March 2018 | Epicure Foods Magazine

L

LUXURIOUS

EONORA MARCH 2018

16 ON THE COVER

12

Luxurious Leonora

Leading Ladies

From French farm wives circa 700bc to modern America’s founding cheesemaker mothers, the ‘Goat Ladies’, International Women’s Day on March 8th is the perfect time to celebrate cheese history’s leading ladies and their praise-worthy products .

Us

Her shape is modeled after a “lingotte”, Spanish for ‘bar of gold’.

Her lovers know her worth is far more. She is . . .

Luxurious Leonora.

14 A World Of Savings

Exceptional quality global imports and specials at rock-bottom prices.

CONTACT

MARCH 2018 | 2









PHONE

EMAIL

WEB

FAX

+ 1 908 527 8080

info@efccorp.com

www.efccorp.com

+ 1 908 527 8441

March CONTENTS

22 Easy Being Green

To prepare for St. Patrick’s Day we compiled a pairing guide for the best products to enjoy with your green beers that will have you feeling the luck O’ the Irish with every bite.

33 30 Nutrition Ambition

In honor of National Nutrition Month, we’ve put together a special selection highlighting just how great healthy tastes.

Epicure Specials Our monthly rotation of all your favorites at a steal.

35 Monthly Product Demonstrations Book them before they’re gone!

MARCH 2018 | 3

Lesley Stowe

Raincoast Oat Crisps

Crisps made with gluten-free ingredients that truly taste great!

CN-360 Cranberry CN-361 Plain CN-362 Rosemary Raisin 12x6oz • $42.99/CS

Raincoast Crisps These signature crisps are great to enjoy on their own, but see them really shine when topped with your favorite dip, cheese or antipasto.

CN-348 Pumpkin Spice NEW CN-349 Apricot Ginger NEW CN-350 Cranberry Hazelnut CN-351 Fig and Olive CN-352 Original CN-353 Rosemary Raisin Pecan CN-354 Salty Date and Almond 12x5.3oz • $42.99/CS

Raincoast Veggie Flats

These fabulous flatbreads are made with care in small batches using the finest quality ingredients. They are Non-GMO Project verified and certified kosher.

CN-370 Beet and Balsamic CN-371 Butternut Squash & Canadian Maple Sryup CN-372 Kale & English Walnut 12x5.3oz • $42.99/CS

US-277 • Merry Goat Round • 6x9oz • $13.99/LB US-280 • Spruce Reserve Merry Goat Round • 4x11oz • $15.99/LB

Firefly Farms

MARCH 2018 | 4

Merry Goat Round is one of FireFly Farms’ original aged cheeses, first launched in 2002. It is a silky textured, goats’ milk bloomy rind round that starts with a clean, lactic sharpness and develops stronger complex mushroom-flavor notes with age.

Created in 2017 and inspired by celebrity chef, Jose Andres, Spruce Reserve was created to celebrate FireFly Farms’ 15th Anniversary. It is wrapped in a local, natural spruce-wood strap and carefully aged until the cheese body is fully ripened, creamy, spreadable and perfectly woodsy.

Divina

US-1402 |12x9oz | $30.99/CS

US-1400 |12x9oz | $30.99/CS

GR-638 |12x9oz | $30.99/CS

Vermont Creamery

Vermont Creamery cultures the freshest, high quality Vermont cream from the local St. Albans Cooperative, a co-op of 500 family farms in Northeast Vermont. The cream is churned in small batches becoming a rich, European-style cultured butter with 86% butterfat content and a unique, farmfresh taste.

US-973 Sea Salt Roll • 12x4oz • $23.99/CS US-974 Unsalted Roll • 6x8oz • $16.99/CS US-975 Lightly Salted Roll • 6x8oz • $16.99/CS

Divina Fig Spreads are crafted from Aegean figs, Divina’s fig spreads are deeply fruity and complex. A standout on any menu, we love it on pizza, spread on sandwiches, whisked into a vinaigrette or baked into pastries, cakes and pies. An ideal cheese pairing, this item has endless sweet and savory applications.

Divina Sour Cherry Spread has a bold, fruit-forward flavor that captures the essence of a ripe Summer cherry.

Both tart and sweet, this versatile spread is a wonderful menu addition when used to sweeten a savory sandwich, as a cheese condiment, baked into pastries or spread into a yogurt parfait.

Crème Fraîche is an exquisitely rich cultured cows’ cream with a thick, creamy texture and a tart, slightly nutty flavor made in a traditional French style.

US-963|12x8oz | $28.49/CS

Mascarpone

is a fresh,

high quality

Vermont

cream from

the local St.

Albans

Cooperative.

It is cooked at a

high temperature until it is thick, smooth, and sweet to create this velvety, rich, Italian-style cream cheese.

US-966|12x8oz | $31.99/CS

MARCH 2018 | 5

5 Spoke Creamery Redmond Cheddar is reminiscent of traditional English Cheddar. The taste and smooth texture of this cheese is reminiscent of what you would expect to find at farmer’s markets or behind the counters at fine specialty foods stores.

• US-455 • 11-12x7oz • $8.29/LB

Harvest Moon is a rich, round cheese with a moonscape-like outer rind and an inside the bright orange hue of autumnal leaves, Harvest Moon has a hint of sweetness and butterscotch notes that become more pronounced as it ages.

• US-453 • 1x8.5lb • $11.49/LB

Beechers ’ Flagship Reserve is a special version of Beecher’s signature Flagship cheese.

It is made only on days when the milk composition is just right. The last curds on the table are used to produce Flagship Reserve truckles as it allows for slightly lower moisture, higher salt content and thus a richer taste and texture- all while maintaining a clean, creamy finish.

The first wheel of Flagship, Beecher’s signature cheese, was handcrafted just as Beecher’s Handmade Cheese opened its doors in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market in November of 2003. Flagship is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese with a uniquely robust, nutty flavor. It is carefully aged for 15 months to fully develop its complex flavor and ever-so-slight crumble.

