Say Cheese! and Biscuits

I love Cheese.... To fully appreciate the flavor and texture, always serve natural cheese at room temperature. Remove  the cheese from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.

 Some surface-ripened cheeses such as Camembert and Brie  are best soft and almost runny. Allow 1-2 hours for these cheeses to reach room temperature.

When sampling cheese. the more delicately flavored cheeses should be tasted before the sharper varieties.  Always buy fresh cheese. Check the date on the package.  

Freshness dating which read " Best when purchased by (date)" indicates when the cheese should be bought to allow a reasonable storage time in the home. Always keep natural cheese refrigerated as the label directs. Another important label message is "Satisfaction Guaranteed or your money back."

Finally purchase cheese from stores that are clean and well organized and that keep dairy products well refrigerated. Expand your knowledge of cheese by trying unfamiliar varieties and learning how to include them in your daily meals.

Thinking today would be a good biscuit making day. 

Happy Valentines Day!

These are hearty and will go with breakfast, brunch or dinner along with a nice soup.

Hearty Cheddar Biscuits

2 cups flour

1 T baking powder

1t salt

1/4 cup shortening

1/2 cup chopped onion

2T chopped pimento

1 1/2(6 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

3/4 cup milk

Combine the dry ingredients: cut in the shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the onion

pimento and the cheese. Add milk, mix just until moistened. * Do not over mix

On a lightly floured surface roll the dough out to 1/2 in thickness: cut with floured cutter, Any shape works, or even flour a glass top if you have no cutter.

Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 450 15 minutes  or until golden brown.. This recipe makes 15 -16 biscuits  depending on size.  Of course you will want to serve them buttered.

Enjoy a red wine  like Pinot Noir with these.  

You can make smaller bite size ones and serve them as an appetizer, add a bit of garlic butter or dill  in place of the pimento before baking with the wine too...Go ahead  get creative..What would you like? Rosemary? Thyme? 

Now you're cookin~