Randy Chandler
Cowgirl Creamery's Red Hawk is a pungent, triple-cream cheese with a sticky, reddish-orange rind and a gooey, soft interior. It is renowned for its bold and complex flavour with a creamy texture. Red Hawk is best enjoyed at room temperature and served with crusty bread, fresh fruit, or nuts. It can also be baked to reduce its strong smell. The cheese is named after a native hawk that soars over the Marin County coastline where the Cowgirl Creamery is situated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Triple-cream, washed-rind, fully-flavored |
| Flavor | Savory, rich, salty, funky, bold, complex, creamy, meaty |
| Ingredients | Organic cow's milk, organic pasteurized cream, salt, cultures, enzymes |
| Serving Size | 1 oz (28g) |
| Calories | 130 |
| Total Fat | 13g (17% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 9g (45% DV) |
| Cholesterol | 25mg (8% DV) |
| Sodium | 220mg (10% DV) |
| Texture | Soft, gooey, slightly runny |
| Color | Sunset red-orange, reddish-orange, pink or orange |
| Smell | Pungent, stinky, funky, rowdy |
| Serving Suggestions | Crust bread, fresh fruit, nuts, Raincoast Chips, burgers |
| Awards | 2nd Place Ribbon in 2007 in the Washed Rind Cheeses Category, 2nd place in all categories in 2009 and 2012 at the American Cheese Society Competition, 1st place: International Cheese & Dairy Awards, 2022, 3rd place: International Cheese & Dairy Awards, 2023; World Cheese Awards, 2022 |
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What You'll Learn
Serving temperature: Room temperature is recommended
Red Hawk cheese is a triple-cream, washed-rind, fully-flavoured cheese made from organic cow's milk. It is renowned for its bold and complex flavour and creamy texture. The cheese is named after a native hawk that soars over the Marin County coastline where the Cowgirl Creamery is situated.
Red Hawk cheese is best served at room temperature to truly appreciate its distinctive and pungent character. This award-winning cheese has a rough and rowdy aroma, with a rich and meaty flavour and balanced notes of cured meats, wild sage, and a hint of ocean air. It is a bold cheese that conveys the character of coastal Northern California.
When serving Red Hawk cheese at room temperature, it is essential to consider the optimal serving size. A standard serving size of 1 ounce (28 grams) per person is recommended. This amount provides seven servings from a standard-sized cheese wheel. Adjustments can be made based on individual preferences and the availability of accompanying foods.
To enhance the flavour and presentation of Red Hawk cheese, consider pairing it with complementary foods. At room temperature, the cheese pairs well with crusty bread, fresh fruit, or nuts. The contrast between the creamy cheese and the crisp texture of bread or the sweetness of fruit can elevate the tasting experience. Nuts, such as roasted peanuts, can also add a crunchy dimension to the soft and gooey cheese.
Additionally, when serving Red Hawk cheese at room temperature, it is advisable to pay attention to the cheese's appearance and texture. The rind of Red Hawk cheese is distinctively pink, orange, or reddish-orange, with a sticky and pungent surface that may feature a dappling of white mould. While the presence of mould is typical for this variety, it is essential to ensure that the cheese is consumed within a reasonable timeframe to prevent excessive mould growth.
In summary, serving Red Hawk cheese from Cowgirl Creamery at room temperature is recommended to fully appreciate its complex flavour and aroma. This distinctive cheese, with its bold character and creamy texture, is best enjoyed with complementary foods such as bread, fruit, or nuts. Paying attention to serving sizes and the cheese's appearance ensures a pleasant tasting experience for those who appreciate the unique qualities of Red Hawk cheese.
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Presentation: The rind is edible but can be cut off
Red Hawk cheese is a triple-cream, washed-rind cheese made from organic cow's milk. The rind of this cheese is edible and contributes to its robust aroma. However, some people may prefer to cut it off due to its sticky, pungent characteristics and the presence of white mould.
The cheese itself has a bold and complex flavour with a creamy texture. When serving Red Hawk cheese, it is recommended to present it at room temperature to fully enjoy its unique taste and texture.
If you choose to cut off the rind, you can still utilise it in various ways. For instance, you can chop or crumble the rind and use it as a topping for soups, salads, or pasta dishes. The rind can also be melted and used as a flavourful addition to sauces or dips.
Additionally, consider serving the cheese with complementary items such as crusty bread, fresh fruit, or nuts. Red Hawk cheese pairs well with items that can help balance its strong flavour, such as sweet jams or honey.
When presenting Red Hawk cheese with the rind intact, it is essential to provide a small knife or cheese cutter to facilitate easy removal if desired. This allows your guests to decide whether they want to include the rind in their tasting experience.
In summary, while the rind of Red Hawk cheese is edible, personal preferences may lead some to cut it off. By offering a variety of accompaniments and providing tools for easy rind removal, you can ensure a pleasant and customisable tasting experience for those enjoying this distinctive cheese.
