Bushra Griffith
Easter is a time for celebration and indulgence, and what better way to mark the occasion than with some delicious, fresh Easter cheese? From traditional Slovak Easter cheese (Cirak) to Italian Easter Basket Cheese, there are a variety of options to choose from. If you're looking to buy your Easter cheese, retailers like Cheese Bros. and Cheese Etc. & Gourmet Gifts offer a range of Easter cheese gifts and bundles, as well as traditional Easter Basket Cheese. For those who prefer to make their own, there are several recipes available online, including a Slovak Easter Cheese recipe and instructions for making Easter Basket Cheese at home. So, whether you're looking to buy or make your own, there are plenty of options to get your hands on some fresh Easter cheese this holiday season!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Basket cheese, Canestrato, Cirak, Hrudka, Slovak Easter Cheese |
| Cheese origin | Italian, Ukrainian, Slovak |
| Cheese ingredients | Milk, Rennet, Eggs, Vanilla, Salt, Pepper |
| Cheese texture | Smooth, delicate, somewhere between fresh mozzarella and ricotta |
| Cheese taste | Bland, faint flavour of curds |
| Cheese colour | Bright white |
| Cheese weight | 1 1/2 pounds |
| Cheese storage | Refrigerator |
| Cheese serving suggestions | Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and cracker pepper, serve with fresh Italian bread, serve with mini toast and jam |
| Cheese dishes | Easter Pies, Pizza Rustica, Italian Easter Pie |
| Cheese accompaniments | Meat, Charcuterie boards, Crackers, Jams |
| Cheese availability | Easter time, pre-ordering and local delivery available |
| Cheese classes | Canestrato & Easter Basket Cheese online class |
| Cheese retailers | Cheese Brothers, Cheese Etc. & Gourmet Gifts, The Fresh Market, Liuzzi |
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What You'll Learn
Basket cheese
Cirak, a Slovak Easter cheese, is a traditional Eastern European egg cheese ball served on Easter Sunday for breakfast or the main meal. It is made by heating milk and then pouring whisked eggs into it, along with vanilla, salt, and pepper. The mixture is cooked over low heat until curds start to form and separate from the whey. The curds are then spooned into a colander lined with cheesecloth and squeezed to remove excess liquid. The cheese is then formed into a ball and decorated with cloves or lemon zest. Cirak is served with Nut roll or other American favorites like Easter eggs, lemon blueberry bagel breakfast casserole, strawberry Jello salad, carrot cake donuts, or cinnamon rolls.
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Online classes to make your own Easter cheese
If you're looking to make your own Easter cheese, there are a variety of online classes available that can teach you the basics of cheesemaking.
The Art of Cheese
The Art of Cheese offers a 7-part course that covers the science and techniques involved in making a variety of cheeses. The course starts with some quick and easy cheeses and then gradually moves on to more complex varieties. The classes are video-based and come with downloadable recipes and information on cheese-making equipment and ingredients.
Cheesemaking Made Easy
This video course by Kate Johnson, a goat farmer and cheese-making instructor, includes three classes that cover the basics of cheesemaking. The first class, Cheesemaking 101, is free and covers the science behind cheesemaking, key ingredients, and basic equipment. The second class, Quick & Easy Cheese, teaches students how to make Chevre, Cottage Cheese, and Feta, and the third class, Intro to Pressed & Aged Cheeses, covers how to make Queso Fresco and Guido's Italian Hard Cheese.
Academy of Cheese
The Academy of Cheese is a not-for-profit organisation that offers four levels of certification in cheese knowledge, starting at Level One Associate and progressing to Master of Cheese. The Academy provides industry-recognised accreditation for those with a professional or personal interest in cheese.
Online Cheese-Making Workshop by Corina
This self-paced online workshop teaches students how to make four different kinds of dairy products, starting with easier cheeses and gradually moving on to more complex varieties. The course includes detailed e-books with step-by-step instructions and tips and tricks for making cheese.
Cheesemaking for Beginners - Farmers' Cheese Wheels
This online class by Claudia, the founder of Urban Cheesecraft, teaches students how to make traditional, rustic Farmers' Cheese in under an hour. The class is suitable for total beginners and covers the basic process of cheesemaking, including how to add herbs, spices, and other flavour combinations.
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Fresh cheese from local grocers
If you're looking for fresh Easter cheese from local grocers, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can check your local independent cheese shop, where you can talk to the cheesemongers about their selection and taste before you buy. This is a great way to discover new cheeses and ensure you're getting the freshest product.
Alternatively, some larger supermarkets, such as Fresh Thyme, offer a range of fresh, organic, and natural foods, including cheeses, and you may be able to find specialty Easter cheeses in their stores.
If you're looking for a specific type of Easter cheese, such as the traditional Italian Easter Basket Cheese, you may need to look for specialty cheese shops or gourmet grocers. These stores often offer a wide variety of domestic and international cheeses, as well as curated boxes and gifts. Examples include iGourmet, Harry & David, and Murray's Cheese. These shops are a great option if you're looking for something unique or exotic, and many offer online shopping and delivery services.
