Cheese help! (Full Version)

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MissAsylum -> Cheese help! (2/1/2013 8:09:36 PM)

Making creamy mac and cheese for a superbowl party. I found a few recipes that I like. All of them are a combo of 3 cheeses that fall into the categories of sharp, nutty, and creamy.

With that, I don't have the time to make a trip out to Whole Foods or Trader Joe's to pick up some of the cheeses recommended, the most commonly listed are cheddar (not an issue), fontina, and Gruyere. I have no idea what cheese can be substituted for the creamy and nutty aspect.

I am cooking in bulk (drunken football fans type of bulk) so I'd like to keep the cost on the cheaper side as much as possible.

I am not into the idea of using processed cheese, such as Velvetta or canned cheddar cheese soup. I thought about using mozzarella for the creamy cheese, but I haven't had much luck with it in the past, being quiet stretchy and all.

Google isn't doing me much good (I may just as well be using the wrong search terms), and I'm cheese challenged so I'd like to here some input from people here on what I can use in the way of common nutty and creamy cheeses.

EDIT: I should just throw out there that the majority of my friends (myself being included) don't care for baked mac and cheese. Something about the clotted cheese and noodles I just find...unsettling.




LafayetteLady -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 8:12:49 PM)

Well, I assume you are going to have to go somewhere to get the cheeses, right?

Google "nutty cheeses" "creamy cheeses" etc. and see what results you get.




MissAsylum -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 8:15:10 PM)

Well yes, I will have to leave the house to get them...unfortunately.

What I should have added is that I'm not sure about cheese parings, flavor harmony wise.

quote:

ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady

Well, I assume you are going to have to go somewhere to get the cheeses, right?

Google "nutty cheeses" "creamy cheeses" etc. and see what results you get.





DesFIP -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 8:28:42 PM)

http://www.myrecipes.com/how-to/cooking-questions/fontina-cheese-substitute-00420000013132/
fontina substitutes

Just substitute swiss for the gruyere




Switcheroo1983 -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 8:29:55 PM)

If you live anywhere near a Sprouts Farmer's Market, head there. Great selection of cheeses. There is also Vegan faux cheese if anyone at the party is a vegetarian.

If you want a quick, psuedo-cheap idea, buy a block of Kerry Gold (not cheap) imported Irish cheese. Melt it. Mix it with bagged "Mexican blend cheese" (cheap). Add chopped and sauteed walnuts. Serve with butter crackers. Goes well with strong coffee.




Level -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 8:33:46 PM)

Love the KerryGold butter. Which doesn't help MissA...




MissAsylum -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 8:35:59 PM)

I honestly would have never thought to use swiss. It's probably just me, but I always felt that it was a bit on the tasteless side, but i'll make a test batch using it.
quote:

ORIGINAL: DesFIP

http://www.myrecipes.com/how-to/cooking-questions/fontina-cheese-substitute-00420000013132/
fontina substitutes

Just substitute swiss for the gruyere





MissAsylum -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 8:40:01 PM)

It looks like Sprouts is a mid-west/west coast chain so sucks for me.

I really like your idea, but I have an overwhelming feeling that those attending may not appreciate the walnuts (i'm sure they can be taken out, unless they make the dish) since it may be considered "fancy".

quote:

ORIGINAL: Switcheroo1983

If you live anywhere near a Sprouts Farmer's Market, head there. Great selection of cheeses. There is also Vegan faux cheese if anyone at the party is a vegetarian.

If you want a quick, psuedo-cheap idea, buy a block of Kerry Gold (not cheap) imported Irish cheese. Melt it. Mix it with bagged "Mexican blend cheese" (cheap). Add chopped and sauteed walnuts. Serve with butter crackers. Goes well with strong coffee.





MissAsylum -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 8:41:42 PM)

I'm sure I can make a dish using it for myself and the mister one day since we don't eat in bulk lol
quote:

ORIGINAL: Level

Love the KerryGold butter. Which doesn't help MissA...





Switcheroo1983 -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 8:53:01 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: MissAsylum

It looks like Sprouts is a mid-west/west coast chain so sucks for me.