US-1061 • 2x5lb • $9.69/LB MARCH 2018 | 6

Tumbleweed is a cross between a Cantal Fermier (Le Salers) and an aged cheddar. This semi-hard cheese shows its true form after 12 months in the cave.

• US-456 • 1x10lb • $10.89/LB

Cave-aged 2 years, Browning Gold develops a natural rind dusted with powdery white mold and a creamy texture. It is buttery like a Lancashire and has the aroma of toasted nuts and brown butter.

• US-476 • 1x10lb • $12.29/LB

In addition to using this special raw material, Flagship Reserve is traditionally cloth-bound and openair aged. This method allows a 14 to 16% moisture loss during aging, concentrating the already rich flavor and producing a long finish.

Flagship Reserve (Pre-Order) US-1055 • 1x16lb • $10.99/LB

US-1352 Vat 17 |2x5lb | $8.69/LB

US-1354 The Blue Jay |1x6lb | $8.69/LB

US-1350 The Stag|1x22lb | $8.19/LB Vat 17

Deer

Creek

The creation of this unique cheese began as a quest to capture the best flavor attributes from Cheddars around the world, and blend them into one unique cheese. Vat 17 World Cheddar is bold and complex, with a tangy nuttiness that is unsurpassed. It is a highly decorated cheese, winning numerous awards across the world.

The Blue Jay

Made using a Quintuple Crème Blue recipe, The Blue Jay is rich in texture with strong buttery notes. We then crush juniper berries to release their perfume and infuse them throughout to complement the Blue strain’s unique botanical essence. The result is a bold, yet utterly creamy Blue with a delicately piney bouquet that blooms in your mouth.

The Stag

The Stag has a rugged, driving strong toffee and butterscotch notes, yet possesses the sweet finish.

As it ages, The Stag develops a hint of crystalline crunch to further enliven the taste buds with rich texture as well as flavor.

Jambon de Bayonne

• FR-1120 • 10x3oz • $45.99/CS

Bayonne Ham is produced in the Ardour Basin in the heart of French Basque Country. This exceptional aircured ham draws its unique qualities from the region’s cultural traditions. Certified to guarantee authenticity, Bayonne Hams must be air-cured for 12 months producing a classic cured ham that is rich in color and tenderness while remaining mildly flavored with only a hint of saltiness.

The salting and aging processes are exclusively carried out in the Adour River basin using Salies-de-Béarn Salt which is obtained exclusively through the evaporation of salt springwater from the Reine Jeanne d’Oraas spring. This means that the salt is 100% natural and rich in trace elements, adding to Delpeyrat’s Jambon de Bayonne’s natural fine quality and nutritional richness.

MARCH 2018 | 7

Jambon de Paris Made according to the French charcuterie recipe. It is delicately spiced, slowly cooked in its own juices and wrapped in its skin. The result is a refined taste. Jambon de Paris has low sodium content – a definite plus for today’s health conscious market.

US-780 • 1x11lb • $5.69/LB Mousse Truffée Pork & Chicken with Truffles US-711 Bulk • 2x3lb • $7.59/LB

US-887 Organic Mousse Aux Cepes Organic Chicken Liver, Pork & Wild Mushroom US-888 Organic Pâté Aux Pomme et Cidre Organic Chicken Pâté with Apples and Cider US-889 Organic Pâté de Campagne Organic Country Pork Pâté 8x4oz • $23.99/LB

Croccantini

Minis

Croccantini Minis | 12x3oz | $16.89/CS US-1410 Original US-1416 Roasted Garlic US-1418 Rosemary Croccantini Minis | 12x6oz | $26.99/CS US-1411 Original US-1419 Rosemary US-1413 Pepper US-1421 Toasted Sesame US-1415 Multigrain US-1417 Roasted Garlic US-1423 Whole Wheat MARCH 2018 | 8

Dolcetini Dolcetini | 12x8oz | $24.99/CS US-1425 Chocolate US-1426 Cinnamon US-1427 Meyer Lemon US-1428 Vanilla

Inspired by the sheer natural beauty of their coastal climate and locale, Bay Blue is a rustic-style blue cheese reminiscent of Stilton. It is known for its mellow flavor and sweet, salted caramel finish.

• US-176 • 1x6LB • $11.49/LB

Point Reyes doesn’t play favorites, but the cheese that started it all holds a special place in their hearts. Point Reyes’ Original Blue has been produced on their family farm since 2000.

California’s classic style blue cheese is rindless, allnatural and gluten-free. The addictive flavor is bold with hints of sweet milk and a peppery finish.

In Italian, Toma means “wheel of cheese made by the farmer himself.” What better way to describe this, our most versatile, any time, any table cheese.

All natural, pasteurized, semi-hard table cheese with a waxed rind.

• US-170 • 1x6LB • $8.99/LB

• US-177 • 1x9LB • $8.99/LB

Rogue

Creamery A long, gentle cold-smoking over shells from Oregon hazelnuts infuses Rogue Creamery’s Smokey Blue cheese with an added layer of rich flavor and terroir.

Sweet cream flavors and caramel notes balance earthy flavors of smoke and hints of roasted nuts. The result is a cakey yet smooth blue cheese reminiscent of candied bacon.

Hopyard is an IPA malted milk shake with savory texture and buttery finish. The hop petals provide an herbaceous olfactory hit like the first notes from a freshly poured IPA. Then layers of sweet brown butter and hazelnuts with slightly old-fashioned buttermilk tones follow.

US-519 |4x10lb | $13.19/LB

US-829 |1x5lb | $13.89/LB

A nod to Rogue Creamery’s Italian heritage, Oregonzola Blue Cheese was developed by Ignazio Vella in the late 1990’s. The smooth and yielding texture of the paste and clearly defined blue veins are reminiscent of the great Gorgonzola but the bouquet of fruit, sweet cream and tangy flavors set it apart as an American original.

