Patrick Oconnell
The cheese curler, also known as a girolle, is a tool used to create curled or shaved cheese. It is traditionally used with Swiss cheese, specifically Tête de Moine, which is served in the shape of delicate rosettes or florets. The cheese is placed on the curler and shaved into thin curls, which can be used as a garnish or enjoyed on their own. While Tête de Moine is the cheese most commonly associated with the cheese curler, other varieties such as Tomme Brulee, Pantaleo, and Pecorino Toscano may also be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese curler | Girolle |
| Cheese type | Tete de Moine, Petit Basque, Tomme Brulee, Pantaleo, Pecorino Toscano |
| Cheese origin | Switzerland |
| Cheese texture | Semi-hard |
| Cheese shape | Cylinder |
| Cheese preparation | Served in the shape of delicate rosettes |
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What You'll Learn
Tête de Moine
The Tête de Moine is a semi-hard, fruity, and robust Swiss cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk. It has a fat percentage of 51+ and its flavour combines well with several wines, such as sherry. It is also commonly paired with a spinach salad with bacon, Granny Smith apples, and Marcona almonds. The cheese is contained within a sticky, orange rind that is washed in brine. The creamy, semi-hard paste is fruity and full-bodied, with a nutty flavour.
The name Tête de Moine, which translates to "monk's head" in French, was given to the cheese sometime around the French Revolution. One theory suggests that the name was inspired by a tax levied by the abbey on local farmers, while another claims it refers to the resemblance to a monk's tonsure once cut with a girolle or cheese curler.
The Boska Cheese Curler Amigo, with its stainless steel knife, is suitable for Tête de Moine cheese and can be purchased from St. James Cheese Company. The cheese curler is easy to assemble and disassemble and comes with a 10-year guarantee. To use the cheese curler, simply turn the plastic handle, and the cheese will transform into beautiful curls that are ready to serve or use as a garnish.
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Petit Basque
A cheese curler, also known as a girolle, is a spinning knife that shaves thin curls of cheese from a larger block. The cheese produced by this process is used as a topping for salads, pasta, or as a snack. While Petit Basque can be used with a cheese curler, there are some considerations to take into account.
Despite the potential challenges, Petit Basque's unique flavour and aroma make it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of rustic charm to their cheese curls. Its small size also makes it a perfect centrepiece for a cheese board or a party, where it can be served alongside a cheese curler for guests to create their own curls.
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Tomme Brulee
A cheese curler, also known as a girolle, is a device used to create delicate cheese curls or petals, adding a gourmet touch to dishes and salads. While the traditional cheese used with a cheese curler is the Swiss Tête de Moine, other types of cheese can also be used, such as Tomme Brûlée.
Tomme Brûlée is a sheep's milk cheese from the Basque region. It has a similar shape and size to Tête de Moine, making it suitable for use with a cheese curler. The cheese has a torched rind, resulting in a firmer texture compared to other cheeses like Petit Basque. The use of Tomme Brûlée in a cheese curler is preferred over Petit Basque due to the latter's wax rind, which can become soft at room temperature and challenging to curl.
When using a cheese curler, it is recommended to use the cheese straight out of the fridge. The cheese curler is designed to create thin, delicate curls or petals that melt in the mouth, enhancing the flavour experience. The curls can be used as a garnish or served as part of a cheese platter, adding a unique and elegant touch to any meal or gathering.
In addition to Tomme Brûlée, other cheeses that can be used with a cheese curler include Pantaleo and Pecorino Toscano. However, it is important to consider the size and shape of the cheese wheels, as larger wheels may be more challenging to curl. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired taste and texture of the curls.
Using a cheese curler with Tomme Brûlée offers a unique way to present and enjoy this Basque sheep's milk cheese. The curls created by the cheese curler add a delicate and refined element to the cheese, making it a delightful addition to any cheese board or culinary creation.
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Pecorino Toscano
While some sources describe Pecorino Toscano as a hard cheese, others note that it has enough moisture to be used with a cheese curler. The wheels of Pecorino Toscano tend to have a small dip or indentation, which may make it slightly more difficult to use with a cheese curler compared to other cheeses. However, its flavour and texture make it a worthwhile choice for this purpose.
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Parmesan
When using a cheese curler with Parmesan cheese, it is important to start with cold cheese. Place the Parmesan on the base of the cheese curler and secure it with the metal peg. Turn the blade clockwise across the top of the cheese, using light pressure to create thin, even curls. Rotate the cheese as needed to maintain a flat surface.
The cheese curler, also known as a girolle, is a specialised tool that creates decorative cheese curls for serving and presentation. It transforms cheese into delicate flowers that look beautiful on a plate. The girolle has three main parts: a base, a rotating blade, and a handle. The base is typically a round wooden platform with a metal pin in the centre to hold the cheese wheel in place. The rotating blade is a thin, curved piece of metal attached to a vertical shaft that fits over the centre pin.
In addition to Parmesan, other semi-hard to hard cheeses can be used with a cheese curler, including aged Gouda and Gruyère.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheese curler, also known as a girolle, is traditionally used with Swiss Tete de Moine cheese. However, you can use any cheese of a similar size and texture, such as Tomme Brulee, Pantaleo, or Pecorino Toscano.
The cheese curler works best with firm to semi-firm cheeses. It is not suitable for soft cheeses.
The cheese curler allows you to create delicate cheese curls or "rosettes," adding texture and craftsmanship to a simple cheese board. It also helps to enhance the aromatic properties and distinct flavor of the cheese by allowing oxygen to reach more of its surface.
