gone though, and after you have one not having one feels so good. Just feeling normal, without pain, is the best feeling ever!!!!

(GTO - pickled walnuts?!?! You're giving me a tough one, as I have nevert tried these, but I will play along and put my best effort forward) Although I have never tasted Pickled Walnuts, I imagine that they would work well in a Spinich Salad! (sorry all if that sucked, please don't kick me outta here!)

I'm with Daniel....Mac and Cheese is a good use for the incredibly mild (I too would recommend, strongly, using with another cheese....b.c this cheese, although yummy and excellent in texture, is not too flavorful). It is also good for grilled cheese (again, use with another cheese), or melted on vegies....the texture makes us really good on vegies - to jazz them up. Enjoy - and I too would ask that you report back to us with your final decision in usage, as well as your reviews on the usage!

It is a sad sad day - I was planning to endulge in some of my new cheese purchases today - but I was struck by a migraine (I get these a few times a year), the worst I have ever had in my life....ever. I didnt sleep a wink, didnt go to bed until 5PM and slept till 7PM. I am so exhausted that I have no appetite (esp. for cheese). Booo...maybe tomorrow!

See here is my case-in-point: I am no expert....meaning - I eat cheese before meals, after meals, and even as meals (with other things, crackers, breads, etc...). I know some experts will say this cheeese is meant for dessert, this one for a pre-meal experience, etc.... I just happen to enjoy cheese (all of them), whenever (I feel like it). Sorry I couldnt be of more help as to the "when to eat this or that cheese" specifics...this is an area on cheese that I know little of (and dont really care to know anything of- haha). Best of luck, report back to us! I am waiting (patiently, or trying) on your future attempts with the cheese.

P.S You can also order capriola farms via their website or even call them. They are such nice folks. I betcha if you tell them that your a newbee they will help direct you at a variety that you should find appealing. Really....it will be worth the cost of shipping and all that. SOO good. Many of the fresh goats are great paired with honey or fruit (think pears, rasberries). Although, ia m not to fond of the fruit/cheese pairings many people are. And I know Judy does this. However, I do like to eat honey while eating cheese (not together int he same bite...think one bite of cheese, a little honey (straight), after...okay okay I am lying, its more like 5 bites of cheese to the ratio of one honey....but you get my drift....

Hummmm... A few comments to start. - did you let the cheeses come up to room temperature before the tasting? - My personal preference is to NOT have anything sweet, like fig spread, when eating highly herbed cheeses & drinking wine. - You choose a nice spread of cheeses. - Again, a personal preference, but I prefer a cabernet to a pinot with cheeses. Your cheeses: Fleur - From Corsica, pateurised sheeps milk, herb crusted (savory & rosemary). Needs a very hearty red wine. Corsican ideally, but a nice Zifandel should work & be easier to obtain. Brie - Make sure it has been out of the fridge for quite a while; it should be soft & slightly runny. This 70% MG brie will be very mild. Your chard should have worked so I suspect that the brie was too cold. Sotto - Italian, Pasteurised cows milk, lots of herbs in the crust & truffles in the cheese. I've never eaten this one so my advice in general in nature. I would try it with the chard or perhaps a savignon blanc. The blue - Raw cows milk. American attempt at Roquefort & a good one. I suggest you try it with a decent port. Failing that try a cabernet or zifandel. Question for you? What cheeses in addition to the sharp cheddars have you tried that you really like? Might give the real experts on this thread some ideas as to what you might want to try. Have fun with it! ← Yes, I let all the cheeses come to room temp. for over an hour. I had read cabernet should be paired with hard cheese, but we defintely will try it with the Fleur Du Marquis and see how they are together. The Brie was very bland tasting, maybe that is because of we are used to buying the less expensive brand which to me had more of a nutty flavor and thicker consistency.. Should I have warmed the brie in the oven? Will definitely try chardonney with the Sotto. I will go a buy a nice port for the blue when we get ready to taste that. What kind of cheeses do we like: cheddar, boursin,jarlsbirg. One interesting thing I have learned by going on line is the parmiganna reggiano, gruyere, and pecorinos can be using for table cheese. Do you recommend that? I have always used them just for cooking. Any other suggestions would be greating appreciated. We are willing to try different types and experiment. Have never had a goat cheese. Can you recommend one that I can buy here in the states. Thanks ← I will see if I can help. Although I am NO expert, I do love my cheese and I have experienced my fair share, from cow to sheep, elk, and GOAT! Ok, you want goat? You got it. I loveeeee loveeee love goats cheese. Beware though, at first try I wasnt a fan...it took the lovely Judy from capriola farm to turn me into a beleiver. Now though, I love all goats cheeses. There are many varieties. Chevres - fresh goats, to brie's made with goats (heck, I get one of these at Trader Joes, do you have trader joes?) At Whole foods you can surely find some of Judy's goats, Capriola Farms. At my whole foods they are kept in a glass case - ask for help. Specifically ask the cheese specialists for capriola farms varieties, they will show you. Some of them you should be able to try, others are sold int he whole (thus no trying). I love their Sofia, O'Bannon, and Chevre's. See their website: http://www.capriolegoatcheese.com/ Cypress Hills is another vendor of Goats at Whole foods....ask for recommendations on this puppy too. Hope that helps!

