SAY CHEESE!
PHOTOS by Renee Comet
BLOOMY HERB GOAT CHEESE
The extra fat content in this double cream cheese gives the Bloomy Herb Goat Cheese a velvety mouthfeel and a lovely semi-soft texture, similar to that of a firm Brie. Encased in a blend of fresh herbs and marigold flowers, the cheese is aged for eight months.
During this aging process, the essence of the herbs and flowers subtly infuses the cheese, imparting a light tangy finish that is perfectly balanced. It pairs beautifully with light floral wines or Champagne, enhancing its delicate flavors.
ROSE PETAL HERBED GOAT CHEESE
This fresh, young goat cheese features a delicate paste adorned with rose petals and herbs. With its soft, creamy texture and pronounced floral notes at the forefront, followed by a lingering herbal earthiness in the finish, every bite fills your mouth with the essence of spring, no matter the season.
Herbal, bright, and creamy, each slice is like a bouquet of color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with light floral wines or Champagne, enhancing its vibrant taste.
SIENNA PYRAMID
The Sienna Pyramid is a soft-ripened cheese, aged for six to eight weeks. Carefully ladled into molds, it is then dusted with paprika, which adds a spicy, smoky edge, boosted by an additional layer of paprika running through the middle.
The wrinkles and crevices on the exterior, along with a darker, denser ring inside, are signs of extra aging, which contribute to its creamy, buttery texture and fuller flavor.
This cheese pairs wonderfully with a fuller-bodied white wine or a spicy Basque wine, enhancing its rich, complex profile.
Women’s Cooperative Market
Mark Walsh is ready with a story at the historic Cooperative Market in Bethesda, a place that feels like a rural farm stand nestled among the urban development along Wisconsin Avenue. Despite being surrounded by city life, Mark recognizes a deep connection to the farms that seem a world away from this bustling area.
As the lead cheesemonger for Stonyman Gourmet Farmer, Mark is a caretaker of a rich tradition. Stonyman Gourmet Farmer is a family farm that specializes in premium ripened farmstead cheeses. The farm, with its 18th-century heritage, is located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, near Stonyman Mountain and Shenandoah National Park.
Mark graciously shared three luscious and visually striking goat cheeses with us, showcasing the craftsmanship and care that go into each wheel.