Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Day Three Hundred and Twenty Two - Snow Day Results

Life began to resume somewhat as normal today -- mass transportation was still slow but people were able to get to where they needed to go, albeit with a little bit of patience and perseverance.

Upon returning home to your cozy homes, what cheese did you decide to have from yesterday's contestants?

You want something warming that will complement a nice pint of dark ale or a glass of red wine, right?

Well that rules out our third contestant, the wasabi disk which albeit will awaken your senses, will not pair well with a warming cocktail. Westfield's Wasabi begs for a glass of crisp white wine with a nice acidic finish or even a glass of cloudy sake perhaps? Therefore that leaves us in a head to head duel between Cowgirl Creamery's Red Hawk and the Harpersfield with Ommegang.

Is washed rind stink what you crave after a long day outside in the cold? Not if you ask me, it's extra special pungency albeit fantastic in the right situations, is not my go-to recommendation for a cheese to have as an accompaniment to a warming beverage to make you feel cozy. Red Hawk is a special occasion cheese and definitely not a cheese for the novice -- it is nuanced, dynamic, unique, stinky, and all around fabulous. A nice cheese to cuddle up next to the fire with a significant other and a bottle of wine with for those of you who like that extra-special washed rind gooey-ness. Yum!

Therefore I'd probably choose the Harpersfield as the overall winner -- it is the ultimate in winter versatility -- it pairs perfectly with a nice glass of beer, cider, or mulled wine and can be served in slices with nuts and dried fruit and heated as the center of a GCF. Nutty, citrusy, light yet woodsy, and full of beer-ish notes with a nice creamy finish. A well rounded dynamic cheese that meets its match in any winter cocktail.

Enjoy!

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