*tummy rummbling...* Can I catch the next flight yonder? Wait....that wont possibly work (like you'll actually still have this cheese around by that point...the flight it a bit lengthy, I suppose) Darn! *Bites lip in agony*

I know! I just tend to go overbaord on cheese - side effect of being a cheese addict I suppose. You are right though, I def. know that everyone has their own preference(s). I was not TRYING to come across as "my way or the highway". now, go and enjoy some nachos (because your sound yummy too!)

That someone would be ME ME ME. yes, you heard me right (gloating proudly) I know the lovely Judy and have tried ALL of her cheeses. What a blessed and lucky gal I am!

Most of the fruitcakes that I have experienced have little pieces of dried fruits, like RAISONS in them

What - NO CHEESE??? ARE YOU NUTS! Nachos and cheese are a mandatory combination (so says I!). Although, when I take a closer look it seems that I detect a sprinkling of cheese...am I correct? You did not mention it in your description!!! P.S If those nachos do contain cheese (and I must ad that they look mighty good) I might advice that they need MORE, much MORE cheese....mmmm Mine, I change it up...but I ALWAYs have cheese (I too usually use a mixed mexican blend), and sour cream....usually ground beef (assuming I have it), beans if they are around, shredded lettuce, salsa, and if I am lucky gauc. Oh yeah, I often times also use the cansiter of gooey cheese too (you know, like the whiz). DELISH. For times sake I usually go microwave mode, if I am feeling patient i will use the oven.

Clarines speaking JUST to me? Not to you? Are you implying that you are not a fan of the "stinky' cheese varieties, per-say?

Knew you were kidding, but can never resist any opportunity to expound upon the benefits of a cheese & wine diet. Love any chance to tweak the noses of the "fat nazi's". Jacques is a one off, you couldn't imagine a better friend. He brings cheese, homemade pates, wild mushrooms and other local dishes. In January he has set up an old fashioned pig day. We'll kill the pig then take two days butchering & turning it into all of the traditional pork specialities. I'll be taking lots of pictures! Keep up the good numbers! I'm 69 now & still have my (vitually) daily cheese fix. LindsayAnn - You sound like a person after my own heart. I'll forgive any cheese lover a bit of junk food so long as they keep up their wine quota. ← Okay okay good Fear not, I do enjoy my wine. Red and whites....i do not discriminate All depends on what I am eating and my mood.... Got a few new ones today! Want to know which ones? Do yeah? HUH HUH? Okay, I will play nice and tell you. Stopped off ay Sam's wine discount (warehouse powehouse...they officially have the key to my heart). There I purchased: 1-More Neals Years Stilton blue (I had finished off the remainder of mine last night) 2-Sofia (MMMMM) 3-Capriole Julianna (GREAT goats cheese, semi soft - albeit not runny or oozy in the least - the rind is covered in hearbs...even thin little things that resemble pine leaves! The rind is perfectly edible and it is delish!). Yes this gem is from my beloved farm capriola...they havent been at the farmers market for a while and ours is ending for the year soon, luckily some of their selections are available around chicago! this is def. one of my favorite cheeses 4- Jasper Hill Farm constant bliss from greensboro, vermont. This is definetly soft, not quite oozy but it is not quite as hard as semi soft....its delish. my first time having this one - cows milk...non pasterized. I was recomended this and couldnt sample it (its sold in its little circle like shape, once its cut its kind of exposed...hence the non sampling. but, I was recommended this by a wonderful cheese monger at Sams...I trust in her highly. I LOVE all of her recomendations Next stop whole foods to see if they have anything new and itneresting in stock... 5 - Fromager Des Clarines (jean perrin - whatever that means). This comes in a little wodden crate....its def oozy with an edible, thicker rind. I wwas told its strong, and stinky...I new this one was calling my name "Lindsay...consume me!". And - the verdict....YUMMY YUMMY! 6 - Capriole Old Kentucky Tomme Goats Milk...yup yup you got it right....from my number 1 farmers market vendor capriola farms 7 - not a cheese, but I seemed to be having a craving for it (right when I saw it I was drawn towards it), Applegate Farms Salametti....yummy little salami type sausage log. Good compliment to my cheese lunch! So, Dave and Gariotin - how do those newbies sound to you? I am guessing you have tried some (if not all) of them? Your opinion?

