Hey, let bygones be bygones. So you spent the last year in sweat pants…so what. And maybe you’ve spent your entire life hating on blue cheese. No one’s judging. But that’s the old you…we want to meet the new you! The you that sports athleisure leggings now, and the you that enjoys creamy, spreadable Gorgonzola Dolce on sourdough baguette that you baked while you sip some boutique French Pet Nat to wash it down…Now that’s more like it.
How-to below!
Gorgonzola Dolce – This blue cheese is the perfect choice both for blue lovers, and those who are maybe not yet convinced by the idea. Gorgonzola has a reputation of being pungent, spicy, and sharp, but this little number has its flavor profile in its name. Dolce is the Italian word for sweet, but don’t worry about it being sweet or cloying. Gorgonzola Dolce is a young cheese that smooths out the sharp edges of its piccante sibling with milky sweet base notes & is accented with delicate pops of blue cheese tang. It’s a high moisture cheese, so think less “crumbles on a salad” and more “spread on a baguette.” Salty, savory, and versatile this is a hard one to put down. Luckily Gorgonzola dolce can be used in so many ways, so you’ll never have to be without it again. Mix it into a buttermilk based salad dressing, whip it into a tangy dip for some fresh veggies, or put a dollop on your steak & let it get all melty and perfect.
Julien Braud La Bulle de l’Ouest Pétillant Naturel – Nothing compliments a rich, creamy cheese like a good sparkling wine. Dancing bubbles and crisp flavors keep your palate fresh and primed for more cheese, which – as we all know – is the goal. This Pet Nat hails from a small, organic wine maker in the Loire. Along with being certified organic, Braud incorporates biodynamic practices into his farming, including using horses to avoid soil compaction and keeping the focus on natural yeasts during fermentation. The care and quality-minded approach he takes to production is evident in the wines he produces. This wine in particular keeps you on your toes but in the most comfy casual way. It’s complex & approachable; perky and bright with citrus zip and hints of rose and herbals. L’Ouest is a great sparkling option if you’re celebrating or brunching or just enjoying on a Wednesday night. Looking for the perfect snack? Stuff some dates with the gorgonzola and wrap that in prosciutto (maybe throw a marcona almond in there if you’re feeling crazy), pop that in your mouth & wash it down with this sparkler. Lather, rinse, repeat.
written by Erin Hepinstall, Cheese Mgr
edited by Leah Mojer, Bev Mgr, M & P