#3: Goat Gouda
Over the past couple of years, I’ve been experimenting a little with cheeses. Back in small-town NC, there was American, Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan (which came in a can). I find a few more choices at my neighborhood Giant and Safeway. Then Whole Foods has the most indulgent selection of cheeses I’ve ever seen. So, from time to time I’ll pick up a block of something that looks interesting and smells aromatic. I really enjoy the dry, salty cheeses like Pecorino Sardo. I’ll occasionally pick up a blue cheese, like most recently a potent gorgonzola. My consistent favorite is a smoky goat gouda, though. It’s a relatively dry cheese with a pleasing aroma, and a smooth, sweet flavor. It has a bit of a bite, which makes it exciting, but not as much as the blues. It also melts nicely over a warm burger, a feat that is not easily accomplished with the incredibly dry pecorinos. Actually, the last three meals I’ve cooked at home were juicy hamburgers, heavily seasoned, mixed with a little spinach and topped with a couple of slices of Gouda. Also recommended with crackers, potatoes, or Fillet Mignon.