Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Cheese of the week: Bel Paese

Name: Bel Paese Cheese

Brand: Galbani
 
Place of Purchase:  HyVee Foods in Ames, Iowa

Country of Origin: Italy

Price in Iowa: $13.99/lb

Milk: Cow

Processing: A cooked, cow's milk cheese aged at least six months.

Texture: Semi-soft

Color: cream-yellow

Rind: Natural

Aroma: Sweet, buttery dairy

Taste:  Creamy and buttery, with a mild, piquant aftertaste

Mouth feel: A solid, yielding paste somewhere between cream cheese and mozzarella.

Notes: This cheese is a nice, mild snacking cheese.  It reminded me of a comte, but a bit softer.  It is supposed to be spreadable, but my wedge was a bit too firm for that.  The cheese itself has a delicate, mild dairy flavor with a bit of an aged edge in the background.  The Italians eat this cheese with fruit, fruity wines, honey and nuts, even a bit of chocolate.  It accentuates the acid and sweetness of the accompaniments, but alone does not offer much more than a buttery flavor.  Still, the popularity of this cheese with Italians is reason enough to try it.  Just be sure to some fruit or wine to the table.

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