Mount Mazama is the epitome of umami.

Made with a combination of cow and goats milks this cheddar showcases the best of both worlds: a thick texture, the flavor of sweet cream with a touch of tanginess from the cows, and caramel and nutty notes with a hint of acidity from the goats. The discovery of small crystals throughout the slightly crumbly paste will provide yet another level of textural variation and pleasure for the palette.

US-378 |1x5lb | $14.99/LB

US-833 |1x10lb| $11.49/LB • PRE-ORDER

Crater Lake Blue Cheese is aptly named after one of Oregon’s greatest natural attractions. The pronounced and vibrant blue veins striated across the creamy white paste mirror the clouds over Crater Lake. This robust blue has a silky paste bright with flavors of sweet cream, red fruit, and a sharp finish.

US-094 |1x5lb | $14.99/LB

MARCH 2018 | 9

US-051 Crumbled Goat Cups | 12x4oz | $25.99/CS US-052 Crumbled Goat Onion & Basil | 12x4oz | $25.99/CS US-156 Goat Feta Crumble Cups | 12x4oz | $25.99/CS US-207 Crumbled Goat Candied Cranberry (PREORDER) | 12x4oz | $25.99/CS US-161 Cabrie Mini Goat Brie | 6x4.4oz | $14.19/CS US-1372 Creamy Goat Brie (Wood Box) | 6x5.5oz | $22.49/CS US-104 Bucheron | 2x2.2lb | $25.99/CS

MARCH 2018 | 10

Goat Logs | 12x4oz | $23.99/CS US-135 Pumpkin (PREORDER) US-136 Fig & Olive US-145 Assorted US-146 Plain US-147 Garlic & Herb US-148 Pepper US-154 Honey US-157 Cranberry & Cinnamon US-158 Peppadew US-159 Lemon Zest US-204 Blueberry Vanilla US-205 Tomato Basil US-349 Jalapeno US-336 Truffle | 12x4oz | $34.99/CS

• FR-600 • 1x4lb • $9.79/LB

• FR-605 • 6x7oz • $24.99/CS

• FR-255 • 2x4LB • $9.49/LB

• FR-608 • 2x5lb • $10.69/LB

• US-062 • 6x5.3oz • $12.29/CS

• FR-622 • 2x4lb • $8.59/LB

• US-290 • 2x4lb • $7.49/LB

• FR-319 • 2x10lb • $10.99/LB

• FR-595 • 2x4lb • $9.49/LB

• FR-1019 • 6x8oz • $23.49/CS • PRE-ORDER

• US-291 • 2x3lb • $34.99/CS • PRE-ORDER

• US-127 • 6x7oz • $14.99/CS

• US-2912 • 6x6.5oz • $20.09/CS

• US-2910 • 6x6.5oz • $20.09/CS

• US-2913 • 12x6.5oz • $39.99/CS

• US-2914 • 12x4oz • $20.99/CS

• FR-1017 • 12x4.5oz • $31.99/CS • PRE-ORDER

• FR-1015 • 60x0.9oz • $39.99/CS • PRE-ORDER

• US-2916 • 12x4oz • $20.99/CS

MARCH 2018 | 11

Goat

Leadingˆ Ladies From French farm wives of the Loire Valley circa 700bc to modern America’s founding cheesemaker mothers affectionately known as ‘The Goat Ladies’, International Women’s Day on March 8th is the perfect time to pay tribute to cheese history’s countless list of leading ladies and their praiseworthy products.

C

Valençay

heese history is full of chapters starring strong, innovative, dedicated women.

Often the forces for change as well as the keepers of traditionespecially during times of war and depression when men were away- ladies have been the brains and brawn behind the rinds for thousands of years.

This month we’ve focused on bringing you a taste of the greats from many of our favorite goat loving gals. These pioneering women began building some of the USA’s most loved and respected farmstead creameries around the 1970s and 1980s and are still leading the craft maker movement today.

• FR-705 (Ash) • 6x10.6oz • $39.99/CS MARCH 2018 | 12

Their goats’ milk cheeses and dairy products are even believed by many to have exceeded the very high standards previously set and maintained by the French-especially concerning Loire Valley classics such as fresh chevre and Valençay.

Around 700bc Arabs left behind all of their goats in the Loire Valley after a defeat by the French at the Battle of Tours. This became a pivotal point in cheesemaking in the years to come as French women working on farms then created many of the great cheese techniques and recipes still used today as a means of finding ways to extend the shelf life of their new-found abundance of goats’ milk.

Nearly 1300 years later-- while motivated by different reasons yet sharing similar sentiments-- in late 70s/early 80s America each of “The Goat Ladies” coincidentally began building what would become a highly respected new tradition of artisan cheesemaking in the USA. The ladies’ individual cheesemaking studies in and around France and the Loire Valley taught them the secrets of their ancient chevre-savvy sisters. They used this education along with an unbreakable commitment to seeing her vision through to the benefit of us all. That is some serious ‘(Goat) Girl Power’ to admire.

Judy SCHAD,

Mary

Capriole Goat Cheeses, IN

KEEHN,

Cypress Grove Creamery, CA

• US-560 • 1x5lb • $13.29/LB

Sofia

Humboldt Fog

• US-589 • 3x1lb • $19.99/LB

Laura CHENEL,

Allison

• US-213 • 8x5.4oz • $30.83/CS

• US-963 • 12x8oz • $28.49/CS

Laura Chenel’s Pure Goat Milk Cheese, CA

Crushed Olive Log

HOOPER,

Vermont Creamery, VT

Crème Fraîche MARCH 2018 | 13

A World of aving

$

$

GLOBAL IMPORTS & SPECIALS ITEM # SIZE a

FR-1001 President Comte Le Montarlier Precuts 6x8.8oz | $30.99/CS

b

FR-247 Fromagerie Arnaud 2yr Comte • Quarters 1x22lb | $12.49/LB FR-260 Arnaud Bellecombe 4 Mo Comte • Wheel 1x80lb | $7.69/LB

