Day 503 : New Cheese Discoveries - Shy Brothers' Hannahbells

While at Beecher's cheese shop yesterday I discovered a new cheese and a new cheesemaker -- Shy Brothers Farm's and their Hannahbells. Who are the Shy Brothers? They are four brothers, actually two sets of fraternal twins who are third generation dairy farmers based in Westport Point, Massachusetts.

Image courtesy of http://shybrothersfarm.foodzie.com/

They produce one cheese -- Hannahbells -- with three different infusions, rosemary, lavender, and shallots and one final plain version. Hannahbells, named for the boys' mother, are thimble sized artisanal cheeses that embody the unique terroir of the Westport River modeled on the French cheese called boutons de coulottes. Each delicate miniature morsel of cheesy goodness is made up of pasteurized cow's milk and two French molds for the exterior of each cheese. One of which dials the buttery, round, richness of the cheese and one which adds an elegant chalky depth.

At Beecher's yesterday I had the pleasure to sample the Shallot Hannahbells which had a fabulous piquant punch from the shallots. Flavor forward, these little guys are not for the faint of heart but I loved them. With a glass of Prosecco and some crackers they would be the most perfect amuse bouche or hors d'oeuvre. I can't wait to try the other Hannahbells as I am sure each is more fantastic than the last!

Image courtesy of http://shybrothersfarm.foodzie.com/