LV's Cheese Platter

Here are my Favorite Cheeses. They'll be updated if and when I find more worthy of the list. I find my cheeses at C'est Cheese in Santa Barbara, Venissimo and Frog's Breath Cheese Store in Orange, where they have wonderful selections and let you taste anything you see.


LeydenKas, or Cumin cheese:

A traditional Dutch cheese, it is a semi-aged cow’s milk cheese that is then peppered with caraway seeds and cumin, giving it a slightly spicy flavor.

Pittig Aged Gouda

A Dutch Gouda with whiskey notes and a nutty crunchy twist. This is stronger than the Old Amsterdam, but shares many of its characteristics like the caramel color and flavor. I'm not sure which I like better!

Old Amsterdam:

A fine aged Gouda. Amber in color and slightly dry in texture, it is a delightful cheese with an intense, but not overpowering creamy, caramel, nutty flavor. Grocery store Gouda is bland, so try this if you want some real good Gouda. Can't recommend it enough.

WensleyDale:

For all you Wallace & Grommit fans, here’s the Wensleydale! This cow’s milk cheese from northern England has a nutty, tangy buttermilk flavor and a creamy, yet crumbly texture. Great with a pint o’ale. Probably the most mild cheese on this list!

Red Dragon:

This unique semi-soft cow's milk cheese from England is peppered throughout with whole grain mustard seed. Very rich, satisfying flavor, melts great on burgers! Use it anywhere you would use mustard, but I prefer it on a simple cracker.

English Cotswold:

A young, creamy cheddar from England that is peppered throughout with chives and dill. Great melted or as an afternoon snack.

Speziato al Tartufo:

A mild, hard, cow's milk cheese with a rind dusted with black truffle and cinnamon, for a sweet, nutmeg flavor. Perfect for desert.

Prima Donna:

The First Lady of Gouda with crunchy crystals and rich hazelnutty and caremelly goodness. I'm hard pressed to decide between this and Pittig, so I believe a side-by-side taste test is required.

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