Say Cheese!

Since my hubby is Swiss, I have been eating lots and lots of cheese, which explains my weight and my daughter's addiction to it! Before I met him, my cheese vocabulary only included mozzarella, cheddar, feta, goat and of course Queso De Bola and Keson Puti. After organizing a wine and cheese party at the Caprice, Four Seasons and living with my hubby for 2 years now, I've learned to eat different types of cheese.

My favorites so far...

Camembert- soft creamy French cheese, made from unpasteurized cow's milk. Camembert and Brie have similar recipes but are from different terroirs. Camembert is from Normandy while Brie is from the East of Paris. Brie is made from a larger wheel so it's bigger compared to Camembert. If in doubt, just get both and compare for yourself. Best eaten uncooked with bread and white wine.

Emmental- yellow-medium hard cheese with some holes. Emmental is originally Swiss but France, Bavaria and Finland have their own version. Best for making gratins or mixed with Gruyere for fondue. Bon Appetit!

Gruyere-hard yellow cheese made from cow's milk. Gruyere is from Switzerland (near hubby's hometown) which is why this is his fave... and mine too! Gruyere is used mostly for fondues but will also make great sandwiches, pastas and salad. We also love eating it together with Riesling wine. Yum!

Leicester (or Red Leicester)-similar to cheddar cheese. Leicester is the part of England where my hubby is from (he's half Swiss, half English) This cheese is great for baked potato or just eaten plain with wine or even beer. Makes sense if it is from England, then definitely there is beer around.

Le Petit Fiance- I was lucky to taste this lovely cheese made from raw milk goat's cheese at the Four Seasons. What I loved aside from the taste of this cheese, was the story behind it. The reason why it's called "My Small Fiance" was it was made for his small lover. This cheese is best sliced thinly eaten with red wine and prosciutto ham. Drool!

Raclette- semi-firm salted cheese made from cow's milk. Best eaten with picked onions, dried meat like Prosciutto or Grisons. I remember going to the Raclette counter more than 5 times at the Swiss Day Celebration last year. Totally addicting!

If you want baby to try some cheese too, best ones would be the simple mozzarella or cheddar. Soft or aged cheese are a no-no for now! My daugther, of course, loves her Gruyere!

Am getting hungry now. Who wants to join me for a cheese fest? Best places for cheese fondue (in Hong Kong) are Swiss Chalet in Tsimshatsui, Chesa at the Peninsula Hotel, Classified, Press Room, or Caprice at the Four Seasons. It's a date!