c D

FR-346 Valbreso Feta Loaves 2x4.5lb | $5.89/LB

e

FR-373 Fromager D’Affinois 2x4.4lb | $66.99/CS

F

FR-483 Isigny Young Mimolette • 2-3 months 2x7lb | $7.49/LB

G

FR-490 Livradois Montboissie • Pasteurized 1x8lb | $5.99/LB

H

FR-500 Istara P’tit Basque 6x1.25lb | $11.29/LB

I

FR-630 Agour Secret de Compostelle 2x9.92lb | $9.69/LB

J

FR-809

Les Sables d’Antan Butter Cookies 8x6.2oz | $15.49/CS

K

FR-807

Les Sables de l’Abbaye Butter Cookies 12x4.4oz | $17.99/CS

L

FR-815

Trouvillais Apple Cookies 10x4.4oz | $19.49/CS

ITEM # SIZE

NAME PRICE

France a

b

e

d g

f

h

i j

l k

NAME PRICE

Di Bruno Bros. Cheese Spreads 6x7.6oz | $19.99/CS US-1520 ‘Abbruzze’ with Spicy Cheddar, Hot Pepper, Garlic, Herbs US-1521 ‘Gorgonzola’ with Aged Cheddar and Blue Cheese US-1522 ‘Provolone & Chianti’ with Aged Sharp Provolone, Red Wine US-1523 ‘Port Wine’ with Aged Cheddar, Sweet Port Wine US-1524 ‘Pinot Grigio & Fig’ with Aged Cheddar, Sweet Figs, White Wine US-1525 ‘Cheddar & Horseradish’ with Smoky Bacon US-1526 ‘Roasted Garlic & Herb’ with Aged Cheddar US-1527 ‘Smoked Gouda & Beer’ with Brown Ale, Pimento Peppers

MARCH 2018 | 14

c

United States

ITEM # SIZE

United Kingdom

NAME PRICE

a UK-023 Cotswold 2x5lb | $6.19/LB b UK-041 Huntsman 2x5lb | $6.89/LB C UK-022 Coastal Cheddar Pre-packs 12x7.05oz | $29.99/CS

a D

UK-140 Coastal Cheddar Loaf 1x11lb | $4.99/LB D

Somerdale ‘Enjoy Me With’ Cheddar 12x7oz | $39.99/CS UK-752 Red Wine UK-753 White Wine UK-754 Beer

ITEM # SIZE

c b

NAME PRICE

Italy

a D

a

IT-264

Fontina Fontal 4x6lb | $4.69/LB

b IT-177

Mozzarella Di Bufala Cups 6x5.29oz | $18.99/CS

c

Mozzarella Di Bufala Bags 6x8.81oz | $32.99/CS Gorgonzola Dolce D.O.P. 4x3lb Quarters | $5.49/LB

IT-178

D IT-025

ITEM # SIZE

b

c

Denmark

NAME PRICE

DK-085 St. Clemens Creamy Dill Havarti 1x8lb | $3.59/LB

ITEM # SIZE a

NAME PRICE

Spain

a

SP-190 Valdeon 2x6lb | $7.79/LB

b

b

SP-500 Idiazabal (Smoked) D.O. 2x6.6lb | $8.69/LB

ITEM # SIZE

NAME PRICE

b

Sweden

a SD-020 Fontina Swedish 1x28lb | $4.29/LB b SD-200 Scandic Priest XO 1x28lb | $8.29/LB

a MARCH 2018 | 15

L

LUXURIOUS MARCH 2018 | 16

EONORA

MARCH 2018 | 17

L L

LUXURIOUS

EONORA Her shape is modeled after a “lingotte”, Spanish for ‘bar of gold’. Her lovers know her worth is far more.

She is . . .

Luxurious Leonora.

SPAIN -- Named for its home region of León, Leonora is a special goat’s milk cheese made by a small farmhouse producer (Oscar) who has only been exporting to the US for a relatively few short years. Made with milk from Oscar’s own herd, Leonora is a prime example of the recent renaissance in Spanish cheesemaking. Here’s a brief excerpt from an interview with Oscar Fernando Marcos Gonzalez on his luxurious creation:

“After various years trying to find my place in the rural world and after (choosing) a profession ill suited for me (electronics), I stumbled upon the opportunity to learn to make cheese. The government was offering to subsidize projects to help people in the area of Leon to move from a lifetime of mining which was the principal (job) and almost only source of income for the area where we lived, so we could earn a living doing something else.

One course grabbed my attention and I saw the possibilities in being a cheese maker as a way of life, and I began to learn better how to make the traditional cheeses of Leon. I traveled to France, to other cheese makers in the area and focused on a particular regional cheeseQueso de Babia y Laciana.

We began making this cheese and put together our first ‘cheese plant’ making cheese downstairs, running up a spiral staircase to the small aging room, loading cheese from the side staircase .... not the easiest place to work from. (At first) our cheese wasn’t accepted too well as it was very acidic and a bit spicy.....later this cheese became the Leonora of today.”

Today, Oscar makes Leonora in a new facility located in a small rural town in

MARCH 2018 | 18

L the region of Leon. Though his business has expanded over the past few years, he still makes all the cheese himself with only the help of his assistant, Ana. He gets his milk from 2 farms for the cheese-- always from Murciana goats.

He first pasteurizes the milk, then lowers the temperature and adds a bit of goat rennet. Next, using the process of lactic fermentation to forward the process, Oscar lets the curds sit for about 18 hours to naturally acidify and ferment. He then puts the curds into a cheesecloth and lets them drain for 6-8 hours. After which they are placed in a vat where Oscar adds salt and penicillium candidum.