I really like your idea, but I have an overwhelming feeling that those attending may not appreciate the walnuts (i'm sure they can be taken out, unless they make the dish) since it may be considered "fancy".


Argh! Sorry to hear about the lack of Sprouts. Oh no, Walnuts don't make the dish. The very sharp Irish cheese mixed with the mild Mexican cheese makes the dish. The Walnuts, are, yes, just "fancy" lol. You could try peanuts, or for added "less-than-fancy" appeal, beer nuts/cashews.




MissAsylum -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 9:00:19 PM)

I definitely don't consider walnuts fancy lol. However, most of my friends consider a strip steak at TGIFridays to be super fancy.

Not saying there is anything wrong with TGIF (if for the cheap drinks in abundance and nothing else), but those are the palettes I'm working with.

So...go figure on that.
quote:

ORIGINAL: Switcheroo1983


quote:

ORIGINAL: MissAsylum

It looks like Sprouts is a mid-west/west coast chain so sucks for me.

I really like your idea, but I have an overwhelming feeling that those attending may not appreciate the walnuts (i'm sure they can be taken out, unless they make the dish) since it may be considered "fancy".


Argh! Sorry to hear about the lack of Sprouts. Oh no, Walnuts don't make the dish. The very sharp Irish cheese mixed with the mild Mexican cheese makes the dish. The Walnuts, are, yes, just "fancy" lol. You could try peanuts, or for added "less-than-fancy" appeal, beer nuts/cashews.





lmpishlilhellcat -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 10:13:51 PM)

I like a nice sharp white cheddar.

For creamy you could use a cream havarti or gouda. Just don't get smoke gouda it changes the flavor completely. Edam is similar to gouda only a little bit more dry.

Nutty: Roquefort (which I love!)

Although a good cheese is probably going to be a little bit more on the expensive side. All of these you should be able to find in any cheese section of just about any grocery store.


Sometimes I throw in parmesan, asiago, and reggiano into mine with a nice sharp cheddar. It give it this salty taste with a bit of a bite!

Don't forget to make a good roux!!

You could always use a colby jack. It's not fancy or gourmet, but it's inexpensive and would get the job done. You could probably use a baby swiss too, but an aged swiss would definitely change the flavor.




TAFKAA -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 11:14:51 PM)

Check "Ask a Mistress" - that forum is so cheesy you get a free packet of Saltines with every thread.




theRose4U -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 11:41:48 PM)

My never fail cheesy dip is 2 sticks cream cheese
6-8oz jar marinated artichoke hearts diced
2 tbs chopped garlic
(Frozen spinach can be used instead of hearts but it MUST be thawed seperate & water removed)

Put in bowl microwave till creamy (usually 1-2 minutes) stir thoroughly & serve warm in hollowed bread bowl




MistressDarkArt -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 11:49:53 PM)

Mmmmm, Rose, that sounds delicious. Will have to try!




theRose4U -> RE: Cheese help! (2/1/2013 11:58:16 PM)

That is the recipe for my oh shit I forgot that was tonight potluck appetizer. Grab pieces at store & nuke on site. NEVER have had to bring any home. Bowl can be eaten or chips, crackers, veggies or croutons used for dipping




MistressDarkArt -> RE: Cheese help! (2/2/2013 12:06:59 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: theRose4U

That is the recipe for my oh shit I forgot that was tonight potluck appetizer.



Heheheh, how did you know?!




theRose4U -> RE: Cheese help! (2/2/2013 12:16:51 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: MistressDarkArt


quote:

ORIGINAL: theRose4U

That is the recipe for my oh shit I forgot that was tonight potluck appetizer.



Heheheh, how did you know?!

Umm cause it wouldn't be the 2nd or 52nd time I had this problem??




Duskypearls -> RE: Cheese help! (2/2/2013 2:04:03 AM)

OMG, I've this. It is truly out of this world, couldn't be easier. Great suggestion.




MissAsylum -> RE: Cheese help! (2/2/2013 5:06:15 AM)

I guess you're the packet, because you sure seem salty.

quote:

ORIGINAL: TAFKAA

Check "Ask a Mistress" - that forum is so cheesy you get a free packet of Saltines with every thread.





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