Blue Cheese Bliss: Finding The Perfect Savory Bite

Blue cheese is a polarising food—you either love it or hate it. But for those who love it, the question of which is the best blue cheese is a hotly debated topic. There are many varieties to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular options include Danish blue, Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Shropshire Blue, and Saint Agur. For those who like their blue cheese creamy, Gorgonzola is a good option, while those who prefer a tangier cheese might opt for blue cheese crumbles. If you're feeling fancy, you could try the World Cheese Award-winning Rogue River Blue, wrapped in grape leaves soaked in pear spirits.

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Blue cheese and salad

Blue cheese is a popular ingredient for salads, and there are many types to choose from. Some of the best blue cheeses for salads include:

• Roquefort: a semi-soft blue cheese made in France from sheep's milk. It has a sharp, tangy flavour and is often crumbled over salads.
• Danish Blue (Danablu): a creamy and mild blue cheese with a salty, sharp flavour and a crumbly texture.
• Maytag Blue: known for its tangy, lemony taste and crumbly texture, this blue cheese is perfect for salads, as well as burgers.
• Stilton: a type of blue cheese that can be paired with sherry or port wine.
• Gorgonzola: a tangy and creamy blue cheese with a deep flavour.
• Trader Joe's Blue Cheese: a strong, salty, and pungent blue cheese with a fruity, cheesy flavour.
• Saint Agur: a fruity blue cheese packed with candied orange peel.
• Cambozola: a mix of 25% blue cheese and 75% brie.

When it comes to creating a blue cheese salad, there are many ways to adapt and be creative with the ingredients. A basic blue cheese salad might include lettuce, radish or bell pepper, apple, celery, bacon, blue cheese, dressing, and pecans. The type of lettuce can vary depending on the desired texture and flavour, with options such as little gem, curly lettuce, radicchio, rocket lettuce (arugula), romaine, spinach, or kale. Blue cheese can also be used in salad dressings, adding a creamy richness and a sharp tang to the dish.

Blue cheese and steak

Steak and blue cheese are a match made in heaven. A blue cheese sauce or crust is an easy way to elevate a simple steak dinner. The bold, salty flavour of blue cheese perfectly complements the beef, adding an extra shot of flavour.

There are a few ways to incorporate blue cheese into your steak dinner. One option is to make a blue cheese sauce to serve on the side or poured over the steak. To make a sauce, you can melt butter in a pan, add chopped shallots, white wine, blue cheese, and cream, and then garnish with chives. Another option is to crumble blue cheese over your steak as it cooks, allowing it to melt over the top. This method can be enhanced by adding hot sauce and butter. You can also make a blue cheese crust by packing the cheese onto the top of the steak and placing it in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

When choosing a blue cheese for your steak, you can experiment with different varieties to find your preference. Some popular options include Gorgonzola, which has a creamy texture and is not too pungent, St.Agur, which offers a balance of rich and creamy flavours, and Cashel blue, buttermilk blue, and Maytag blue. Keep in mind that blue cheese has a soft texture and melts quickly, so if you want it to retain some structure, cook it until it's thick and creamy.

To enhance your steak and blue cheese experience, consider the following tips:

• Take your steak out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand to bring it to room temperature and avoid it seizing up during cooking.
• Pat your steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and achieve a better caramelized crust.
• When grilling a bone-in steak, use a combination of direct and indirect heat to form a crust without burning the meat.
• If making a sauce, use the steak juices to add extra flavour.

Blue cheese and crackers

Blue cheese is a beloved variety of cheese that is known for its strong flavour and pungent aroma. While some varieties are creamy and mild, others pack a punch with their tangy and savoury notes. When it comes to enjoying blue cheese, one classic way is to pair it with crackers. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating the perfect blue cheese and crackers combination:

Choosing the Blue Cheese

The first step to crafting the ultimate blue cheese and crackers experience is selecting the right cheese. There are numerous varieties of blue cheese available, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some recommended options:

• Gorgonzola: This Italian classic is a popular choice, known for its creamy texture and tangy flavour. The Gorgonzola Dolce, in particular, is worth seeking out, as it offers a short creaminess and dense fudginess that earned it the title of World's Best Cheese in 2023.
• Rogue River Blue: This limited-edition, seasonal blue cheese from Rogue Creamery has achieved worldwide acclaim. It was named World Champion at the 2019/2020 World Cheese Awards. This cheese is carefully aged in caves for 9 to 11 months and then hand-wrapped in organic grape leaves soaked in pear spirits, resulting in a rich and complex flavour.
• Saint Agur: This French blue cheese is a favourite among many, known for its distinct fruitiness. It pairs beautifully with crackers, offering a unique sensory experience.
• Danish Blue Cheese: If you're looking for something a bit more mellow, Danish blue cheese is a great option. It's rich, creamy, and earthy, making it perfect for those who want a subtler blue cheese experience.
• Stilton: While not the best Stilton you can buy, the blue variety is strong, salty, and pungent, making it a true blue cheese lover's delight.