The recipe for Leonora is loosely based on a traditional cheese from Galicia known as Queso de Babia y Laciana. The mold for the cheese is in the shape of a “lingotte” (Spanish for bar of gold). He places the cheese in this special mold while also adding a mineral water and penicillium solution to help make the growth of surface mold more even. Young Leonoras go on to age for 10-12 days in the summer, less in the winter, until deemed ready.

With Oscar’s perfecting of the Leonora recipe, he has truly found his calling and success in markets reaching far past Spain. He is a part of a younger generation of cheesemakers respecting traditions yet un-afraid to innovate, create, and further expand the definition of what constitutes great Spanish cheese.

L

LUXURIOUS

SP-093 | 2 x 3.5 lb | $ 9.89/lb

EONORA PAIRINGS

Leonora is a bold and assertive cheese that deserves pairings suited to handle its many hefty flavors and rich, luxurious textures.

Citrus-based spreads and cocktails are a great fit to play up the natural, zesty lemon notes in the paste of this goats’ milk bloomy rind classic.

Sweet or tart elements such as honeycomb or cherries will mellow Leonora’s pleasantly bitter, intensely robust rind.

ORANGE CHERRY COSMOPOLITAN 3 oz 3/4 oz 1/4 oz 1 1/2 oz

Citrus Vodka Triple Sec Cherry Juice Sparkling Cherry Seltzer

Shake and double strain into a chilled Coupe Glass.

Garnish with an orange wheel or zest. Serve with a luxurious plate of Leonora, rustic baguette slices, and raw honeycomb.

MARCH 2018 | 19

Fiore Dolce is a firm Italian cheese made only from sheep’s milk and has a mild taste with a caramel sweetness twist.

IT-390 |2x7lb | $7.39/LB

Ricotta & Cheese Factory

President

Ricotta Montella is an aged ricotta with a cone shape attribute. It is a firm and compact, yet not dry ricotta. Try grating Ricotta Montella over pasta for a delicious topping.

IT-395 |10x0.8lb| $3.19/LB

Central Formaggi developed and nurtured their own signature cultures used in the cheese making process.

This culture gives the Central cheeses their signature flavor that is recognized and desired worldwide.

Valbreso Feta

Cheesemaking is an ancient art form. There are recorded references to Feta within Homer’s Odyssey, written around 8 BC. While it may no longer be crafted in the cave of a Cyclops, its fresh saltiness still remains a distinct quality.

Ranging from firm and crumbly to rich and Conceived in a dream (yes, really!) by founder creamy, Mary Keehn, this masterpiece paved the way

for soft-ripened goat cheese in America. Each Président a variety handcrafted wheeloffers features a distinctive ribbon ofvegetable Feta. Sprinkle it on enjoy buttermilk of edible ash. You’ll and fresh cream, complemented top of a salad or pizza, with floral notes, herbaceous overtones, and a clean citrus finish. include it in a pasta As Humboldt the creamline develops sauceFog or matures, pair it with and the flavor intensifies.

sweet fruit for an added layer of flavor.

FR-348 Pre-pack •12x7oz • $38.99/CS

Sarró de Cabra The most famous of Montbrú’s cheeses. Sarró de Cabra is a soft buttery cheese with a citric spark that melts in the mouth and a spotless white color. Its rind provides hints of earthy notes.

An indispensable cheese at any table.

SP-276 • 2x2.2lb • $11.94/LB

Blau de Cabra Blau de Cabra is a dense, fudge-like blue cheese with a natural rind that delivers rustic, barnyard aromas and a delicately spicy, tangy paste.

Its smooth and creamy texture makes it perfect to be spread.

SP-273 • 2x4lb • $14.63/LB

Sarró de Búfala Sarró de Búfala is the buffalo milk version of the awardwinning Sarró de Cabra. Each wheel of Sarró is made with pasteurized milk and just enough salt to enhance its natural sweetness.

SP-270 • 2x3.75lb • $13.47/LB

Blau de Búfala Made from pasteurized Catalan buffalo milk, Blau de Búfala is an intensely rich, creamy, medium spicy blue cheese. It packs an impressive range of complex flavors throughout the Penicillium roqueforti speckled paste.

SP-272 • 2x3.75lb • $16.15/LB

Coastal

Cheddar

Coastal has been developed to appeal to the consumer demand for rich, rugged and mature cheddars. Aged for a minimum of fifteen months, Coastal is often characterised with a distinctive crunch – a result of the calcium lactate crystals which form naturally in the cheese as it matures.

• UK-022 • 12x7.05oz • $29.99/CS • UK-140 • 1x1lb • $4.99/LB MARCH 2018 | 21

Easy Being

Green ‘Tis the time of year for a St. Patrick’s Day green beer! Whether you like it or not, this tradition is entering its 103rd year this 2018 proving the strong staying power of ‘Ye Olde Pint O’ Green’.

While green beer’s reputation may be slightly diluted from many bars’ use of it to unload watery, less-than-prime suds, we’re fighting (Irish) to prove that pairing any St. Pat’s pour with our premium selections makes it ‘Easy Being Green’.

Buy up for more than Irish luck. These bites enjoyed with beer are a foodie’s pot o’gold!

D

C

B E F

A G

B. Coastal Cheddar UK-022 Pre-pack 12x7.05oz • $29.99/cs UK-140 Loaf 1x11lb • $4.99/lb

C. ND-320 Paulus Abbey Beer Cheese Wheel

A. Chimay Butter BE-247 Salted BE-246 Unsalted 20x8.9oz • $49.99/cs

F. BE-270 Chimay a la Premiere (Biere) 1x4lb • $10.79/lb G. BE-244 Chimay Coupe Grand Cru

1x4lb • $7.29/lb

D. Milton Creamery Prairie Breeze Cheddar US-794 Block 1x40lb • $6.99/lb US-795 Loaf 2x5lb • $7.59/lb E. US-331 Grafton Village 2yr Aged Raw Milk Vermont Cheddar Loaf 1x10lb • $5.69/lb

1x4lb • $10.89/lb

MARCH 2018 | 23

KNOCKANORE Irish Farmhouse Cheese Knockanore Oakwood Smoked Mature Cheddar starts its life the same way as Knockanore Irish Farmhouse White Cheddar, which is made using raw milk on their farm in Ballyneety, Co. Waterford. All of the milk used comes from their pedigree herd of Friesian cows that graze on the lush rolling hills of the countryside.

