It’s a question we’ve all pondered upon biting into a perfectly sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano or spreading a fresh chèvre: How is the very existence of this magically varied product—cheese!—even possible? Famed NYC landmark Murray’s Cheese Shop wants to help you find the answers. This June, the shop’s director of education will lead an educational cheese expedition through Switzerland’s central region. Cross the Alps with with a small group of fellow turophiles to meet the cheese-makers—the families—behind a few of Murray’s favorite Swiss cheeses. Learn how the landscape shapes the region’s cheese-making tradition—and, ultimately, how culture contributes to the creation of the cheeses we love.
For more information on the tour, call 1.212.243.3289 ext. 12.
– Study up! Prepare to impress the cheese-makers by mastering THE NIBBLE’s Cheese Glossary.
– Think you know enough about Swiss cheeses? Test yourself.
– Fondue originated in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. To savor the tastes of Switzerland from home, try this classic recipe for Swiss Fondue.
Only the Cheese Grinch would say no to grilled cheese. Even if you’re lactose intolerant, you can try the far more tolerable goat’s, sheep’s and buffalo’s milk cheeses. (Grilled mozzarella di bufala—yum!) So, let’s celebrate!
Don’t wait until you get to the ball park to have a big, fragrant soft pretzel. Bake them at home with this soft pretzel recipe. Feed them to the kids, or invite the adult gang over for beer and your home-baked pretzels. Find a good beer in our Beer Section.
People who make a point of eating Fair Trade chocolate should take a look at the line of Fair Trade chocolate bars from Shaman Chocolates, including two new organic Fair Trade bars. As a second humanitarian bonus, sales help support the maintaining of the pre-Columbian traditions of the Huichol Indians, a tribe living in the Sierra Madre Mountains of central western Mexico who are said to be the last indigenous tribe in North America. All profits from the sales of Shaman Chocolates help support the work of the Huichols, who make visionary yarn paintings and beaded artwork and continue to live in their traditional ways.
Flavors include Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate with Coconut, Dark Chocolate with Ruby Raspberries, Organic Dark Chocolate with Acai, Lemon & Orange, Organic Dark Chocolate with Green Tea & Ginger, Extra Dark Chocolate (82% cacao), Milk Chocolate, Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts, and Milk Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts & Hawaiian Pink Sea Salt. The suggested retail price is $3.00 for a two-ounce bar. The chocolate bars, which feature labels adorned with amazing Huichol artwork and imagery, are available at retailers nationwide and online at Shamanchocolates.com.
Learn more about Fair Trade and how it benefits farmers.
