My second summer of retirement, and it has been fantastic so far. I’m playing a lot of golf, swimming and eating exceptionally well. Spending a lot of time thinking about cheese. Dale said I was wasting too many brain cells on it, but it’s better than thinking about work or Trump chumming it up with Putin, laughing about election interference.
To be fair, I asked Dale today to confirm the next election is in 2020. Is it really that far away? I mean, we have to listen to all these Democrats until then?
Cheese is way more fun.
So, here’s how I’ve been squandering my time. What if you had to make a list? Only 10 kinds of cheese for the rest of your life. Oh, but that’s too easy. What about only three? That’s also easy, because you have to pick the best of the best. Your go-to cheese. You might not pick one of the most delicious but less versatile cheeses.
I settled on five … you only get to eat five different kinds of cheese. You’re on a desert island, and this is all you get. Of course, you would have full cooking privileges on this island.
You have to think about how you use cheese and how you eat cheese and what’s most important as you whittle down the list. Five gives you a place for the standards yet room for indulgences. Still, as a cheese lover, it’s very difficult. Not difficult as in working for living but a challenge nonetheless.
After much deliberation, here’s my list … in order:
- Sharp Cheddar
- Whole Milk Mozzarella
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Feta
- Muenster
The Sophie’s Choice of cheese. The runners up for me included Manchego, Queso Fresco, Pecorino Romano, Havarti, Gorgonzola, Gruyere, Camembert, Chevre and Jalapeno Jack. I’m sorry, cheese, if I left you off. You know I love you all. Even Cheez Whiz has a special place in my heart … but only from a jar, never a can. And only at dusk.
I know there are people who are not into cheese. We, on the other hand, have a drawer in the refrigerator dedicated to cheese. But we also have a tortilla drawer, so that says a lot about us.
What’s your list of five cheeses? That’s all you get. For the rest of your life. In order, please. Additional cheese talk is always welcome.
What fun!
1. Parmesan
2. Cheddar
3. Fresh Mozzarella
4. Monterey Jack
5. Feta
Our lists are pretty close!
1. Sharp white cheddar
2. Parmesiono Romano
3. Manchego
4. Gruyere
5. Fontana
6. Pecorino
(Screw only 5. Must break rules)
Manchego is my secret drug. Just give me a big wedge and a knife.
Crapola spell check Fontina
I’ve always had you pegged for a rules breaker. Quite the eclectic list. I’m impressed you differentiated between White Cheddar and Yellow Cheddar. I do love Manchego, and I think it would be #6 if I were going to cheat and break the rules (like some people we know).
In no order, good blue cheese, cambozola, brie, horseradish cheddar, pepper jack.
Wow, what a list! I have never heard of cambozola, but you can be sure I will be headed to the store to look for it. Thank you!
1. cheddar
2. havarti
3. feta
4. parmeesan
5. brie
I don’t drink milk but love cheese. Not a day goes by without it often beginning with cheese & tomato on toast. My granddaughter would probably say “cow” cheese – The Laughing Cow processed cheese product that comes in individually wrapped wedges. Like you, there’s even a place for cheez whiz.
That’s a great list, Mona. I don’t drink milk either, but I love dairy. Dale mixes Cheddar and Havarti for grilled cheese sandwiches. Yum.
Fun! Cambozola is wonderful, just discovered it last week!
I also am a cheese lover and hard to choose just 5, but here goes, not in any special order.
Extra sharp white cheddar
Asiago
Brie with herbs
Applewood smoked cheddar
Provolone
I forgot about Asiago. So delicious. Applewood smoked cheddar sounds exciting. But then, I never met a cheese I didn’t like!
Hmm. Mine would be: Muenster, mozzarella, cheddar, feta, Parmesan. Honorable mention is gruyere and smoked Gouda.
We have the same list but a different order! Muenster makes GREAT quesadillas.