Both are made using traditional cheddaring techniques which involve stacking the cheese curds on top of one another to produce a firm but slightly open textured cheese.

Selected wheels are cold oak smoked for ten days using a traditional kiln.

The oak used is sourced locally from the neighbouring town of Lismore.

The wheels are then aged on-site for a minimum of six months for a smoky, almost meaty flavor that packs a punch.

IR-800 Oak Smoked IR-801 Extra Sharp 1x5.5lb • $9.69/LB

EAT IRISH. TIPPERARY Irish Cheddar Cheese

GLENSTAL Irish Creamery Salted Butter

Tipperary Cheddars have exceptional flavor characteristics, combining the purest ingredients with artisan cheese-making expertise and technical skill.

The smooth and mild Irish Castle, the Extra Sharp and 2 Year Cheddars are all premium Irish cheeses with world-class pedigrees.

providing the ideal finish to any meal. Tipperary cheeses are also an excellent ingredient in salads, quiches and as a topping for savory baked dishes and added to ready-made meals.

Tipperary’s extensive experience in, and understanding of, the manufacturing and applications of Cheddar cheese ensures continuous quality, taste and consistency.

IR-100 Extra Sharp Loaf 1x10lb • $5.59/LB

They are perfect table cheeses, completing any cheese-board and

IR-103 Vintage 2yr Pre-Cuts 12x7oz • $34.99/CS

IR-099 Extra Sharp Pre-Cuts 12x7oz • $33.99/CS

IR-102 Irish Castle Pre-Cuts 12x7oz • $33.99/CS

Glenstal Foods, a leading Ireland Butter supplier, proudly brings you Irish Creamery Salted Butter.

Traditionally churned and packed in parchment, Glenstal Foods Irish Creamery Salted Butter is a delicious addition to your table.

Enjoy the richness and creaminess of Irish churned butter.

Use on scones, bagels and your favorite sandwich. In cooking, use in sauces and in baked goods to elevate any dish.

Order today to taste the 2017 Irish Food Awards’ 1st Place winner in the butter category, beating out over 2500 others.

IR-088 • 20x8oz • $66.99/CS

MARCH 2018 | 24

Dubliner

Dubliner is a robust aged cow’s milk cheese with texture similar to a Cheddar and sweet, nutty flavor.

IR-016 Pre-cuts • 24x7oz $66.99/CS IR-250 Loaf • 2x5lb $5.99/LB

Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle is a mild and creamy cow’s milk cheese with rich and velvety undertones similar to a young Dutch Gouda cheese.

Cashel Blue Lovingly crafted by the Grubb Family on their farm, Cashel Blue is a semi-soft, creamy Irish farmhouse cheese. It has round, full flavor and a signature tang punctuated by its characteristic blue veining and buttery color.

IR-200 • 2x3lb • $8.99/LB

IR-011 Pre-cuts • 24x7oz $66.99/CS

Skellig Sweet Cheddar Kerrygold Skellig is a creamy, sweet, full-flavored Cheddar imported from Ireland. As with all Kerrygold cheeses, Skellig is an all-natural cheese, produced with milk from grass-fed cows that graze on the green lush pastures of Ireland.

IR-019 Pre-cuts • 24x7oz $66.99/CS

Swiss Cheese

This gourmet Swiss is aged over 90 days to enhance the delicate nuances that give it its signature sweet, nutty taste.

IR-020 Pre-cuts • 24x7oz $66.99/CS

Irish Butter Kerrygold cows graze on lush grass year-round from which they produce the sweetest, richest milk.

Kerrygold Irish butters taste silky and creamy and glow a healthy, golden yellow.

IR-300 Salted Bars IR-304 Unsalted Bars 20x8oz • $49.99/CS

Porter Cheddar This brown waxed gourmet cheese truckle is the original and definitive Irish Plain Porter Cheese. Each brown waxed truckle is individually handcrafted with plain Irish porter, brewed by Guinness at their Dublin premises since 1759. This cheese is perfect as an hors D’Oeuvre when sliced and served with a tossed salad. It is equally as good when served as a center piece on an after dinner cheese board.

IR-225 • 1x5lb • $7.19/LB

Whiskey Cheddar

Cahill’s

This yellow waxed gourmet cheese truckle is hand made using Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, then matured into a tantalisingly delicious aperitif. This is a traditional Irish monastic Cheese reputedly brought by the Irish Monks to Scotland. It is a simple vintage cheddar entwined with Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey to give a fabulous savory combination. It was originally created for festive occasions such as Harvest or Christmas, but today it can be enjoyed all year round.

IR-220 • 1x5lb • $7.19/LB

Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers

New and improved recipe gives La Petite Reine’s Camembert an even more authentic taste. Made from pasteurized cow’s milk, this little French wheel is big on savory flavors and butttery creaminess. FR-845 |6x8.8oz | $24.00/CS

MARCH 2018 | 26

Camembert La Petite Reine

Swiss cheesemakers and affineurs carefully handpick a select number of wheels to continue their refinement in the Kaltbach Cave.

The cave is a 22 million year old natural sandstone labyrinth that creates the ideal environment and stable setting to age their Kaltbach Le Gruyère AOP and Emmentaler AOP cheeses. It imparts flavor and texture that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

Kaltbach cheeses are great for cooking or enjoying on their own paired with honey, nuts, or stone fruit to complement their natural flavor profiles.

