Every family has a favorite cheese. A go-to cheese that is always part of the spread.
The go-to cheese for my parents has evolved with the times. Early memories are filled with the staple, port-flavored cheddar out of a tub. We still like that. Then if it was a fancy occasion, a ball of cheddar covered in nuts (no, thank you). Then (and for too long) it was the pre-cubed assortment tray from the grocery store. Convenient but, meh. In the late 80’s we of course, partook in the great baked brie thing.
It wasn’t until my dad started bringing home the fancy foreign cheeses that things took a turn for the better. Cheese went from being a tasty “side” to a featured player. Something to be talked about and appreciated.
When the family gathers nowadays, the cheeses we feature are of my choosing. I like to bring a new one into the mix every now and then but the family go-to cheeses…that I ALWAYS have on hand are these two.
Prairie Breeze, Milton Creamery (Iowa)
AND
Cracked Pepper Bellavitano, Sartori Cheese Wisconsin
These are both award winning cheeses and are generally in the cheddar category. The Prairie Breeze being a touch sweeter. The Cracked Pepper Bellavitano — has a spicy, little kick. I don’t even much like Pepper and I love this cheese. So, don’t judge a cheese by it’s exterior. In fact, the Bellavitano line of cheese has a dozen flavors all of which are all worthy of space on my table.