Appy Hour
I got an appetizer subscription box from https://appyhourbox.com/. It's good so far!
Ossau Iraty
Hailing from the French Pyrenees, this renowned sheep's milk cheese is aged for a minimum of 90 days, imbuing an intense, buttery flavor to the finished cheese. With notes of caramel and fruit, the taste of this rich cheese is unparalleled.
The Ossau Iraty French sheep's milk cheese and crackers was good! (Wednesday, 2024-05-29)
The first plate was with the Wafer crackers that came in the package, which were good, and surprisingly light and thin. The second plate above was just regular sesame water crackers from my supermarket.
Coppa
Coppa is a masterpiece of flavor, rivaling Prosciutto in its rich taste. This dry-cured pork shoulder, bathed in a salt brine and expertly rubbed with red and black pepper, showcases artisanal craftsmanship.
The tasting guide recommended this with the Ossau Iraty, Smoky almonds, and Dried apricots, so I had some with two slices of Ossau Iraty. Also a piece of Wildgrain sourdough rosemary garlic bread with olive oil. (Thursday, 2024-05-30)
It was also recommended with Tomme Aux Fleur / Alp Blossom, but I'll have that with the Saucisson Sec.
Froze the last serving of 1.6 oz.
Also good as a Coppa sandwich!
Tomme Aux Fleur / Alp Blossom
Spring means flowers, and this exceptional cow’s milk cheese from the Alps is a true taste of the new season. With a slightly tangy flavor and herbaceous, floral notes from the dried flowers that coat it, this semi-soft cheese is a delicate and nuanced flavor experience.
The tasting guide recommended this, along with the Saucisson Sec, Smoky almonds, and Dried apricots. I really enjoyed this!
Had this on Saturday and Sunday as well; finished the last on Sunday.
Brie Mon Pere
I got a deal with free brie. This should keep a fairly long time in the refrigerator, but I divided the piece into three and tried vacuum sealing and freezing one piece. The Internet is divided on whether you can freeze it or not, so we'll see.
This is part of the refrigerated serving and it was excellent!
This is the previously vacuum sealed and frozen piece. It was good - there was no problem with freezing it and the taste and texture were normal.
I had it with rosemary and olive oil crackers and it was good!
Saucisson Sec
This irresistible staple of French charcuterie tradition is made with hand-chopped pork, and is brightly flavored with juniper and brandy. Artisan salumieres air cure this delectable, savory cut, which translates to “dry sausage.” Beloved for its’ flavor and versatility, enjoy this Saucisson Sec with the floral Tomme Aux Fleur for a true taste of France in spring!
Had this with 3 plates, froze the last serving of 3 slices.
Smoky almonds
Slowly sunbaked at the California ranch where they are grown, these almonds have a hint of hickory smoke and a natural buttery sweetness. They're a great complement to this month's cheeses.
Dried apricots
These golden, chewy treats provide a beautiful compliment to the cheeses in this month's curation. Naturally sweet and slowly dried, these Turkish apricots are a soft and sweet juxtaposition to the unique flavors of this month's curation.
Domain Les Roques de Cana Cahors-Malbec, France 2015
I also got the red wine pairings with this box.
A full bodied Malbec is the perfect companion to the Tomme Aux Fleur. Its fruity notes complement the cheese's unique floral flavors, while the wine's acidity and tannins skillfully cut through it's richness.
Le Versant Cabernet Pays d'Oc France 2020
This wine's ample body gracefully complements the Ossau Iraty's creamy texture without overshadowing its nuanced flavors.
2024-06-26 box
Beemster Gouda
Beemster Gouda, a classic Dutch cheese, is made exclusively with milk from Beemster cows. Aged for 18 months in a 100+ year-old traditional warehouse, it develops a firm texture with some crystallization. The cheese boasts a nutty, butter-rich flavor profile, featuring notes of toasted walnuts and a brown-butter finish. Hand-stirred curds and a brine dating back to 1901 contribute to its complex and celebrated taste.
This was good! Supermarket gouda tends to be boring, but I enjoyed this.
This is recommended for pairing with the figs and the capicola.
Toma Rashi
This semi-hard cheese blends creamy, nutty flavors with a hint of spice. Its distinctive taste comes from Shichimi Togarashi, a Japanese spice mix including chili flakes, nigella, chili powder, orange peel, ginger powder, and nori. This spice blend imparts a gentle warmth that lingers on the palate. Perfect for those who appreciate a fusion of umami and subtle heat in their cheese.
This is recommended for pairing with the cashews and chorizo.
This was good!
Triple Creme Brie
From the Vosges mountains, a part of France renowned for the quality of its milk, it has a smooth flavor profile that hints at the subtle mushroom flavors from the rind.
Chorizo El Rey
The king of Chorizo! This Spanish-style cured meat boasts bold flavors infused with sweet paprika, clove, allspice, and cayenne. This selection was crafted with traditional methods of charcuterie-making including the use of live, active molds. This not only enhances its flavor, but also contributes to its distinctive appearance and quality.
I used 1.0 oz. of the 2.2 oz. package to make Green bean chorizo pasta. It was really good!
On Wednesday, July 3, I vacuum sealed and froze the remaining 1.2 oz.
Capicola
Crafted from select cuts of neck and shoulder, Capicola boasts a tender, moist texture. Its flavorful profile is enriched by a coating of black pepper, fennel seed, coriander, and anise. Slow-roasted to perfection, it transforms into a delectable shoulder ham, offering a savory and satisfying culinary experience.