SW-403 Emmi Kaltbach Le Gruyère AOP Wheel 1x70lb • $11.99/LB

SW-022 Emmi Kaltbach Le Gruyère AOP 1/4 Wheel 1x17lb • $12.59/LB

SW-065 Emmi Kaltbach Emmentaler AOP Nat Cut 3x9lb • $10.79/LB

Cypress Grove

Aged 1 year or more, Midnight Moon is a blushing, ivory-colored cheese that’s nutty and brown buttery up front with a long caramel finish. As the cheese ages, protein crystals form and lend a slight crunch to the otherwise dense and smooth goat milk cheese.

US-561 • Midnight Moon • 1x10LB • $13.99/LB

MARCH 2018 | 27

Old Amsterdam was officially introduced to the Netherlands in 1985 and became a resounding success.

Today it is still made using the original, well-guarded family recipe to create a mature cheese with distinctive, rich flavors. Old Amsterdam is one big chunk of character born from a pure passion for cheese.

Couturier Fresh Goat Cheeses

ND-203 • 2x11lb • $8.49/LB Mild tasting and richly textured, Couturier fresh goat cheese chèvre is produced with authentic French style, vegetarian rennet, and vacuum packed to preserve guaranteed freshness and flavor.

The most desired of premium goat cheeses, Couturier goat logs can be spread, crumbled, eaten fresh or cooked. Their rich body and flavors make them especially choice among bakers and chefs alike.

FR-440 Plain FR-455 Pepper FR-460 Garlic & Herb 12x4oz • $23.99/CS

Old Amsterdam

FR-465 Plain FR-459 Garlic & Herb 6x11oz • $31.99/CS

TINENorway

Caramore and Gjetost (‘ye-toast’) BRUNOST COLLECTION are both traditionally-made, fudgeCARAMORE like brown whey cheeses from the NW-045 • 12x8.8oz • $42.99/CS mountains of Norway. Caramore uses a special blend of cow’s cream SKI QUEEN GJETOST and goat’s milk while Gjetost is made with cows’ and goats’ milk blended.

NW-042 Retail • 12x8.8oz • Both are rich and smooth with sweet $42.99/CS caramel flavors. Pair with crackers, NW-040 Bulk • 2x5.5lb • toasts, fruits, nuts and also use in a $67.99/CS diverse range of recipes.

MARCH 2018 | 28

A mild, semi-soft, part skim cheese made from cow’s milk. Jarlsberg is famous around the world for its characteristic mild, sweet and nutty taste and its large round holes.

For the diet conscious, Jarlsberg Lite has the same mild, nutty flavor as regular Jarlsberg with 50% less fat and 30% fewer calories.

NW-060 Loaf • 2x12lb • $5.39/LB NW-050 Wheel • 1x22lb • $5.99/LB NW-055 Jarlsberg Lite • 1x11lb • $5.39/LB

How to eat

GREEK Mt. Vikos is proud to share one of the only traditional fetas from Greece sold in the US.

Mt. Vikos Barrel Aged Feta is made authentically by a small family dairy in central Greece using fresh milk from sheep and goats. To give a more robust flavor, it is aged for 4 months in beech tree barrels, a rare but traditional technique.

GR-050 Barrel Aged Feta BULK • 1x8lb • $56.99/CS

GR-053 Barrel Aged Feta Pre-Packs • 6x6oz • $20.89/CS

GR-051 Traditional Feta Pre-Packs • 12x7oz • $37.99/CS

Mt. Vikos Kasseri is a mediumhard cheese with full rich flavor, distinctive notes of light walnut and a pure milk aroma. Enjoy Kasseri at room temperature or melted on toast, in sandwiches and in your favorite recipes.

This cheese is often used in the classic Greek hot appetizer ‘Saganaki’, where it is fried and served with either a shot of ouzo or fresh lemon.

GR-054 Kasseri Pre-Packs • 6x6oz • $24.99/CS

Nutrition Ambition NATIONAL

NUTRITION MONTH

I

n 1973, the first National Nutrition Week campaign was launched as a vehicle to educate the public on health and the valuable benefits of nutrition. The campaign came along with the theme `“Invest in Yourself - Buy Nutrition.� By the 1980s National Nutrition Week become so popular that members of the House of Delegates called for an expansion of National Nutrition Week into what is still celebrated as National Nutrition Month every March. Keep this healthy tradition alive by spreading the word on the healthy benefits of all things curd and the top quality condiments that love them.

MARCH 2018 | 30

Fresh oranges are juiced by hand and added to a simmering kettle of figs. The result is the concentrated essence of figs with a burst of citrus!

Dalmatia inspects each orange and fig by hand for quality. The figs for their award- winning spreads come from the pristine Dalmatian Coast of Croatia and other Mediterranean countries.

Celebrate

National Nutrition Month

• CRO-120 • 12x8.5oz • $34.99/CS

with these delicious & nutritious favorites!

• IT-395 • 10x0.8lb • $3.19/LB

• IT-390 • 2x7lb • $7.39/LB

Fiore Dolce and Ricotta Montella are created using milk from the Sarda breed of sheep. The Sarda sheep are native to the island of Sardinia, Italy, and provide all the milk for Central Formaggi’s cheesemaking. They are raised freely roaming the Sardinian blue zone, eating mostly grass, wild herbs, and foliage.

Central Formaggi’s line delivers an abundance of vitamins and minerals with every bite including omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids.

This plump, creamy, surface ripened cheese is made in the Lorraine region of France. Despite being buttery & creamy, Brie has less total fat and calories than many other more firm cheeses thanks to its higher overall water content.

• FR-049 • 1x7lb • $4.39/LB

Fromagerie Guilloteau Since 1981, Fromagerie Guilloteau has been using a unique technology to produce all of their cheeses called ultrafiltration. This manufacturing process involves removing the excess water contained in milk prior to the cheesemaking process, leaving only the protein, milk fat and nutrients. All of the milk Fromagerie Guilloteau receives for their production is pasteurized and then filtered. The results are incredibly even and ultra creamy cheeses with very fine, soft bloomy rinds and exceptional nutritional value. What’s not to love?

