What is your favourite cheese?

[wimbo77]

I usually eat Cranberry and Red Leicester

[Immy]

Europe continues to exhibit quite a variety of cheeses as I venture to Italy for the second blue cheese example from the Python list.

Today's selection: Gorgonzola



"Pungent" was the first word that came to mind when trying this, but not in a good way, and I normally like cheese with strong flavor. Instead of a wedge, I opted for a 4oz/113g container of crumbles for easier sampling. By itself, it's pretty strong but the "bite" from its veining (as Wikipedia calls it) is still quite apparent when accompanied by crackers, and still lingers as I type this. I don't think I'm being very fair by giving it a 3/10, because it's mainly meant to compliment other foods - pasta, salads, etc. As a stand alone snack, it's too harsh.

The Cheese Shoppe List

1. Cheddar 10/10
2. Parmesan 8/10
3. Mozzarella 7/10
4. Gruyere 8/10
5. Edam (red wax) 9/10
6. Danish Bleu 5/10
7. Emmantal 3/10
8. Gouda (smoked) 4/10
9. Port Salut 7/10
10. Norwegian Jarlsberg 4/10
11. Brie 1/10
12. Gorgonzola 3/10

[Captain ron]

Brie. Best cheese ever

[Mal Hombre]

Originally Posted by Immy

Next up in the Python cheese roster is the example I associate with upper class society. For some reason, it's frequently their cheese of choice.

Today's selection: Brie

I like Brie particularly the German Brie,English Brie is sadly little better than the French..
Speaking of The Cheese Shop sketch

[PJayBr]

At the moment Dewars Creamy Lancashire, available from our local sainsburys deli counter at least.

[Reclaimedwg]

Asiago and Harvarti

[Immy]

After a run of less-than-appealing examples, the Python list once again brings me to France, and not a moment too soon!

Today's selection: Boursin



Was wondering when the next selection would be one to add to my favorties, and here it is. I've seen Boursin in the cheese section but wasn't sure if it was a type of cheese or just a name brand. Short answer is...well...sort of both. It comes in a few flavors but the only one available was the shallot and chive. Wow, was this great! It's a cream cheesy spread with terrific flavor and the 5.2oz/150g package is already half gone after one sitting, and I had to curb the urge to polish it off completely. With crackers it was still very good, but it's actually best just by itself. If it came in a larger quantity, I'd absolutely indulge, though it's the most expensive I've tried yet. I may try the other varieties, but this one will be tough to top. 9/10

The Cheese Shoppe List

1. Cheddar 10/10
2. Parmesan 8/10
3. Mozzarella 7/10
4. Gruyere 8/10
5. Edam (red wax) 9/10
6. Danish Blue 5/10
7. Emmantal 3/10
8. Gouda (smoked) 4/10
9. Port Salut 7/10
10. Norwegian Jarlsberg 4/10
11. Brie 1/10
12. Gorgonzola 3/10
13. Boursin 9/10

[Immy]

It's Independance Day in the USA! The perfect time to try a sample from the very Brits who brought us the sketch that I'm honoring.

Today's selection: Red Leicester


Red Leicester is the first variety John Cleese requests in his ill-fated visit to Michael Palin's shoppe, and I can see why. It's quite similar to cheddar but has an extra something that gives it a more flavorful character and a nice aftertaste. I purchased a slim 2.65oz/75g slice (an import from Neal's Yard Dairy, a Covent Garden cheesery with its own Python connection) and a third of it is gone. The dark-tinged outer edges had a bitter, unpleasant taste however. Crackers were an acceptable addition and never detracted from the flavor. Two good choices in a row! 7/10

The Cheese Shoppe List

1. Cheddar 10/10
2. Parmesan 8/10
3. Mozzarella 7/10
4. Gruyere 8/10
5. Edam (red wax) 9/10
6. Danish Blue 5/10
7. Emmantal 3/10
8. Gouda (smoked) 4/10
9. Port Salut 7/10
10. Norwegian Jarlsberg 4/10
11. Brie 1/10
12. Gorgonzola 3/10
13. Boursin (shallot & chive) 9/10
14. Red Leicester 7/10

[Reclaimedwg]

Went by Central Market and they have freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

I can eat the whole thing by itself in minutes like it's popcorn while sitting in front of the TV or at the computer.





p.s.

AMAZING how at $21.99 per lb, it's even more expensive than live Lobster or Filet Mignon.

[Immy]

Since the World Cup began on June 14th, I've tried two cheeses from the Python sketch - one English, one French. They were both great and waddya know, both countries are in the Semi's. Let's keep this winning streak going!

Today's selection: Double Gloucester



Once again the local supply limits my options. The only DG variety I could find was chive and onion. Wikipedia says this version is unofficially known as "Cotswold" cheese but it's still good enough to cross this type off the list. And speaking of winners, here's another one! It was tough to separate the added flavors from the cheese itself but I found it to be quite tasty. The consistancy was most like my Tillamook Extra Sharp than any type I've tried so far. The onion & chive created an extra snap of flavor. Crackers blended nicely with it. More than half the 5.3oz/150g wedge is gone and I don't see it lasting much longer. 7/10

The Cheese Shoppe List

1. Cheddar 10/10
2. Parmesan 8/10
3. Mozzarella 7/10
4. Gruyere 8/10
5. Edam (red wax) 9/10
6. Danish Blue 5/10
7. Emmantal 3/10
8. Gouda (smoked) 4/10
9. Port Salut 7/10
10. Norwegian Jarlsberg 4/10
11. Brie 1/10
12. Gorgonzola 3/10
13. Boursin (shallot & chive) 9/10
14. Red Leicester 7/10
15. Double Gloucester 7/10