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Pairings: Enjoy with crusty bread, fresh fruit, or nuts
Red Hawk cheese is a pungent, triple-cream, washed-rind cheese with a bold and complex flavour profile. Its creamy texture and robust aroma make it a perfect match for crusty bread. The bread's crisp exterior and soft interior provide a textural contrast to the cheese, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
When pairing Red Hawk cheese with crusty bread, consider a rustic loaf with a thick, chewy crust and a soft, airy interior. Sourdough, French baguette, or a country-style loaf are excellent choices. To elevate the pairing, toast or warm the bread to enhance its aroma and bring out subtle nutty flavours.
The cheese's rich and tangy flavour also complements fresh fruit. Try serving Red Hawk with sweet and juicy seasonal fruits such as ripe pears, crisp apples, or fresh figs. Stone fruits like plums, cherries, and peaches can also be a delightful pairing. For a more exotic touch, tropical fruits such as mango or pineapple will add a refreshing twist to the cheese platter.
When creating a cheese board with Red Hawk, consider arranging an assortment of fresh fruits alongside the cheese. This not only adds visual appeal but also provides a refreshing contrast to the cheese's bold flavour. Additionally, nuts can be a wonderful addition to the pairing. Toasted walnuts, almonds, or pecans can enhance the flavour experience. The crunchy texture and nutty flavours of these additions create a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese.
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Baking: Baking can reduce the smell and make it more tolerable
Cowgirl Creamery's Red Hawk is a triple-cream, washed-rind cheese made from organic cow's milk. It is known for its pungent aroma and strong flavour. The cheese is named after a raptor that circles the skies in northern Marin County, California, where it is made. The unique environment of this region, including the bacteria that blow in off the ocean, gives the cheese its distinctive character.
Red Hawk cheese has a strong smell and flavour that may be off-putting to some. Baking the cheese can help to reduce its pungency and make it more tolerable. One way to do this is to bake the cheese, which can help to kill the bacteria on the rind responsible for the strong odour. This method was suggested by a user on Reddit, who found that baking the cheese made the smell more bearable.
To bake Red Hawk cheese, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Place the cheese in an oven-safe dish and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is slightly melted. Serve immediately with crackers or bread.
Another way to reduce the smell of Red Hawk cheese is to wrap it tightly before storing it in the fridge. This will help to contain the odour and prevent it from permeating other foods. It is also recommended to store the cheese in an airtight container to maintain its quality and freshness.
Additionally, serving Red Hawk cheese at room temperature can help to mellow its aroma and flavour. Remove the cheese from the fridge 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. This can make the cheese more palatable for those who are sensitive to strong smells and flavours.
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Storage: Loosely wrap to prevent the strong smell from permeating the fridge
Red Hawk cheese is a triple-cream, washed-rind, fully-flavoured cheese made from organic cow's milk. It is known for its strong smell and flavour. To prevent the smell from permeating your fridge, it is recommended to loosely wrap the cheese. However, this may not be enough to contain the strong odour of the Red Hawk cheese. Here are some additional steps you can take to prevent the smell from spreading:
Firstly, ensure that your fridge is clean and well-maintained. Check for any spoiled items and discard anything that is expired or smells unpleasant. Keep your fridge organised and ensure that all containers are properly sealed. This will help prevent the spread of odours.
Additionally, you can use natural odour absorbers such as baking soda, activated charcoal, or coffee grounds. Place one of these absorbers in an open container inside your fridge to help neutralise strong smells. You can also try using airtight containers or plastic wrap to seal the cheese more effectively, preventing the escape of odours.
If the smell still persists, you may need to take more intensive measures. Remove all items from your fridge and thoroughly clean the shelves, drawers, and walls with warm soapy water. Pay extra attention to corners and crevices where spills and debris may collect. You can also use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to wipe down the fridge, as vinegar contains acetic acid which breaks down odour-causing bacteria.
By following these steps, you can effectively prevent the strong smell of Red Hawk cheese from permeating your fridge. Remember to also consider the other foods in your fridge that may be contributing to the odour and take the necessary steps to contain their smells as well.
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Frequently asked questions
Red Hawk is a pungent, triple-cream cheese with a sticky, reddish-orange rind and a gooey, slightly runny interior. It is made from organic cow's milk and is named after a native hawk that soars over the Marin County coastline, where the Cowgirl Creamery is located.
Red Hawk has a bold and complex flavour with a creamy texture. It is rich and meaty with notes of cured meats, roasted peanuts, wild sage, and a hint of ocean air.
Red Hawk is often enjoyed with crusty bread, fresh fruit, or nuts. It can also be baked and served with Raincoast Chips to reduce its strong aroma.
Red Hawk can be purchased directly from the Cowgirl Creamery website or from specialty cheese shops and gourmet food stores.
Red Hawk should be stored in the refrigerator, loosely wrapped to allow airflow. It is best served at room temperature to enhance its flavour and texture.