FR-552

Pavè D’Affinois Pavé d’Affinois takes its name from the cube shape which characterizes this cows’ milk cheese, plus the geographic origin of the first Pavé, or block. Created in the Dauphiné region, giving it the name “Dauphinois”, the brand quickly became Pavé d’Affinois, in recognition of the delicate ripening stage (“affinage” in French) needed to produce a quality soft cheese such as this.

FR-499 • 8x5.3oz • $27.99/CS

Fromager d’Affinois Some of the most striking aspects of the Fromager d’Affinois line of cheeses are the silky, smooth, mouthcoating creaminess and the decadently rich, buttery taste. Made with pasteurized cows’ milk and available in a variety of flavors using only the freshest ingredients, there is a d’Affinois for everyone to adore.

FR-499

FR-515

FR-373 Original 2x4.4lb • $66.99/CS FR-370 Blue Cheese 1x4.4lb • $37.99/CS FR-952 Campagnier (Washed Rind) 2x4.4lb • $69.99/CS

FR-951 Red Chili Pepper 1x4.4lb • $33.99/CS FR-372 Garlic & Herbs 2x4.4lb • $69.99/CS FR-368 Peppercorn 2x4.4lb • $69.99/CS FR-367 Truffles 2x4.4lb • $98.99/CS FR-515 Florette (Goat Brie) 1x2.2lb • $9.99/LB FR-1030 Florette Mini 8x4.5oz • $26.99/CS FR-552 Rocastin (Sheep Brie) 1x2.2lb • $9.39/LB

FR-373

FR-951

Saint Angel & D’Affinois Excellence At just five inches square, Saint Angel is a cows’ milk triple cream cheese with incredibly smooth texture and big, buttery flavors that will not go unnoticed. For those craving an even creamier bite, these are the perfect match. With delicate, white bloomy rinds and flavors of sweet cream and mild mushrooms, both cheeses delight and become even more rich and robust with age.

Fromager D’Affinois Excellence is the triple cream version of the classic for even more richness. Pair either with sparkling wines at any ripeness for a taste of heaven.

FR-889 Saint Angel (Triple Cream) • 2x1.7lb • $8.39/LB FR-950 Excellence (Triple Cream) • 1x4.4lb • $36.99/CS FR-372

FR-952

FR-367

FR-889

EPICURE SPECIALS Trèsors Gourmands

3

$

Brie d’Amir

off

La Petite Reine

FR-069 3K

$

24

$

00/CS

FR-845 Camembert 6x8.8oz FR-844 Brie

3

3 22

$

$

19

50/CS

2

50 off

2x2.2lb

29/CS

off

FR-918 Sea Salt FR-919 Rosemary FR-920 Poppy & Pepper

1x7lb

FR-094 1K

$ $

89/LB

Kozlik’s Mustard

5 38

12x3.3oz

$

FR-921 Garlic & Herbs FR-922 Olive Oil & Basil FR-923 Whole Grain

off

$

Kynthos

40

$

10 $

28/CS

12x8.8oz

CY-500 Halloumi

off

01/CS 12x8.5oz

CN-800 Amazing Maple CN-801 Dijon by Anton (Smooth) CN-802 Double C (Coarse Dijon) CN-803 Grainy Creole CN-804 Horseradish CN-805 Hot Russian (with Honey) CN-806 Orange & Ginger CN-807 Sweet & Smokey CN-808 Triple Crunch (Whole Seeds) CN-809 XXX Hot CN-810 Black Harp (Beer) CN-811 Bordeaux (Red Wine Dijon) CN-812 Sweet Russian (with Honey) CN-813 Honey & Garlic CN-814 Balsamic Fig & Date

MARCH 2018 | 33

Cooperativa Cadi

$

Chef’s Mandala Organic Pomodori Pelati

1 7

$

off

$

15

$ 99/LB

2x5.5lb

SP-031 Urgelia (PDO)

2x3lb

SP-030 Flor Del Cadi

3

$

Mahon

6 7

$

off

$

59/LB

10

6x19.4oz

off

Membrillo

31

19/CS

12x5.29oz

SP-962 Membrillo Quince Paste

2x7lb

Fig Cakes

55/LB 2x5.7lb

SP-002 Raw Milk Mahon, 12 Months

$

3

$

99/LB

4

$

50

SP-976 Bulk Date & Walnut Cake

$

1

off

5

2x7lb SP-494 Iberico

1

Dutch Goudas

7

$

1

off

Affineur Walo

10

$

89/LB 1x24lb

ND-314 Black Label Gouda, 1yr

$

Iberico $ 89/LB

1x11.02lb

off

V.S.O.C.

$

¢

off

SP-974 Bulk Fig Cake SP-975 Bulk Almond

19/LB

12x19.4oz

$

78/CS

SP-001 Raw Milk Mahon, 2-3 Months

$

75

50/CS

IT-720 Basil IT-722 Olive & Caper IT-723 Seared Eggplant IT-724 Marinara

IT-437 Peeled Tomatoes

La Gruta Del Sol

$

1

Italianavera

50 off

9

99/LB 1x22lb

ND-312 Gold Label Gouda, 3yr

$

7

29/LB

23/LB 1x13lb

2

$

SW-801 Starnachas

1x4lb

ND-320 Paulus Abbey Beer Cheese

$

9

99/LB 1x9lb

ND-308 White Label Goat Gouda, 1yr

$

1 15 off

$

2x8.8lb

11/LB SW-800 Le Gruyere Extra Gold Aged 14mo

off

Featured DEMO

MARCH BRAND AMBASSADORS are available to

support stores through our demo program

PROMOTE PRODUCTS and

BOOST SALES with

live, in-store sampling LET OUR TEAM OF

Gran moravia Czech-made, Italian-aged hard cheese

trained FOOD HANDLERS

certi fied

YOUR CUSTOMERS

F I R S T C O M E, F I R S T S E R V E D