Cheesetique

specialty cheese shop
see. taste. learn.

2403 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
703.706.5300

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Welcome to the Cheesetique November Newsletter

Gobble Gobble, Cheese Lovers!

First, let me kick off our joyous holiday season by wishing you all a month filled with family, friends, and fine food. As many of you know, my husband and I are expecting our first kid (ok - lame goat pun) around Christmas. As I've gotten more and more rotund, my doctors have insisted that I change my workaholic ways and stay off of my feet for the next several weeks. Why am I telling you this? Well, being at my beautiful Cheesetique is a great joy, particularly during the holiday season. Unfortunately, because of this new restrained "lifestyle", my hours will be significantly curtailed. I wanted you all to know why you might not see me as much behind the counter this season. Rest assured - I will be at Cheesetique every day overseeing our wonderful selections and educating our amazing staff so they can best help you fulfill your cheese dreams. Also, as always, you can reach me directly at jill@cheesetique.com . I thank you all for your understanding and well-wishes and I can't wait to introduce everyone to our little cheesemonger in the new year!

Place Your Orders in Advance - All the Cool People Are Doing It!
As anyone who has shopped with us at the holidays can verify, this time of year is a hustly-bustly one at Cheesetique. My advice to you if you want as efficient of a visit as possible is to call us at 703-706-5300 and place your order in advance. You can choose from any number of gorgeous platters or just have us cut and wrap some cheeses for you and they'll be ready when you arrive. Of course, lines always make us feel very loved, but in this time of festive rushing, this system might take a load off your turkey-weary shoulders.

It's Venison Time!
We have just introduced the ultimate in autumn/winter meats: all-natural Venison from Australia. Try the plump Venison Rack or outrageously delicious Boneless Leg. Feel free to call us if you need special orders or guaranteed availability, as it's going fast!

Cheese Classes will Resume in February
We'll be kicking them off with a bang - I can't wait to get back to teaching!

Happy Thanksgiving to All!
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
Cheddar, Turkey, and Cranberry on Sourdough
What better way to use those leftovers than in this warm, toasty sandwich?

When to Serve It

The day after, of course!

About the Cheese

What is Cheddar?
Cheddar Cheddar Cheddar! One of the world's great misunderstood cheeses. Cheddar is one of the only cheeses whose name is a town (in England), a cheese (duh), and a cheese-making technique. Made from cow's milk, cheddar is a dense and flavorful cheese. The technique used to make Cheddar is called "Cheddaring" and indicates the way in which the cheese curd is layered upon itself to press out excess liquid. That's why with a REAL cheddar, you will see separate chunks within the cheese. Cheddars, for better or worse, are made all over the world, not just in America and England. They also range from tender and mild to crumbly and sharp.

Ingredients (Makes Four Sandwiches)

8 slices sourdough bread
6 tablespoons cranberry sauce
8 ounces cheddar cheese (2 cups grated)
8 ounces roasted turkey
1 tablespoon softened, lightly-salted butter

Directions

1) Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce on each of 4 slices of bread.
2) Add 2 ounces of cheddar onto each piece, followed by two ounces of roasted turkey.
3) Cover each prepared bread slice and evenly butter the top of each sandwich.
4) Place each sandwich butter side down in a frying pan over medium heat.
5) While the first side is grilling, butter the second side of bread.
6) Cook until golden and crusty, about 3-4 minutes.
7) Carefully turn and cook until second side is golden, about 2-3 minutes more.

Featured Product: Fra'Mani Hand-Made, All-Natural Salami

We are thrilled to welcome the amazing hand-crafted dry salamis from Fra'Mani. Each is made from the finest-quality fresh pork and natural hog casings from family farms. Hand tied with natural twine, mold ripened, and slowly aged. Seasoned simply with sea salt, spices, garlic and wine. There are no added nitrites and only all-natural pork is used (no antibiotics, no hormones, all free-range and naturally-fed).
Talk about authentic, rustic flavor!
Prices range from $23.95 - $25.95 per pound. Trust me - it's worth it!