Bushra Griffith
Chaumes is a soft, creamy, and nutty French cheese made with cow's milk. It is produced in the village of Saint-Antoine-de Breuilh in Périgord, Southwest France. Chaumes is a washed rind and soft-ripened cheese made using traditional methods. It is a popular cheese in France, especially among children, due to its mild flavour, rubbery texture, and melting properties. Chaumes is commonly used as a table cheese, grilled, or served with crusty bread. It is also available as a spreadable cream cheese in limited markets in France, called Chaumes la Crème. When serving Chaumes, it is recommended to pair it with mild beer or white wine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Soft, cow's milk cheese |
| Place of Origin | Village of Saint-Antoine-de Breuilh in Perigord, Southwest France |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy, rubbery, supple, and springy |
| Taste | Rich, intense, full-bodied, nutty, complex |
| Aroma | Aromatic |
| Colour | Pale yellow with a soft golden or tangerine-orange rind |
| Ageing Time | 4 weeks |
| Serving Suggestions | Grilled, with crusty bread, or as a spreadable cream cheese |
| Wine Pairing | Mild beer or white wine |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled Chaumes cheese sandwich
To make a grilled Chaumes cheese sandwich, start by selecting a flavourful bread such as pumpernickel, sourdough, or rye. Freshly-baked bread from a local bakery can elevate the taste of your sandwich. Next, preheat a skillet on the stove at medium heat. Cut the Chaumes cheese off the rind and split it into two pieces. Place one tablespoon of butter on the skillet and spread it evenly. Put about a quarter tablespoon of butter in the middle of one of your bread slices. Then, place half of the Chaumes cheese on that slice and cover it with the other bread slice.
Grill the sandwich on the skillet for about 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread is slightly browned. Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side for the same duration. Serve the grilled Chaumes cheese sandwich warm. The rich, intense flavour of the melted Chaumes cheese and the crunch of the grilled bread create a delightful sensory experience.
Chaumes grilled cheese sandwiches are a tasty and indulgent option for dinner or a snack, especially if you can source the cheese at a bargain, as suggested by one online reviewer. The cheese's creamy texture and complex flavour profile, complemented by a hint of hazelnut, make it a tantalizing option for grilled sandwiches.
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Chaumes with bread
Chaumes is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture and a distinctive orange rind. It is made in the village of Saint-Antoine-de-Breuilh in the Périgord region of southwestern France. The cheese is produced using traditional methods, with pasteurized cow's milk being mixed with rennet to curdle. The curds are then cut and moulded into a round shape before being aged for several weeks to develop their unique flavour and texture. Chaumes has a mild, slightly nutty and tangy flavour that makes it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned cheese lovers. Its creamy texture also makes it ideal for melting.
When serving Chaumes with bread, there are a few options to consider. For a simple yet tasty snack, Chaumes can be spread on crusty pieces of bread or crackers. Its soft and creamy texture makes it easy to spread, and the rich flavour of the cheese is perfectly complemented by the crunch of the bread.
Chaumes grilled cheese is another delicious option. To make this, place a slice of Chaumes on a piece of bread and top it with another slice. Cook the sandwich in a skillet for about 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread is slightly browned. Flip the sandwich and cook the other side until toasted. Serve warm and enjoy the melted cheese and crispy bread!
Chaumes can also be added to a cheese board or platter, accompanied by fresh fruits like grapes, apples, or pears, and crusty bread. The sweetness of the fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese. For added crunch and texture, include some nuts such as walnuts or almonds, and a drizzle of honey or fig jam for a touch of sweetness. Artisanal crackers and olives can also be offered on the side for a more substantial spread.
When pairing drinks with Chaumes and bread, consider a glass of light red or crisp white wine to enhance the delicate taste of the cheese. Alternatively, a mild beer or a glass of fresh milk can also complement the flavours nicely.
