cheese please …

September 3, 2010

Maybe it’s because I am half French, but can I say, I just love a good cheese!
If you think about it, cheese is quite miraculous.   There are so many varieties, from cow, sheep, goat, and each cheese is so distinct with it’s own unique flavor and texture.
It amazes me that the impression of any given cheese can be altered for better or for worse, when it is paired with other foods.  I love to take cheese and pair it with food.  While, they each have their own distinct taste, when paired together, it becomes something completely different.
Here are a few food suggestions that I love to eat with cheese.
Nuts
I love to pair cheeses with nuts.  Generally I use almonds, pecans, and walnuts.  If you serve them slightly toasted it brings out their flavor.  Just 5-10 minutes in a 350 degree oven will do the trick.
Spreads/Preserves/Honey
I love to eat these with cheese, since they are typically sweet, they give a nice compliment to the saltiness of most cheeses.  Apricot preserves and honey are my favorites.
Fruit
Fresh fruits and dried fruits go amazing with cheese!
I love a nice ripe pear with blue cheese, or have you had blueberries with warm brie?  C’est magnifique!
Some of my other favorite fruits with cheese are: apples, raspberries, figs, and dates.
Olives
Some good quality olives can add a lot to cheese.  The briny flavor of the olives can contrast with the richness of some cheeses.
Meats
A nice cured meat can add a nice salty textural difference to your cheese.   I love a nice prosciutto or other fine Italian meats.
Salads
I love to eat cheese in my salads!  Cheese can taste amazing when mixed with greens and a nice vinaigrette.  My favorite cheese in salads would have to be: goat cheese, feta cheese, and blue cheese.
Breads and Crackers
Cheese is most often served with a nice crusty bread or cracker.  Be sure not to skimp on these and find some good quality bread and crackers.  Maybe save the ritz crackers for another day if you know what I mean.  I love a nice crusty baguette or  high quality crackers.
And, there you have it.
Be sure to try everything and remember your favorite combinations!
If you need help creating a great cheese board, Stephanie did a helpful post a few months back, click here to view.
Enjoy!

the bob …

September 2, 2010

so, my husband got me the bob revolution double jogging stroller from my birthday and anniversary. and, i love it! i’ve been wanting one forever and i am so excited to finally have one.
they are so nice, and the shocks alone on this thing makes it worth it. it’s a nice smooth ride for my kiddos and it’s super easy to push considering all the weight i have in there.
i still love my phil and teds {yes, i have a lot of strollers}, but mainly for going to places like the mall, where i have to open doors by myself and weave in and out of tight places, like clothing racks. and, it is always nice to drop one seat and use it as a single.
so, what is your favorite double stroller?

a little fyi …

September 1, 2010

hello all!

i just wanted to give you a heads up!
my independent armelle jewelry website has been deleted, and you can now find my jewelry only on etsy. {for those of you who didn’t know, i had my own armelle jewelry website since 2006}
thanks for all the support over the last year after you helped me decide to take the plunge to etsy for good! you all have really helped to make my etsy store a success!
be sure to check out all my jewelry in my etsy shop only from now on!