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specialty cheese shop
see. taste. learn.


2403 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
703.706.5300


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Welcome to the Cheesetique March Newsletter

Greetings, Cheese Lovers!

Long time no email! I'm sorry I've been so electronically negligent, but after our most recent addition arrived in December, it took me a couple months to get my cheese legs back. But now they're back with a vengeance, so hold onto your hats (and not just because it's so windy outside). Cheese classes are back and St. Patrick is just around the corner!

It's Easy Being Green
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day this whole month by trying a bunch of our fabulous Irish cheeses. They'll be arriving all month, so keep checking back for the newest additions. We'll even have an Irish cheese platter available, so order yours today.

This Month's Cheese Class: Super-Aged Stunners
In honor of the eternity that has elapsed since our last class, this month's theme will be Super-Aged Stunners. Join me as we learn all about the cheese aging process, the difference between "maturing" and "rotting", and why hard-aged cheeses are so darn tasty. We will taste a selection of cheeses from all over the world. The only commonality is that they're old as the hills!

The cost is $20 per person and you can expect to spend about an hour and a half learning and tasting. Beverages and accompaniments will be served. Act quickly - this will fill up in no time!

The five dates are:
Tuesday, March 13, at 7:15PM
Tuesday, March 20, at 7:15PM
Wednesday, March 21, at 7:15PM
Tuesday, March 27, at 7:15PM
Thursday, March 29, at 7:15PM

Email tastings@cheesetique.com to sign up. Let me know the date(s) you prefer and how many are in your party. If you are available on more than one date, please let me know. That way, we can fit more folks.

Please note: Once we fit you into a slot, I will send you a Paypal invoice so you can pay securely online. If you need to cancel (48 hours advance notice, please), we will refund the full amount minus the Paypal fee.

See you soon!
Jill Erber, Proprietor/Cheese Lady
Cheesetique Specialty Cheese Shop
direct email: jill@cheesetique.com

Click here to visit Cheesetique's web site. You can learn more about the shop, see location and hours, and view archived issues of the newsletter.
This Issue's Featured Recipe
Dubliner and Guinness Fondue
With the weather still nippy, there's no better time for a heady fondue, rich and dense with cheesy and Guinnessy goodness.
 

When to Serve It

This makes a great cool-weather appetizer. Serve it before dinner to really whet the appetite. Just be careful - this one is rich!

Click to visit Cheesetique on the Web!About the Cheese

What is Dubliner?
This Irish cows' milk classic is an amazing melding of flavors. Though not exactly a cheddar, its subtle sharpness has a strong resemblance to one. In addition, it has the sweetness of a Swiss and the tang of an aged Italian cheese. This flavor combination makes it an ideal partner to many foods and drinks. For instance, pair Dubliner with everything from pears to broccoli; from Chardonnay to Stout. To top it all off, Dubliner is a great melter!

Ingredients (Serves Six)

2 cups small red-skinned potatoes, halved
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 cups very small brussels sprouts
2 apples, cored, cut into wedges
You can also use pears here. Pears + Cheese = Yum!
1 pound Dubliner, grated
2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
3/4 cup (or more) Guinness
You can use any stout here, of course.
6 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions

1) Steam all vegetables until tender, about 15 minutes.
2) Arrange steamed vegetables and apples/pears around edge of large platter.
3) Toss grated Dubliner with flour in large bowl.
4) Bring 3/4 cup Guinness, juice concentrate, and mustard to simmer in large saucepan over medium heat.
5) Gradually add cheese mixture, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and smooth, thinning with more Guinness if desired.
6) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7) Transfer fondue to bowl and place in center of platter with fruit and vegetables.

Featured Product: Kerrygold Butter



When I asked one of the best chefs in the area which butter he recommends, his answer was swift: "Kerrygold. Period." That was all the recommendation I needed. The equation is simple - Happy Cows = Better Butter! The ideal Irish climate creates a wonderful environment for our bovine friends. They eat moist grass and drink crystal-clear water all day. Their milk is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. All of that love goes right into the butter. You will taste it in every bite.

Come see why Kerrygold butter is one of the most beloved around the globe. If you must use St. Patrick's Day as an excuse, be my guest. But don't be surprised if Kerrygold butter becomes your year-round choice. Only $3.95 for an 8-ounce package.
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