Neuchatel Cheese

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Video: Neuchatel Cheese

Video: Neuchatel Cheese
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Neuchatel Cheese
Neuchatel Cheese
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Sniffer is a French cheese made from cow's milk. In its soft structure it can be compared with Camembert and Bree. It is produced in the Haute-Normandie region, where it is considered one of the oldest local cheeses. It is popular because of the heart-shaped shape of some of its pies. This makes it a particularly desirable gift on February 14, when many couples around the world celebrate Valentine's Day.

History of Neuchatel

Sniffer is one of the cheeses that have a long history. It is believed that the roots of this dairy product should be traced back five centuries, although many believe it has a much older origin. Normandy has long been famous for its lush pastures and magnificent cheeses made from the milk of a special breed of cow. That is why this cheese, named after a small town, is no exception. Initially, the shape of the cheese was quite ordinary and unnoticeable.

However, due to the events of the Hundred Years' War between England and France (from 1337 to 1453), Neuchatel began to press in a heart shape. Another important point for the cheese is its acquisition of AOC / Appellation Origin Controlled / status, which certifies that the dairy product is produced only in a certain area and with strict monitoring of the production process. This happened in 1969.

Production of Neuchatel

It is said that the cheese is made according to an old recipe that has been preserved for several centuries. Sniffer is produced in the period from March to April. The milk is collected and then poured into a special container. Its production technology also includes heating up to 20 degrees. Then sourdough is added. The milk is left like this for a day, and sometimes more. The whey is then separated and the mold bacterium Penicillium candidum is added.

By the way, the same bacteria is used in the production of Brie cheese. The resulting mass is placed in a special form to be pressed and then stored on wooden shelves in basements, where the temperature is between 12 and 14 degrees and the humidity is very high. After about ten days, the cheese is ready, but in order to get a richer taste and sharp aroma, as well as to form a crust, the storage period in a special room takes up to ten weeks.

Characteristics of Neuchatel

Sniffer is recognizable by its whitish color. It has a dry but delicate crust, under which hides a soft texture, colored white. The bark may also be slightly wrinkled. Unlike other soft white cheeses, this type has a grainy structure. Sniffer has a pleasant aroma reminiscent of mushrooms and mold. The famous French cheese is available in various forms, the most famous being the heart shape. Like "hearts" they are small and big. The small ones weigh about 200 grams, and the big ones are three times heavier. On the market you can find more cakes in the shape of a square or something like a cylinder.

American Sniffer

There is an American prototype of the French Sniffer. In the second half of the nineteenth century, the New York milkman created the first American cream cheese after trying to make a batch of Neuchatel. However, the resulting dairy product differed from its French predecessor. This Sniffer is significantly softer due to its lower fat content and higher moisture content.

Cooking Neuchatel

Fondue
Fondue

Sniffer can be consumed without using in recipes. It is enough to combine with the appropriate drink. Thanks to this combination, not only the taste of the cheese will be complemented, but also that of the drink. Sniffer goes well with both red wines and dry white wines. If you have a choice, then you should definitely opt for sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, burgundy or merlot. Know that his cheese also goes with naturally sweet wines.

If you still want to put Sniffer in a recipe, you can use it in a sauce for various vegetable salads, pizzas, spaghetti, pasta, ravioli, lasagna and more. It can also be used to enrich risotto and potato specialties. Its positive feature is that it tolerates heat treatment well, so if you want to experiment, you have complete freedom of action.

However, we cannot fail to mention that Sniffer is traditionally used in fondue recipes. As the taste and aroma of the dairy product are complemented by various spices of your choice.

Now we bring to your attention an idea for fondue with Neuchatel, which is very fast, but very fragrant and appetizing:

Ingredients: 200 ml of dry white wine, 200 grams of Sniffer, 400 grams of Emmental, 1 tablespoon of potato flour, 1 pinch of black pepper, 1 pinch of cumin, 1 pinch of allspice, 1 loaf of crispy crust.

Preparation: The wine is placed in a special fondue container or in a small saucepan so that it can be heated. When it boils, reduce the heat and add the cheese, which must first be grated. Mix the ingredients and slowly add the flour, which can be pre-dissolved in a little wine.

Once the flour is added, the mixture should be stirred vigorously until it is completely uniform. Finally, add the spices and remove the fondue from the hob. Then the bread is cut into small pieces and they are melted in the mixture with a fork.

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