Love her....really! She has a great TV personality....and she is on TV. Remember folks? That is what she is paid to do and I think she does it well, as do many others (if you dont agree why dont you check out her ratings). Now, to each there own. You dont like her? GREAT! You hate her? WONDER-FLIPIN-DO. DO I employ many of her recipes? Nah, not really. Some of them? Sure I do. Have I learned a thing or two from her tips/cooking style/recomendations? Most certainly have! And with that - I hope you all enjoy your afternoon/evening. I am going to go and watch myself some Paula Dean. HAHA

AHHH Ha ha I did not even notice that. My oh my...I am not as perceptive as I thought I was! nice screen name...you really are a cheese fan aren't you! Cool in my book

Laurie - You seem to have things all figured out...but I thought I would add in some advice just incase you might happen to check back in on this thread. I am currently engaged...and I have the motto "whatever my parents decide to contribute...great! Whatever (if anything) my fiance's parents want to do...wonderful!" So, as it stands, my parents are paying for the majority...the historical 'parents of the bride' type stuff (reception, flowers, picts, videographer, limos, dress, etc etc etc....). My fiance's parents are also helping out with some of the common 'parents of the groom' type stuff (open bar at reception, rehersal dinner). Pretty traditional. However, even if this were not the case I would really be a little put off (okay a lot put off) if Greg (the fiance) parents told (vs. asking) my parents to pay for our guests...I mean isn't everyone everyones guests...in the end and all? I mean we are joining (greg and I) together, which makes us all family of sorts.... I am so sorry you and your hubby have to deal with this crap...because that is what it is...crap! I mean if the brides parents are short on cash that is totally understandable. What is NOT understandable is the demand...ESPECIALLY considering the number of guests on their side of the invitees vs. yours (240 to 20, bride to groom, respectively!). WOW....way outta line. Tell your husband he is a smart smart man!

Gariiotin, So sorry this response is this late....Thanksgivings been busy busy. In response to your question - let me take a stroll over to my fridge right now and see which chesse's I still have the label for (many are already open, thus in saran wrap or wax paper - their original label removed...I will list as many as I can) Ok - back from the fridge...I had more cheese's with labels than I realized...yet there are about 5-6 that are labelless (due to my repackaging). So, here we are.... Most of these I wouldnt even know how to pronounce...So I just basically am going to type in the main portion of the label....hopefully for all of my cheese's I am getting the name straight - cause there are other things written on many of the labels...descritions/manufactorer/farm/location, etc... 1.) Chevre du Poitou Framage (Goats cheese) 2.) Chaource rouzaire (Cow's milk) 3.) Robiola Bosina (langra) Sheep and Cows milks) 4.) Capriola Farm O'bannon (Goats milk -I get this gem from my farmers market. There are also multiple specialty stores in the chicago area that carry some of this farms (capriola) varieties of goats cheeses...Judy is the farm entreprenueal and she is soooo sweet. This cheese is a soft/crumbly goats cheese that is wrapped in bourbon soaked oak leaves...I hate bourbon but I LOVE this cheese) 5.) Munster gerome le prefered Alsace 6.) Redwood Hill farm camellia 7.) Cana de Cabra Pasterdized Goat Milk from Marcia Spain 8.) Tommw Basco rau Goat milk Basque region France 9.) Cabot Cuvee (An award winning (2004) cheddar cheese - this is so flavourful and yummy) 10.) Gros Tomme Agour (goat/sheep blend) 11.) Gariotins Raw Goats Milk France 12.) Garrotxa Goats Milk I also have other cheeses that arent 'specialty' per say...cheddars, swiss's mozerellas.....etc...

Hope you are feeling better in a few hours (in time to spoke the hell outta that turkey that is...). To all - happy T-day! Me, a lil under the weather...thus tonight I enjoyed a big bowl (two cans) of cambels chicken rice soup....mmmmmmm. I added in some pepper and seasoning salt....oh yeah and some parmesan ramano shredded on top...gotta keep the foodie theme going....even with the cambels soup....haha

Me - Love it. Does any store, anywhere, stock every single item that we would all conclude to be the best of the best. Of course not. Even the most elegant of specialty stores...I bet I would find at least SOMETHING that I rate as average, or below average at that. In my honest opinion, Trader Joes has many superior products. Products that are either a.) hard to find elsewhere, or, b.) of lower quality, or higher price, elsewhere. So what do I than do? Simple - I purchase those products that I deem superior in taste, quality, or a bargain price when compared with others. Isn't that how we all shop? I don't think anyone has yet said, on this thread at least, that trader joes has the best of the best of everything. Rather, people are simply saying that what they happen to purchase at trader joes, well...ROCKS! Now, on to me....personally - I enjoy their: Brie cheese's (they have a-many that are yummy and at great prices) Goat cheese's Select Cerials Select juice's dried fruits (simply for snacking) certain chips/pretzels Their chicken cordon blue is to die for - and they come (at least in my area) two to a package and they are simply enormous Some good bacon varieties Good muffins/bagels nice selection of frozen foods - especially the pre-made o'rderves....appetizers. Linz