Cheese-Flavored Bubblegum Proudly Made in USA

The United States' penchant for experimentation sometimes results in great innovation... and sometimes, not. In this case, perhaps not.

To be fair, I haven't tried the string-cheese, bubble-blowing wonder yet-- but how could this flavor be anything but a great April Fool's joke or gag or perhaps, a White Elephant gift? (read a bit more here.)

Americans love cheese, and their rising fascination with the dairy miracle sometimes overtakes their sensibilities. In any case, we thank you Wisconsin cheesemaker Roger Krohn, for expanding and affirming our cheese obsession.

Rachel Ray's Advice on Freezing Cheese

When it comes to Italian cheeses, which cheeses are best to freeze? Well, according to our favorite Italian homecooking goddess Rachel Ray the answer would be, "None."

Some cheeses do freeze better than others. Ricotta, for example and other soft-ripened, semi-soft cheeses do not freeze well at all.

Cheddar, on the other hand, can be frozen and used for recipes requiring the cheese to melt but you sacrifice some of the creamy rich flavor in the freeze-dried process. When I lived overseas, in fact, it was cheaper to buy the huge block of cheese, take it home, cut off smaller blocks, wrap them up and freeze what wasn't needed immediately. This rendered the delicate cheese crumbly to eat it plain (such a shame since it was fine cheddar from Holland), but worked fine to cook with. But the macaroni and cheese made from the freshly cut cheese always tasted better than when made with the thawed-out version.

In general Rachel's advice is to buy cheese for what you need for the week, with the exceptions of Parmigiano Reggiano or a Pecorino Romano which keeps for weeks in the fridge and she considers staples in her food pantry.

In other words, don't go out and buy the whole wheel. Just get the amount of cheese you need for your week.

DON'T FREEZE THE CHEESE.

This Year, Express Mother's Day Love with Taste

The perfect Mother's Day present... a fully customized, gorgeously printed, professionally designed cookbook that you create yourself. TasteBook is offering Free Shipping until April 27, 2010 when you purchase two custom cookbooks: one for mom and one for you!

Starting at $19.95, you can choose from a vast library of all the best recipes. I can't think of a more perfect gift for mom!

Win a Cheese Party Catered by President(R)

Savvy consumers are spending less money on eating out, but enjoying the luxuries of good food, like, wine and cheese, nontheless.

Cheese is playing an increasingly larger role in this phenomenon. According to IRI data from a new Packaged Facts report, "Natural and Specialty Cheeses: The U.S. Market and a Global Perspective," consumers are buying more cheese at both "value" and premium levels, in part because of the continuing trend for more people eating at home (source: www.prnewswire.com).

President Cheese is taking the lead, showing how the dairy delight can make for a relaxed, enjoyable social evening by offering a Cheese Party Sweepstakes. Enter here for your chance to win and sample a wide range of speciality cheeses by a world-renowned cheesemaker.

Lincolnshire, England Innovating Wedding Cakes

Planning for a wedding this summer, or later in the year? Consider this new fad in cheese and weddings. In Lincolnshire, England the traditional wedding cake has taken on new meaning and substance. Instead of flour, eggs and sugar, statuesque rounds of cheese take the shape of wedding cakes these days.

Not only gorgeous in its presentation, cheese serves dual purposes in that it serves either as hor d'oeurve, or, a main part of the banquet. Little else is needed to accompany such a luscious "cake". Perhaps some bread, and a few varieties of fruit pesto on the side, like quince paste, will not only satisfy guests but also pique curiosities and start conversations. Labels with the various "layers" and types of cheese will captivate your guests, and provide a bit of memorable entertainment as well.

Cheese wedding cakes are surprisingly more affordable than a standard wedding cake, priced at £275 rather a more likely £400 for the standard sugary fare. The Lincoln's Cheese Society will adorn your cheesecake according to your fancy. (Source: www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk.com)

Wholesome and Delicious on a Budget: Cheese Potato Mash Recipe

One of those ultimate comfort foods especially in the United Kingdom, Cheese and Potato Pie is to the British what Macaroni and Cheese is to Americans. And, after reading about it I can see why-- easy to make, wholesome, warm and satisfying.

8 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 tablespoons of milk
2 tablespoons of butter
175 grams of grated aged cheese (1 1/2 cups*)

Preparation:
1. Wash, peel, dice potatoes and onion.
2. Boil both potatoes and onions in salted water until potatoes are tender.
3. Drain, and mash together with milk and butter.
4. Gradually add the grated cheese, reserving a handful for the top.
4. Spoon mash in greased baking dish and top with remaining grated cheese.
5. Garnish with sliced tomatoes (optional).
6. Bake until cheese is golden brown.

*The Gourmet Sleuth has an excellent conversion tool for cooking.

To look at a stunning photo of this wondrous creation go here.

Notes:
Any strong, maturely-flavored cheese will work well in this recipe. Try a Raclette, Gruyere, a bleu, a Gran Padano and see which you like best. But if what you got is mild cheddar, do that!

Not Chocolate, But Eggs Made Out of Cheese

 The UK's Asda supermarket chain, in a stoke of genius, have come up with an entirely new Easter gift idea:  waxed eggs made of cheese.

"Asda's cheese buyer Alex Bradbury commissioned eggs from producer Norseland, made from Wensleydale cheese with cranberries, caramel and organic maple syrup."

 The new Easter cheese eggs sell for £1 for each 100g egg as stated in the supermarket industry's online publication International Supermarket News.