Wednesday, April 04, 2007

ask monkey - cheesey rivalry?

Dear Monkey,

Is there some rivalry between goats and sheep
when it comes to the cheese department?

Always and forever,

Cheese Lover

dear cheese lover,

sadly, many cow-based cheese products would like you to think so. but, nothing is farther from the truth. goat and sheep cheeses have always lived happily besides one another in perfect harmony. they share similar interests and qualities such as tanginess, compassion and humility. i believe it is this humility that keeps these fine cheese from stealing the lime-light away from the boisterous celebrity cow cheeses that monopolize the cheese counters today.

while some cows have hired large pr firms to assure that they stay in the public's eye, goats and sheep prefer a more personal approach of getting to know their public personally. they are more emotionally secure cheeses always available for a taste but, are not offended if their unique flavor, texture or aroma is not to the tasters liking. it's a big world for them and they know that for everyone that does not fancy their cheesy goodness, someone else has sworn undying devotion to them.

so, next time you pass by a manchego, a feta or pecorino, stop and say hello. get to know these cheese and see if a spark of a friendship kindles. don't listen to those cow cheeses that speak ill of their cheese case companions. they are insecure and afraid they will loose their market dominance. if they would only take a moment to reach out and understand their artisanal neighbors they will see that the cheese counter is big enough for every type of cheese regarless of their age or origin.

similar rumors surrounding the yogurt and butter sections of the dairy case are also unfounded.

i think i'll go whip up a grilled cheese with cheddar, feta and manchego and hope that one day, all cheese will live in melty harmony as they do in my sandwich.

cheesily yours,

monkey


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10 Comments:

Blogger Rebecca said...

I have to admit it, it's sad but true: I don't like chevre.

monkey, what's a good alternative to chevre in recipes?

4:11 PM, April 04, 2007  
Blogger hi!monkey said...

rebecca, i appreciate your honesty. not everyone can like chevre. perhaps it's greek cousin, feta, would be more to your liking?

i suggest that you seek out a respected cheesemonger in your area and spend some time sampling some of the alternatives to chevre. see what appeals to you and compliments your recipes.

there is nothing i enjoy better than speanding some time learning about cheese and getting free samples!

7:09 AM, April 05, 2007  
Blogger Rebecca said...

I'm always up for free samples; hence, my being banned from Costco for "excessive fraternization with the Aussie pie demonstration man".

12:55 PM, April 06, 2007  
Blogger Brook said...

We at the Campbell household certainly hope that soon all the cheese world can join together in harmony. We try and do our part once a week to promote cheese unity by introducing new cheeses to our mac and cheese. Some weeks we have more success than others, but we will never give up our crusade.

10:32 PM, April 26, 2007  
Blogger a said...

i wish i was a cheese expert, but really, when it comes down to it, cheese kind of makes me sick. especially really smelly expensive cheeses. Although I do enjoy a good smoked brie. tonight i think i'm eating feta... i'll make sure to have a nice chat

1:37 PM, May 07, 2007  
Blogger hi!monkey said...

lipstick lady, a yummy brie and some tasty feta sounds delish! what time can we drop by with the crackers?

2:19 PM, May 07, 2007  
Blogger Gene said...

Monkey has a blog!

I must sadly admit to never having ventured beyond the cheese of cows. I do have a fondness for a blackberry wine cheese made at a certain farm in Oklahoma though.

5:51 PM, July 09, 2007  
Blogger beksidegrrl said...

I simply lurve your site, monkey!!! its awesome :)

2:53 AM, July 18, 2007  
Blogger Leza said...

I'd like to know when you're coming out with a recipe book! Enjoy your site!

5:48 PM, September 25, 2007  
Blogger hi!monkey said...

bawanee - thanks so much!
leeza - i think a recipe book would be a lot of fun!
gene - oh! do i feel a cheese related road trip coming on?

9:50 AM, September 26, 2007  

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