Cheesetique

specialty cheese shop
see. taste. learn.

2403 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
703.706.5300

Entertaining?
Check out our beautiful party platters here.
Need that perfect (and unique) gift?
Cheesetique's got it! Click here for details.

Welcome to the Cheesetique November Newsletter

Greetings, Cheese Lovers!

The Holiday Season is fast approaching. In fact, some would say it's already here. There's no better time to think about how Cheesetique can make your holiday entertaining easy and delicious!

Hosting a Gathering? Leave the Cheese Platter to Us!
Our beautiful, rustic Cheese Platters come ready-to-serve with incomparable cheeses (each labeled with country of origin and milk type), crackers, and dried fruit. To quote The Beatles, "All you need is knives" - or was it love?

Choose from the following styles, or build your own:
American, Italian, French, European, Exotic (not for the faint of heart), Decadent Dessert.

Small Platter (4 cheeses, serves 10): $45
Medium Platter (5 cheeses, serves 20): $90
Large Platter (6 cheeses, serves 30): $135
American Cheese Platters are $60/$115/$175

Visit or call the shop at (703) 706-5300 to order.

Attending a Gathering? Be the bearer of a most memorable "thank-you" treat!
Nothing will delight - and guarantee a future invitation - like our Ultimate Host(ess) Gift. A charming red enamel bucket is filled with an individual cheese, crackers, salami, and fruit spread. $30

Of course, we can always design a gift bucket according to your own budget and preferences.

Visit or call the shop at (703) 706-5300 to order.

November/December Cheese Class: Holiday Cheeses
Normally we don't host cheese classes during these two months, but I just couldn't resist showing off some of the most exciting "holiday cheeses". What is a holiday cheese, you ask? Think cranberries. Think truffles. Think peppermint. Just kidding. That would just be wrong. And just to nip one last question in the bud, there will be no reindeer cheese... or will there?

The cost is $25 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 available dates are:
Tuesday, November 13, 7:15 PM
Wednesday, November 28, 7:15 PM
Thursday, November 29, 7:15 PM
Wednesday, December 5, 7:15 PM
Thursday, December 6, 7:15 PM
Tuesday, December 11, 7:15 PM
Wednesday, December 12, 7:15 PM

Email jill@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: Advance payment is required for all classes. 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.

Now Observing Winter Hours
Cheesetique is now open Saturday mornings at 10:00. You can check out the rest of our hours here.

Enjoy the Season!
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
Brussels Sprouts with White Beans and Pecorino Toscano
Help me end the undeserved discrimination heaped upon this endearing vegetable. Besides looking like tiny heads of lettuce (can't get any cuter!), Brussels Sprouts are a delicious, hearty accompaniment to any meal.
END THE BOYCOTT! EMBRACE THE SPROUT!

When to Serve It

The perfect veggie dish to serve alongside any rich meat entree. It is also delicious right out of the fridge the next day.

About the Cheese

What is Pecorino Toscano?
Pecorino is simply the Italian word for any sheep's milk cheese. Some of the best - and most varied - Pecorinos come from Tuscany. There are many to choose from and often the only way to distinguish is by the age. There are Pecorino Toscanos that are 20 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days... you get the picture. The longer the cheese is aged, the firmer its texture and richer its flavor. They can be filled with red peppers, black peppercorns, coated in olive oil, paprika, you name it!

Toscano, Not to be Confused with Romano
The most important thing to remember is that this Pecorino Toscano is NOT the same as Pecorino Romano. Whereas Toscano is rich and sweet, Romano is flaky and SUPER-salty. I'm talking lip-puckering salty. One would not want to eat Romano straight - it's for minimal grating only!

Ingredients (Serves 8)

8 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds Brussels Sprouts, stems trimmed, cut in half lengthwise
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup low-salt chicken broth
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup (about 6 ounces) coarsely grated Pecorino Toscano 30 Day

Directions

1) Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. When just about to smoke, add half of Brussels Sprouts.
2) Cook until brown, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl.
3) Heat 3 tablespoons oil in same skillet. Add remaining Brussels Sprouts, reduce heat to medium-high.
4) Cook until brown, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Transfer Brussels Sprouts to same bowl.
5) Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet; increase heat to high.
6) Add garlic; sauté until brown, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
7) Add broth and Brussels Sprouts. Cook until Brussels Sprouts are crisp-tender, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.
8) Add beans and butter; stir until butter melts and broth is reduced to glaze, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
9) Stir in cheese.

Featured Product: 34 Degrees Crispbread

Our newest cracker has made quite a splash already. Super-thin and super-crisp, you are guaranteed to find the perfect accompaniment to any cheese.
The best part is that these crackers won't interfere with other flavors. Their texture is big, but their flavor is subtle. Available in Natural, Sesame, Cracked Pepper, and Rosemary.

Only $5.25 each at Cheesetique.