Pass the Cheese Please

Cheese is a food derived from milk of various mammals – cows, sheep, goats and buffalo, that is produced in a wide variety of flavors, textures and forms.  Cheese making may have begun by pressing and salting of curdled milk in order to better preserve it.  Cheese produced in the cooler climates of Europe required less salt for preservation.  With less salt and acidity, cheese then became an environment for aging and interesting flavors.

Some popular cheeses and uses:

Mozzarella – pizza, lasagna

Cheddar – hamburgers

Parmesan – prepared pasta entrees or with sliced apples and pears

Monterey Jack – dips, casseroles, fish and chicken entrees

Swiss – hamburgers/sandwiches

Provolone – omelets, pizza, fondue, appetizers

Feta – Greek cuisine/salads

Gouda – pasta, soups, appetizers

Asiago – pasta, rice, soup, appetizers