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Chaumes with wine
Chaumes is a semi-soft cheese with a rich, creamy texture and a distinctive orange rind. It is made in the village of Saint Antoine in the southwest of France, using traditional methods and pasteurized cow's milk. The cheese is aged for several weeks, during which time it develops its unique flavour and texture. Chaumes has a mild, slightly nutty and tangy flavour, with a hint of sweetness that becomes more robust as it ages. Its creamy texture makes it ideal for melting and it pairs well with a variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, and bread.
When it comes to wine pairings, Chaumes is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed with a range of wines. Here are some specific recommendations and tips for pairing Chaumes with wine:
- Light Red Wines or Crisp White Wines: Chaumes goes well with light red wines such as Pinot Noir or crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the cheese's delicate taste and creamy texture.
- Bordeaux and Cabernet Wines: Chaumes, being produced in the Bordeaux wine region, pairs excellently with Bordeaux wines and other Cabernet varieties. The richness of the cheese matches the complexity of these wines.
- Merlot: Chaumes also pairs well with Merlot wines. The smoothness and nuttiness of the cheese can enhance the experience of drinking Merlot.
- Chablis Wine: Chaumes au Chablis is a variety of Chaumes cheese that is washed with Chablis wine, giving it a fruity taste. This cheese is an excellent choice for wine lovers who want a unique and delicious experience.
- Strong Wines: If you prefer bold tastes, opt for Chaumes Reserve, which is aged longer and has a deeper, richer flavour. This variety pairs well with strong wines that can stand up to its intense flavour.
When serving Chaumes with wine, it is recommended to let the cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance its flavour and aroma. This will ensure the best tasting experience and allow you to fully appreciate the complex flavours of both the cheese and the wine.
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Chaumes with beer
Chaumes is a semi-soft cheese from the southwest of France, with a distinctive orange rind and a pale yellow, creamy interior. It has a rich, nutty flavour with a hint of sweetness, and a mild aroma. Its creamy texture and unique taste make it a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of foods and drinks.
When serving Chaumes with beer, it is best to choose a mild beer that will not overpower the cheese's delicate flavour. A Belgian ale or a mild lager would be an excellent choice to complement the cheese's nutty and slightly sweet notes. If you want to add a touch of sophistication to your pairing, consider a Belgian blonde beer.
For a well-rounded cheese board, accompany Chaumes with fresh fruits like grapes, apples, or pears. The sweetness of the fruit will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese. Nuts such as walnuts or almonds can also be offered, adding a crunchy texture that complements the creamy consistency of Chaumes. Artisanal crackers and a variety of olives can further enhance your presentation.
When creating a pairing, consider the flavour profiles of both the cheese and the beer, aiming for a harmonious combination that highlights the best qualities of each. Remember to serve Chaumes at room temperature to enhance its flavour and aroma. By following these suggestions, you can create a delightful tasting experience that explores the versatility and richness of Chaumes cheese, perfectly complemented by the right beer choice.
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Chaumes la Crème
When serving Chaumes la Crème as part of a cheese board, consider pairing it with fresh fruits like grapes, apples, or pears, which provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese. Nuts such as walnuts or almonds can also add a crunchy texture that complements the creaminess of the cheese.
To enhance the flavour of Chaumes la Crème, try drizzling honey on top or serving it alongside a glass of light red wine or crisp white wine.
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Frequently asked questions
Chaumes is a soft, creamy, cow's milk cheese from Saint-Antoine-de-Breuilh in the Périgord in southwest France. It is made using traditional cheese-making processes and has a nutty, fatty flavour.
Chaumes is a versatile cheese that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be grilled, melted into a sandwich, or served with crusty pieces of bread. It is also available as a spreadable cream cheese in limited markets in France, called Chaumes la Crème.
Chaumes has a rich, full-bodied flavour with a smooth, hazelnut aftertaste. It is not too pungent or overwhelming, making it a good choice for those who don't usually enjoy goat or sheep's milk cheeses.
