Patrick Oconnell
Rush Creek cheese is a soft, decadent cheese wrapped in spruce bark, which gives it a subtle woodsy flavour. Before serving Rush Creek cheese, it is important to bring it to room temperature or gently warm it in an oven. When using an oven, the paper wrapping should be removed and the cheese should be wrapped in tin foil or covered in a ceramic crock. The cheese should then be placed in an oven preheated to 250 degrees for approximately 45 minutes, or until it becomes soft and warm. The cheese can then be cut into, with the rind lifted off and the soft interior scooped out with a spoon. Rush Creek cheese pairs well with cured meats, roasted root vegetables, roasted grapes, walnuts, and off-dry white wines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to serve | Bring the cheese to room temperature or warm it gently in an oven |
| How to warm in an oven | Remove the paper wrapping and either wrap the cheese in tin foil or cover it in a ceramic crock. Place the cheese in a 250-degree oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the entire cheese becomes soft and warm |
| How to serve after warming | Use a knife to cut around the perimeter of the cheese, just above the bark. Lift off the rind and scoop out the soft interior with a spoon |
| What to serve with | Cured meats, roasted root vegetables, roasted grapes and walnuts, off-dry white wines, or bread |
| What not to serve | Do not eat the bark |
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What You'll Learn
Bring the cheese to room temperature
To serve Rush Creek cheese, it is important to bring the cheese to room temperature. This is an essential step to unlock the full palette of aromas and flavours. Ideally, the cheese should be left out of the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes. This step is important because the cheese is soft and decadent, often described as savoury custard, and bringing it to room temperature ensures the cheese is soft and warm and has the right texture and consistency.
The cheese can also be warmed gently in an oven. To do this, the paper wrapping must be removed, and the cheese should be wrapped in tin foil or covered in a ceramic crock. The oven should be preheated to 250 degrees, and the cheese should be placed inside for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and warm.
The spruce bark wrapping serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it gives shape to the cheese, and secondly, it imparts a subtle woodsy flavour. The porous nature of the bark allows compounds such as resins and oils to permeate the cheese over time, infusing it with earthy, woody, and herbal notes.
Bringing the cheese to room temperature or warming it gently in the oven ensures that the cheese has the desired texture and that its unique flavours and aromas are fully expressed. This step is key to enhancing the dining experience and enjoying the cheese to its fullest potential.
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Warm it gently in the oven
To serve Rush Creek cheese, it is recommended to bring the cheese to room temperature before serving. If you would like to warm it gently in the oven, follow these steps:
Firstly, preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit or its lowest setting. Remove the cheese from its paper wrapper and wrap it in tin foil or place it in a ceramic crock. Place the cheese in the oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cheese becomes soft and warm throughout. You can also place the cheese on a small sheet tray lined with parchment.
Once the cheese is warmed, use a knife to cut around the perimeter, just above the spruce bark. Lift off the rind and scoop out the soft interior with a spoon. The spruce bark gives shape to the cheese and imparts a subtle woodsy flavor. It is not meant to be eaten but leaving it on while serving helps to bring out the unique flavors and textures of the cheese.
The rich and savory flavors of Rush Creek cheese pair well with cured meats, roasted root vegetables, roasted fruits such as grapes, and off-dry white wines. It can be served with fresh bread, crackers, or a sliced baguette.
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Remove the paper wrapping and wrap in tin foil
To serve Rush Creek cheese wrapped in spruce, you must first remove the paper wrapping. Then, wrap the cheese in tin foil or cover it in a ceramic crock. Place the cheese in an oven preheated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cheese becomes soft and warm.
When wrapping the cheese in tin foil, it is important to ensure that the cheese is completely covered to retain moisture and heat during the cooking process. Create a tight seal by bringing the edges of the foil together and folding them together several times. You can also use a ceramic crock to cover the cheese, which will help to keep the moisture in and impart a crispy texture to the cheese.
The tin foil or ceramic crock will help to protect the cheese from direct heat and ensure even cooking. It is important to note that the spruce wrapping should not be removed before cooking, as it gives the cheese its shape and provides a subtle woodsy flavor.
Once the cheese is soft and warm, remove it from the oven and carefully open the tin foil or crock, being mindful of the hot steam that will escape. Use a knife to cut around the perimeter of the cheese, just above the bark. Lift off the rind and scoop out the soft interior with a spoon. Serve the cheese with cured meats, roasted root vegetables, off-dry white wines, or roasted grapes and walnuts.
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Place in the oven for 45 minutes
When serving Rush Creek cheese, it is important to bring the cheese to room temperature before placing it in the oven. This is an essential step to ensure you experience the full palette of aromas and flavours. It is recommended to leave the cheese out of the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Once the cheese has reached room temperature, you can then place it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Remove the paper wrapping from the cheese and either wrap it in tin foil or cover it in a ceramic crock. Place the cheese in the oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cheese becomes soft and warm.
While the cheese is in the oven, you can prepare your serving platter. It is recommended to leave the bark around the cheese when serving, as this adds to the presentation and the unique flavours and textures of the cheese. Place a knife, spoon, and any accompaniments, such as crackers or a sliced baguette, on the platter.
After 45 minutes, remove the cheese from the oven and place it on the platter. Use a knife to cut around the perimeter of the cheese, just above the bark. Lift off the rind and scoop out the soft interior with a spoon. The cheese should now be ready to enjoy, with its rich, savory, and delicate flavours.
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Serve with roasted grapes and walnuts
To serve Rush Creek cheese wrapped in spruce with roasted grapes and walnuts, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, bring the cheese to room temperature or warm it gently in an oven. Remove the paper wrapping and wrap the cheese in tin foil or cover it with a ceramic crock. Place it in an oven preheated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes, or until the cheese becomes soft and warm. Then, use a knife to cut around the cheese perimeter, just above the bark. Lift the rind and scoop out the soft interior with a spoon.
For the roasted grapes and walnuts, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large, heavy ovenproof skillet (cast iron works well), mix together 1 1/4 cups of seedless green grapes, 1 1/4 cups of seedless red grapes, and 1 cup of walnut halves. You can also add 1 cup of pitted Kalamata olives, halved lengthwise, for a savoury twist. Drizzle the mixture with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with 1 teaspoon of herbes de Provence and 2 bay leaves, broken in half. Roast this mixture for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the grapes are caramelized.
Remove the roasted grapes and walnuts from the oven and let them cool slightly. While they're cooling, put the walnuts into a heavy skillet and dry toast them until fragrant. Roughly chop the walnuts and set them aside. To serve, line a shallow bowl with arugula and pile the roasted grape mixture on top. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and pomegranate seeds over the salad for added crunch and flavour. Serve the warm cheese alongside this delicious roasted grape and walnut salad, and enjoy the combination of sweet, nutty, and savoury flavours!
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Frequently asked questions
Before serving Rush Creek cheese, it is recommended to bring the cheese to room temperature. If you prefer your cheese warm, you can heat it gently in an oven.
Remove the paper wrapping and either wrap the cheese in tin foil or cover it in a ceramic crock. Place the cheese in an oven preheated to 150º or its lowest setting, or 250 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cheese becomes soft and warm.
Use a knife to cut around the cheese, just above the bark. Lift off the rind and scoop out the soft interior with a spoon.
Rush Creek cheese pairs well with cured meats, roasted root vegetables, roasted grapes, walnuts, crackers, and off-dry white wines.
Rush Creek cheese is a great option for Thanksgiving or other holiday meals.