Finally, if you're feeling adventurous, you could try making your own Easter cheese at home. Some companies, such as The Art of Cheese, offer online classes that teach you how to make traditional Easter cheeses, such as Canestrato and Easter Basket Cheese, with simple ingredients like milk and rennet. With a little preparation, you can enjoy fresh, homemade Easter cheese.
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Easter cheese gifts
If you're looking for Easter cheese gifts, there are a variety of options to choose from. A popular choice is the traditional Easter basket cheese, which gets its name from the basket it is formed in. This cheese is typically made with milk and rennet and has a delicate texture similar to tofu. It is often served with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and cracker pepper, or used as an ingredient in Easter pies. You can find this type of cheese at specialty stores like Cheese Etc. and Liuzzi.
Another option for Easter cheese gifts is to create your own. The Art of Cheese offers an online class that teaches you how to make Easter basket cheese at home. This can be a fun and interactive way to get into the Easter spirit. The class includes downloadable recipes and food safety tips, as well as support from experienced cheesemaking instructors.
If you're looking for a more convenient option, there are also companies like Cheese Brothers that offer a variety of Easter cheese gifts. They have a selection of cheeses and bundles, including their "Have a Cheesy Easter" Gift Pack and Collection. Their cheeses are made in Wisconsin and shipped nationwide, with a focus on old-fashioned, natural cheese-making practices.
For those who want to incorporate Easter cheese into their holiday meals, The Fresh Market offers prepared meals, sides, and desserts that can be pre-ordered and picked up in-store. This can be a time-saving option while still allowing you to enjoy a delicious Easter feast.
Lastly, if you're feeling creative, you can try making your own Slovak Easter Cheese, also known as Cirak. This traditional Eastern European egg cheese ball can be served on Easter Sunday and only requires a few basic ingredients. You can find the recipe on blogs like Meatloaf and Melodrama, allowing you to make a homemade cheese dish to share with your loved ones during the Easter celebrations.
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Pre-ordering Easter cheese
If you're looking to get your hands on some fresh Easter cheese, pre-ordering is a great option to ensure you get your desired cheese and avoid the last-minute rush. Many vendors and retailers offer pre-ordering services for Easter cheese, allowing you to reserve your cheese and pick it up closer to the holiday. Here are some tips and suggestions for pre-ordering Easter cheese:
- Plan ahead: Decide on the type of Easter cheese you want and the quantity required. Traditional Easter cheeses include Slovak Easter Cheese (Cirak) and Basket Cheese. You can also opt for cheese gift packs or create your own selection of cheeses for the occasion.
- Choose a reputable vendor: Look for specialty cheese shops, gourmet food retailers, or online vendors that offer a variety of Easter cheeses. Some popular options include Cheese Bros., Cheese Etc. & Gourmet Gifts, and The Fresh Market. Compare their selections, prices, and pre-ordering processes.
- Check pre-ordering options and deadlines: Visit the websites or contact the vendors directly to inquire about their pre-ordering process. Some may allow you to pre-order online, while others may take phone or email orders. Note the deadlines for pre-ordering, as they can vary between vendors.
- Local pickup or delivery: Consider whether you prefer to pick up your cheese order or have it delivered. Some vendors offer local delivery services, ensuring your cheese arrives fresh and on time. If you opt for pickup, make sure you know the collection dates and times to plan your schedule accordingly.
- Place your order: Once you've selected a vendor, place your order by the specified deadline. Provide all the necessary details, including the type and amount of cheese, your preferred pickup or delivery date, and any special instructions.
- Confirm your order details: After placing your order, verify the pickup or delivery date, time, and location. Some vendors may provide order confirmation emails or notifications. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact the vendor for clarification.
By pre-ordering your Easter cheese, you can ensure that you have a delicious selection of cheeses ready for the holiday. Whether you're serving it as part of a traditional Easter meal or gifting it to loved ones, planning ahead will make your Easter celebration that much more enjoyable and stress-free.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy fresh Easter cheese from Cheese Etc. & Gourmet Gifts, which offers local delivery. You can also buy it from The Fresh Market, which offers pre-orders and in-store pickup.
Easter Basket Cheese is a traditional Italian cheese made with milk and rennet. It is usually made in the days leading up to Easter and is sold in small white baskets. It has a consistency similar to fresh mozzarella and ricotta.
Cirak is a traditional Eastern European egg cheese ball served on Easter Sunday. It is also known as Slovak Easter Cheese or Ukrainian Hrudka.
You can make Easter Basket Cheese at home by taking an online class offered by The Art of Cheese. The class will teach you how to make this simple cheese that only requires milk and rennet.
You can shop for a variety of Easter cheeses and bundles from Wisconsin Cheese Gifts, which offers nationwide shipping. They have vacuum-sealed, hard cheese varieties that are safe outside of refrigeration during transit.
