Cheese Blog

Zingerman's Lincoln Log is made in the grand tradition of European goat cheese classics Bucheron and Cana de Cabra, but because Lincoln Log is made in the states, you're going to love it even more.

It wasn't until I visited Fiscalini Farms one swelteringly hot, fine Modesto spring day that I truly understood the cheddar tang. There at Fiscalini, I witnessed the act that gives cheddar its sharpness, its spicy character, its oomph.

With visions of fluffy lambs jumping over wheels of golden cheese stacked on Sonoma's emerald hills, a friend and I drove with happy hearts to visit Bellwether Farms. Cheesemaker Liam Callahan doesn't normally give tours- his facilities aren't currently set up for handling visitors- so this was a very special ocassion.

Great ricotta used to only be available in Italy. In fact, tasting fresh ricotta's when in Sienna or Tuscany could be a __ because you knew that what you could get at home would only pale in comparison. Those vibrant flavors and textures were only available to you as long as you stood on foreign soil and held Euros in your pocket.

France treats a food and wine lover right. Of course occasionally there is a hang-up, like when a train that was taking you to a Chinon winery you were aching to visit is cancelled due to country-wide strikes. I like to think of this side of the country as a much-needed practice in letting things go. After all, there will always be an almond croissant, fantastic bottle of Chenin Blanc, or thick wedge of raw-milk cheese waiting to offer you comfort around the corner.