Randy Chandler
Red Hawk is a distinctive and pungent triple-crème cheese with a brine-washed rind, produced by the Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station, California. It is made from organic cow's milk sourced from local dairies and is known for its bold, complex flavour and creamy texture. The rind is washed with a brine solution, giving it an orange hue and contributing to its robust aroma. The interior of the cheese is soft, gooey, and slightly runny as it ages. Red Hawk is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own, melted in dishes like mac and cheese, or paired with crackers, crusty bread, fresh fruit, or nuts. It also offers several health benefits, including being a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, and minerals like phosphorus and zinc. However, due to its high-fat content, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | American triple-crème aged cow's-milk cheese |
| Rind | Red-orange, brine-washed |
| Texture | Creamy, buttery, smooth, velvety, soft, gooey, slightly runny |
| Flavor | Tangy, earthy, nutty, sweet, fruity, bold, complex |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, corn chips, crusty bread, fresh fruit, nuts, quince paste, tart apples |
| Wine Pairings | Chardonnay, Torrontes, Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Tempranillo Blends, Sangiovese, Malbec, Lagrein, Jurancon dessert wine, Blanc de Noir sparkling wine |
| Health Benefits | Good source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, phosphorus, zinc |
| Producer | Cowgirl Creamery, Point Reyes Station, California |
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What You'll Learn
Red Hawk cheese and wine pairings
Red Hawk is a pungent, triple-cream, washed-rind cheese produced by the Cowgirl Creamery in California. It has a bold, complex flavour and a creamy texture. The rind is washed with a brine solution, giving it an orange hue and a robust aroma. The interior of the cheese is soft, gooey, and slightly runny as it ages. Red Hawk is often enjoyed with crusty bread, fresh fruit, or nuts, and pairs well with both red and white wines, as well as dessert wines and beer.
When it comes to wine pairings, Red Hawk's bold and complex flavour can stand up to bold red wines. A Grenache, for example, is slightly peppery and has good fruit levels, making it a cheese-friendly wine that complements the nutty sharpness of cheddar. Other recommended red wines to pair with Red Hawk include Tempranillo blends, Sangiovese, Malbec, and Lagrein.
For white wine pairings, a drier white wine is generally recommended to cut through the fat of the cheese. Recommended white wines to pair with Red Hawk include Chardonnay, Torrontes, Pinot Blanc, and Chenin Blanc.
If you're looking for a dessert wine pairing, a Jurancon dessert wine or a Blanc de Noir sparkling wine would be a good choice. In addition, Red Hawk pairs well with sweet dessert wines and hearty stouts.
Finally, when serving Red Hawk, it is recommended to let it come to room temperature before eating so that the flavour and aroma can develop fully.
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How to store Red Hawk cheese
Red Hawk is a pungent triple-cream cheese with a washed rind, produced by Cowgirl Creamery in California. It is made from organic cow's milk sourced from local dairies and is known for its bold and complex flavour and creamy texture. The rind is washed with a brine solution, giving it an orange hue and contributing to its robust aroma.
When it comes to storing Red Hawk cheese, it is important to follow certain guidelines to maintain its freshness and quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store Red Hawk cheese:
Buying and Initial Storage
When buying Red Hawk cheese, it is recommended to purchase only the amount you plan to consume within a few days. This is because Red Hawk is a perishable product and does not have an extremely long shelf life.
Once you have purchased the cheese, remove it from its plastic packaging as soon as possible. Plastic wrap can smother the cheese and negatively impact its flavour and texture. Instead, wrap the cheese in wax paper, parchment paper, or specialised cheese paper. These breathable materials will help maintain the optimal humidity levels required for the cheese.
Storage Temperature and Environment
Red Hawk cheese should be stored in a refrigerator to prolong its freshness. The ideal temperature range for storing this cheese is between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining cooler temperatures will help prevent the cheese from drying out and preserve its creamy texture.
It is also recommended to store Red Hawk cheese separately from other types of cheese, especially blue cheeses and other strong-smelling washed-rind cheeses. This is because Red Hawk has a strong aroma, and storing it separately will prevent the transfer of flavours and odours between different cheeses.
Storing Cut Cheese
If you have cut into the cheese and have leftovers, take extra care to protect the exposed surfaces. Press the breathable wrap against any cut surfaces to prevent them from drying out. Then, place the wrapped cheese in a lidded plastic container or a designated cheese storage container, like a Cheese Grotto, to maintain humidity and freshness.
Additionally, as Red Hawk is a high-moisture cheese, it is important to monitor the humidity levels in your storage environment. While cooler temperatures are recommended, avoid conditions that may cause the cheese to freeze, as this can affect its texture and quality.
In summary, storing Red Hawk cheese properly involves removing plastic packaging, wrapping it in breathable materials, maintaining cool temperatures, and preserving humidity levels. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your Red Hawk cheese at its optimal freshness and flavour for a longer period.
