Let’s Talk Fruit.
In the volcanic region of Mt Ararat in Armenia lies the sun-filled Ararat Valley. And from rich land fed with natural spring waters, some 9,000 feet above sea level, comes Harvest Song Artisan Fruit Preserves. These small batch, all natural, 75 percent sun-ripened fruit preserves are made without pectin, preservatives or artificial colors. And they all go amazing with cheese.
Apricot. This beautiful golden jam stands up to aged cheeses like parmigiano-reggiano, and sharp farmhouse cheddars.
Sour Cherry. In keeping with the Pyrenees tradition, trying pairing this with the sheep’s milk Ossau-Iraty, or go local with Cypress Grove’s Lamb Chopper.
Golden Fig. Perhaps the most versatile of them all, use this to top blue or goat cheeses. Or pair it with brie, for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
These preserves are the best I’ve ever tasted, and if your cheese can spare them, they would also be great on pastry, toast, ice cream and crepes.
Another new fruit sensation here at Woodlands is called Ficoco. This dalmata fig jam is mixed with cocoa powder. Fat free and all natural -- what more do you need to know? Blend it with cream or goat cheese for a dip that can be served as an appetizer, along side celery or carrots, or as a dessert, with shortbread or vanilla wafers. Cheese, chocolate and jam; it’s the food you never knew you always wanted.
Let’s Talk Goats.
For over 41 years, Redwood Hill Farm and Creamery in Sonoma has been making award-winning goat cheese and yogurt. Recently, I was lucky enough to be their guest on a Farm/Creamery tour. And I learned a lot.
For instance, did you know third party certifier, Humane Farm Animal Care, declared Redwood Hill the first “certified humane” goat dairy in the United States? Did you know Redwood Hill uses no BST hormones, and all their products are free of sugar, coloring, preservatives, stabilizers, or powdered milk? (Move over, Happy Cow!) And did you know the milk for their cheese- and yogurt-making comes from four different breeds of goats: Nubian, Alpine, Saaen and La Mancha, all of whom I saw frolicking on the Farm? From the babies to the expecting mothers, the animals were well-kept, full of personality, and just adorable.
But the most exciting thing I learned is: One of their best cheeses is back!
Bucheret is their original take on a classic goat French cheese. Instead of the French large log, Redwood Hill’s version comes in a 5 ounce round. Covered with two different kinds of mold, it has a wonderful complex flavor. The bloomy rind is entirely edible. And just inside the rind, you’ll find a creamy, soft cheese. As you move toward the center, the cheese becomes firmer and dryer, full of wonderfully intense yet very smooth and well-rounded flavors. The Bucheret -- and Redwood Hill’s Camilla, Fresh Chevre and California Crottin -- are cheeses well worth seeking out. And you'll find them all right here at Woodlands.
Thanks for reading.
Octavio Saez de Ibarra, The Cheese Department.