Selecting the Crackers

Once you've chosen your blue cheese, it's time to select the perfect crackers to accompany it. Here are some tips:

• Water Crackers: Water crackers are a classic choice for cheese. They are neutral in flavour, allowing the blue cheese to shine. Look for crackers that are thin and crisp, providing a satisfying crunch without overwhelming the cheese.
• Sweet Crackers: If you want to balance the savoury notes of the blue cheese, consider choosing a sweeter cracker. Options like honey-wheat or raisin crackers can complement the cheese's sharpness.
• Flavoured Crackers: For an added layer of flavour, consider crackers with herbs, spices, or seeds. Crackers with a hint of black pepper, rosemary, or thyme can enhance the flavour profile of the blue cheese.

Creating the Perfect Pairing

When it comes to assembling your blue cheese and crackers, consider the following tips:

• Temperature: Blue cheese is best served at room temperature, allowing its full flavour to emerge. Remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
• Amount: A little blue cheese goes a long way. A thin slice or a small crumble of blue cheese per cracker is usually sufficient, as the flavour is intense.
• Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, arrange the crackers on a platter or board. Add some garnishes, such as fresh or dried fruits (grapes or sliced pears work well), nuts (walnuts or pecans), or a drizzle of honey.

In conclusion, creating the perfect blue cheese and crackers combination is a delightful way to indulge in this beloved cheese variety. By selecting complementary flavours, paying attention to texture, and presenting them artfully, you can elevate your cheese-and-cracker experience to new heights. So, the next time you're craving a savoury snack or looking to impress your guests, consider exploring the world of blue cheese and finding your favourite variety to enjoy with crackers.

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Blue cheese and pasta

Blue cheese is a beloved ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, steaks, and, of course, pasta.

When it comes to blue cheese and pasta, there are several recipes to consider. One popular option is blue cheese pasta with spinach and walnuts. This recipe is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make. To prepare this dish, cook your desired type of pasta according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, make the sauce by melting butter in a pan and frying a shallot until softened. Then, add in creme fraiche and cook until it bubbles, stirring occasionally. At this point, you can add some pasta water, followed by spinach, and cook until the spinach wilts. Finally, stir in the blue cheese until combined, and then toss the sauce with the cooked pasta. To enhance the flavour and texture, add toasted walnuts, parmesan cheese, and parsley.

Another option for blue cheese pasta is a lemon pasta recipe. This dish also comes together quickly and easily. Simply cook your desired type of pasta and, in a separate pan, heat cream, crumbled blue cheese, pepper, and lemon zest until combined. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld and the sauce to thicken. Top with additional lemon zest and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

When choosing a blue cheese for your pasta, there are numerous options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some notable blue cheeses to consider:

• Gorgonzola: A popular choice known for its deep, creamy flavour.
• Roquefort: A strong, salty, and pungent cheese with a fruity, cheesy flavour.
• Saint Agur: A blue cheese with a distinct fruitiness, bathed in sweet wine and packed with candied orange peel.
• Danish Blue Cheese: A rich, creamy, and earthy cheese that is less zingy than other blue cheeses.
• Rogue River Blue: A limited-edition, award-winning blue cheese aged in caves and hand-wrapped in grape leaves.
• Oxford Blue: A semi-hard and creamy cheese made with English cow's milk, matured for about 10 weeks.

Blue cheese and port

Blue cheese is a beloved variety of cheese, with its strong, pungent flavour and distinctive appearance. While some varieties can be mild, others pack a punch with their mouldy tang. When it comes to blue cheese and port, the combination can be a match made in heaven. The sweet, fortified wine pairs beautifully with the salty, creamy, and tangy notes of blue cheese. Here are some suggestions for blue cheeses that will elevate your port-drinking experience:

Rogue River Blue

If you're looking for a truly special blue cheese to pair with your port, Rogue River Blue is a world-renowned option. This limited-edition, seasonal cheese from Rogue Creamery in Oregon's Rogue Valley is carefully crafted and aged in caves for nine to eleven months. It's then hand-wrapped in organic biodynamic Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear spirits, resulting in a silky smooth texture and a rich, complex flavour. This cheese has achieved worldwide fame, even being named World Champion at the 2019/2020 World Cheese Awards. Its unique flavour profile and artisanal production make it a perfect choice for a sophisticated evening indulging in port and cheese.

Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is a classic choice for blue cheese lovers. It offers a deep, tangy flavour balanced by a creamy texture. The "centre cut" variety is considered the richest and most flavourful option, making it a decadent treat to savour with a glass of port. If you're looking for a more affordable option, some supermarkets offer delicious Gorgonzola options, such as Trader Joe's, which provides a tangy and super creamy experience, perfect for spreading on crackers.

Saint Agur

Saint Agur is a well-known and widely loved blue cheese. It boasts a distinct fruitiness, with notes of sweet Fior D'arancio wine and candied orange peel. This cheese is a stunning choice, especially if you're looking for something to complement the sweetness of your port. Its unique flavour profile sets it apart and makes it a memorable addition to any cheese platter.

Shropshire Blue

For something a little different, consider Shropshire Blue. While it may resemble Stilton in appearance, Shropshire Blue stands out with its orange colour and exceptionally creamy texture. This cheese offers a unique twist on the traditional blue cheese flavour and is sure to impress when paired with a fine port.

When pairing blue cheese with port, consider the balance of flavours. The sweetness of port can beautifully offset the salty, tangy, and creamy notes of blue cheese. Look for cheeses that offer a range of flavours, from fruity and nutty to savoury and smoky. The key is to find a harmony between the two, creating a delightful sensory experience.

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