Dear cheese lovers and enthousiasts! We celebrate today with much joy. On such a special day as all nations join to celebrate one of the most exquisite pillars of worldwide gastronomy. And what better way to honour this festivity than by exploring the possibilities offered by Spanish cheese in the kitchen? Keep reading if you want to be absolutely flabbergasted by the contents of this special blog!
Why cheese?
It is one of the most loved products worldwide and is only 8.000-10.000 years old. One of the most curious facts about cheese is that its discovery was most likely an accident! Humans stored milk in containers made from animal stomachs. Read more about the chemical process here.
The cheese-making practice spread over the world, and each civilisation developed their own methods. By adapting the aging processes and other secrets, people were able to create many different savoury delicacies. It’s bizarre to think that so many different textures and flavours stem from the same product!
Cheese in Andalucía, Spain
Spanish cheese is a culinary gem that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated in all its forms and textures. From the soft and creamy goat flavours to the robust and aged sheep textures, the diversity of flavours we can find in Spanish cheeses is simply astonishing. Some of the most beautiful flavours I have found are in small & local artisan shops. If you want to taste the best Rosemary infused sheep/goats cheese, you must visit Embutidos Francisca España Artesanía. While you are there, make sure to fill your basket with ham, sausage, honey, jams… Whatever you can get your hands on! For our local fans, at least once during your stay in Casares you must visit the local cheese factory, Quesos Crestellina, by Venta La Laguna.
Whether you stay at home with friends or family, or go out. No matter if it’s lunch at a tapas restaurant or dinner at a Michelin restaurant; whether it is a fish or a meat dominant restaurant. Go where you must, and it is guaranteed that on the menu you will find the classic Tabla de Quesos on the menu. We just can’t help ourselves, we love queso!
I want to expand today’s blog by taking you on a culinary journey that goes beyond the conventional, exploring how Spanish cheese can elevate dishes to new heights of flavour and sophistication.
Spanish cheesy recipes
Starter
You can’t miss the Idiazábal cheese crisp with homemade tomato jam. Idiazábal, with its smoky aroma and intense flavor, becomes the star of this delicious appetizer, served with a generous portion of homemade tomato jam to balance the flavors and add a touch of freshness.
Main
This proposal will surely surprise more than one: Manchego risotto! Yes, you heard right. This gorgeous Italian classic is reinvented with a Spanish twist by incorporating Manchego, with its characteristic flavour and creamy texture, to create a dish that will captivate even the most discerning palates.
Dessert
And what about dessert? For those with a sweet tooth, I recommend trying the goat cheese cheesecake with berry sauce. The creaminess of the goat cheese pairs perfectly with the acidity of the berries, creating a truly irresistible dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.
On this International Cheese Day, I invite you to venture beyond the conventional and explore the wonders that Spanish cheese has to offer in the kitchen. Whether in savory or sweet dishes, Spanish cheese will never cease to amaze us with its richness of flavours and culinary versatility. So raise your glasses and toast to Spanish cheese, a gastronomic treasure that deserves to be celebrated worldwide. Cheers and que aproveche!
Contact
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Danielle Ernstsen | 27th March 2024