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Red Hawk cheese health benefits
Red Hawk cheese is not just a treat for your taste buds, but it also offers an array of health benefits. This distinctive and pungent cheese, crafted by the Cowgirl Creamery in California, boasts a bold and complex flavour with a creamy texture. But beyond its sensory delights, Red Hawk cheese is a nutritional powerhouse.
Firstly, Red Hawk cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth. Strong bones are crucial for mobility and overall structural support, and adequate calcium intake helps prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
Secondly, this cheese variety is a good source of protein, which is pivotal for muscle growth and repair. Protein is the building block of muscles, and consuming adequate amounts of protein-rich foods like Red Hawk cheese helps promote muscle health and recovery, especially after physical activity or injury.
Additionally, Red Hawk cheese is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in vitamin B12, which plays a critical role in nerve function and the production of red blood cells, keeping your nervous system healthy and your body energised. Red Hawk cheese also contains vitamin A and minerals like phosphorus and zinc, contributing to overall nutritional well-being.
While Red Hawk cheese offers these impressive health benefits, it's important to remember moderation. This cheese is high in saturated fat and calories, so it should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies should exercise caution. To savour the health benefits without overindulging, limit portion sizes and treat yourself to Red Hawk cheese as a special delight, perhaps pairing it with fresh fruits, vegetables, or whole grains to balance its rich profile.
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Red Hawk cheese production process
Red Hawk is a pungent, triple-cream, washed-rind cheese with a bold and complex flavour and a creamy texture. It is produced by the Cowgirl Creamery in California, USA, and is named after a native hawk that soars over the Marin County coastline, where the Cowgirl Creamery is situated.
Red Hawk is made from organic cow's milk sourced from local dairies. The cheese-making process involves washing the rind with a brine solution, which gives it an orange hue and contributes to its robust aroma. As the cheese ages, the interior becomes soft, gooey, and slightly runny.
To make Red Hawk, organic cow's milk is sourced from local dairies. The milk is then heated and combined with a bacterial culture and rennet to form curds and whey. The curds are then cut, stirred, and heated again before being placed into moulds and pressed. The young cheeses are then removed from their moulds and placed in a brine solution to form a rind.
During the ageing process, the cheeses are regularly washed with a brine solution, which contributes to the development of the rind and the cheese's characteristic aroma. The ageing process also affects the texture of the cheese, making it softer and gooier as it ages. The ideal temperature for ageing Red Hawk cheese is between 50°F and 55°F (10°C and 13°C), with a relative humidity of 80-85%. The cheese is typically aged for a minimum of 60 days, but the ageing time can be adjusted to achieve the desired texture and flavour.
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Red Hawk cheese and crackers
Red Hawk is a distinctive and pungent triple-crème cheese with a brine-washed rind, produced by the Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station, California. The brine wash gives the cheese its characteristic red-orange hue and also contributes to its robust aroma. The cheese is made from organic cow's milk sourced from local dairies, with cows raised on pasture, adding to its rich flavour.
Red Hawk cheese has a bold and complex flavour profile, with a creamy, buttery texture and a soft, gooey, and slightly runny interior as it ages. It offers a tangy and earthy taste, balanced with a subtle sweetness and nutty undertones. The rind provides a contrasting texture, being slightly firmer and chewier than the interior.
When it comes to serving Red Hawk cheese with crackers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Red Hawk cheese is known for its versatility and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. The cheese pairs well with crackers, especially those with a bit of texture, such as corn chips or crackers with a bite to them. The contrast between the creamy cheese and the crunchy crackers makes for a delightful sensory experience.
To elevate your Red Hawk cheese and cracker pairing, consider adding some accompaniments. Fresh fruit, such as slices of tart apples or quince paste, can complement the cheese's sweetness. Nuts can also be a tasty addition, providing a crunchy texture and a flavour contrast. If you're feeling creative, try experimenting with different combinations to find your perfect pairing.
For a more indulgent treat, heating the Red Hawk cheese can even out its flavour and create a delightful melted topping for your crackers. You can also try serving the cheese at room temperature to enhance its flavour and texture. Remember to store Red Hawk cheese properly, as it requires a humid environment to prevent its rind from drying out. Enjoy this delicacy in moderation, as it is high in saturated fat and calories.
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Frequently asked questions
Red Hawk is an American triple-crème cheese made from cow's milk. It has a brine-washed rind and a distinctive red-orange colour.
Red Hawk has a bold, complex flavour with a creamy texture. It is slightly sweet and tangy, with nutty and earthy undertones.
Red Hawk is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crackers, crusty bread, fresh fruit, or nuts. It can also be used in dishes such as mac and cheese.
Red Hawk pairs well with a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Torrontes, Pinot Blanc, and Chenin Blanc for whites, and Tempranillo Blends, Sangiovese, Malbec, or Lagrein for reds. For dessert, a Jurancon dessert wine or a Blanc de Noir sparkling wine would be a good choice.
