On Fridays we link our readers to a resource that deserves applause. Today we are using the Pecorino Caggiano we bought this week at Formaggio Kitchen South End as an example of how and why you should use the Formaggio cheese shops as a resource.
Often our approach to buying cheese at Formaggio is to ask the cheesemonger, "What is great today?" In the right hands, cheese is a living organism that evolves from day-to-day. At any given moment, the Formaggio staff knows of something in that case that is extraordinary.
This time Penny had a few moments to read some of the descriptions before she chatted with the staff. The sign for Pecorino Caggiano intrigued her and she asked for a taste.
At first it seemed like a good but rather ordinary pecorino. But, as we have learned over the years, you have to let it warm in your mouth or hold a slice on a wrapper in your hand until it warms to get the full flavor. In this case, if you give it a moment, you experience an explosion of sheepy tang.
We had it for supper with a bit of fennel salami and a Clear Flour baguette.
Formaggio Kitchen, as a resource, is more than a store, they are also food educators. Above you see their page on this cheese. It tells you the story behind the product and suggests pairings. If you are in the shop, your cheesemonger will do the same.
Formaggio also has classes you can attend and an education section on their major product lines on their website.
We are very fortunate to have this resource in the Boston area.
What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino
These make wonderful gifts for a cheese lover. And, when you shop Amazon from here, they put some coins in our tip jar.
. This term is used for the wire cutter that cheese makers use to cut the curdled milk into the cubes that will separate from the whey and one day become cheese. It's also used for a handheld wire cutter that is the perfect way to cut open and enjoy pieces of a fully-ripe, soft cheese, like this Brebirousse Argental Petit.