How do I say "I Love You"? Well, it's quite simple when there is a heart-shaped delicacy that will do all the talking for you because what doesn't say "I Love You" like a fine piece of cheese? Coeur de Neufchatel comes from the Normandy area of France where it is one of the oldest cheeses in continuous production dating back to 1035. It was granted AOC status in 1969 (we have discussed the importance of the AOC designation to protect the production of these cheeses ensuring that the cheese that you enjoy today has been made following the traditional methods). The milk used for this cheese comes from the Normande breed of cattle which was brought to the Normandy area by the Vikings. The milk from this breed is particularly well-suited to cheese making (improved curdling quality and higher yields just in case you were wondering!) During the cheese making, the curds are allowed to drain for a longer period of time than is the case with a traditional Camembert. The resulting cheese has a grainy and thicker paste than does its Camembert cousin. This is a cheese that is more enjoyable in its younger version with a rich, mushroomy flavour enrobed in its velvety white rind. Although the cheese is available in other shapes, it is the heart shape that it is famous for. It is said that during the Hundred Years War (14th and 15th centuries) that the young maidens in Normandy fell madly in love with the English soldiers stationed in Normandy and started making the heart-shaped cheeses - you see even they knew that the way to a lover's heart was with a fine piece of cheese!
Be sure to pop 'round to "C'est Cheese Please!" where Coeur de Neufchatel is in stock at $14.99.
Avec l'amour et Bon Appétit!
