A Worthy Holiday Spread...

What makes the holiday season so memorable? It's the food, of course! The smells and flavors are what (culinarily-speaking) the season is all about. Inspired by the fragrant, sweet, savory, earthy, herbaceous, robust and rich flavors that define the foods of the season, we've selected three cheeses that will fit perfectly with your holiday feast.

Western Sage Cheddar

Handmade by Bravo Farms Cheese Company, out of Traver, CA, their Western Sage Cheddar marries wonderfully with so many dishes. It received accolades in England, at the London World Cheese Awards- the country that created the sage-infused cheese (Sage Derby) even recognized its superior quality and flavor!

Made from raw cow's milk from their own herd, it is all-natural handmade cheese at its finest. Aged for two months, it is infused with sage oil and chopped sage. The Western Sage Cheddar is earthy, rich and not too robust, with a delicately sweet finish that fades beautifully on the palate. Take a gander at Bravo Farm's website for more info.



Apple Smoked Cheddar
Created by Sid Cook, fourth-generation Master Cheese Maker of Carr Valley Cheese Company, it is truly a fusion of flavor and color.

Beginning with their finest white cheddar, it is smoked over apple wood, imparting that signature sweet-smokiness. After receiving the smoke, it is then hand rubbed with the finest paprika. The combination of the subtle heat from the paprika and the sweet-smokiness of the cheddar make for a uniquely different cheddar experience! The sharp visual contrast of the bright red rind and straw-colored paste set this cheddar apart. It also took awards home in '05 and '06 from the American Cheese Society and the World Cheese Competition. Check out Carr Valley's website for their other tasty offerings.



Rouge et Noir Triple Cream Brie
Created by Marin French Cheese Company, of Petaluma, CA. Marin actually began selling cheese back in 1865 in San Francisco, when the area had a shortage of eggs. Their cheeses were sold at taverns, since pickled eggs were unavailable. They haven't stopped creating since!

A product of superior craftsmanship, the Triple Cream Brie stands apart from its domestic counterparts. Buttery, rich, earthy and sinfully delicious, the Triple Cream Brie is a slice of heaven! It dominated at the World Cheese Awards in '05, where it dealt out disappointment to so many other French-produced Bries- a true victory for Marin! Take a look at Marin's website for more hunger-inducing info.



Try serving these cheeses with your holiday spread this year, it may be a new tradition in the making!