This is good! On Wednesday, July 3, I vacuum sealed and froze the remaining 0.9 oz.
Smoky Eggplant Tapenade
This delectable spread was selected to perfectly complement your cheese and charcuterie selection. This flavorful combination harmoniously blends fire-roasted red peppers, eggplant, and extra-virgin olive oil, adding a rich and savory dimension to your tasting experience.
Coconut Cashews
These addictive bites are sure to become a favorite! Extra crunchy and buttery, these cashews are coated with a layer of coconut before being lightly toasted to perfection. The combination of sweet and salty flavors marry beautifully with this months’ curations.
Dried Mission Figs
Boasting a deep purple color and a sweet flavor, these figs provide a refreshing complement to the bold flavors in this month’s curation. Their rich, jammy sweetness is a beautiful contrast to the boldness of the cheeses in this month’s box. Enjoy the underlying flavors of melon and banana in contrast to the sharpness of the cheese.
2024-07-24
Cowboy Coffee
Cowboy Coffee, from Goat Rodeo Farm & Dairy near Pittsburgh, is an award-winning cheese made from a blend of goat’s and cow’s milk. Hand-rubbed with Perpetual Blend Espresso and aged for six months, it offers a creamy, rich, and nutty flavor profile. Recently awarded a 1st Place win at the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show, this exceptional cheese is a true testament to American craftsmanship in cheesemaking.
It really is dusted in espresso powder. It's not overwhelming, however, and it's a nice flavor. However it bothers me a little that it's slightly gritty. I like the cheese.
Fresh Farmer's Blueberry Cheese
This handmade farmstead delight from Massachusetts combines creamy cow’s milk with peak-season dried blueberries. This fruity and semi-sweet cheese is irresistibly delicious. Crumbly when cold and spreadable at room temperature, it’s a perfect, delectable addition to a vibrant summer spread.
I was skeptical about the blueberry but it's delicious!
Beef Saucisson Sec
Discover a savory delight from New York—a 100% beef saucisson sec crafted with traditional French methods. Slow fermentation, light smoking, and careful curing bring out its rich, natural beef flavors.
Used 1.8 oz. of it to make a Summer sausage English muffin sandwich and it was delicious!
Froze the leftovers (Sunday, 2024-08-03)
Salami Capri
This premium American charcuterie from Oregon is crafted using traditional methods by a dedicated family-run business. This Italian-style salami features robust flavors of garlic, black pepper, fennel, and a spicy kick from red wine, chili flake, and cayenne. Perfect for spice lovers seeking artisanal excellence in every bite.
Froze the leftovers (Sunday, 2024-08-03)
Cranberry Raspberry Blood Orange Spread
Fresh from the rolling hills of rural Bridgewater, Connecticut, these artisan-crafted spread captures the essence of Summer. The bright, fruity essence beautifully complements the flavors in this collection.
Dried Angelino Plums
Enhance your tasting with these sweet and tart dried plums. Their vibrant red hue and chewy texture make them a delightful addition to any gourmet spread, perfectly complementing meats and cheeses. Made in the USA.
Praline Pecans
Crunchy and crispy, each pecan is candied with real sugar and butter, crafting a heavenly morsel that's irresistibly nutty and sweet. Its delightful texture and rich, sugary coating perfectly complement the creamy cheeses and savory meats in your spread. Made in the USA.
Triple Creme Brie (2024-07-24)
From the Vosges mountains, a part of France renowned for the quality of its milk, it has a smooth flavor profile that hints at the subtle mushroom flavors from the rind.
Froze the brie (Sunday, 2024-08-03)
2024-08-21 Mediterranean Escape
The Truffle Kid
Hailing from Spain, this cheese is made from rich Murciana goat's milk. As the cheese ages, it’s pierced to introduce black truffle paste, creating its distinctive marbled look. The rind is also coated with truffle paste, giving the cheese a bold, earthy aroma and a creamy, garlicky taste. Native to the Mediterranean region, truffles are highly sought after because of their distinctive, complex flavor, rarity, and labor-intensive harvesting. Every bite of this cheese is a taste of luxury.
Pair with chocolate covered cranberries, roasted pistachios, or applewood smoked speck.
Alisos
Originating from Spain's Canary Islands, Alisios combines cow and goat’s milk into a firm cheese with a striking red-orange rind coated in Pimentón—a Spanish spice made from dried, ground red peppers otherwise known as Paprika. Aged for 90 days, it delivers a smooth, mildly tangy flavor with rich, toasty, and spicy-sweet notes.
Pair with Rigani Loukaniko, chocolate covered cranberries, or peach Prosecco jam.
Had this with the crackers in this shipment and it was good!
Rigani Loukaniko
This meat showcases the distinctive spices and techniques of Greek charcuterie. The Greek-style salami combines premium pork leg, shoulder and fatback with fresh garlic, oregano, and orange zest. Handcrafted using traditional methods and live molds, it offers a firm texture and aromatic flavor profile.
Had this with cheese and crackers, and also an English muffin sandwich.
Applewood Smoked Speck
Unlike other cured meats, speck combines the Alpine tradition of smoking with dry curing, resulting in a unique depth of flavor. Crafted with Heritage Berkshire pork, this dry-cured speck is cold smoked over applewood, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor and rich, earthy undertones. Inspired by Italian traditions, it offers a savory taste that pairs perfectly with the Mediterranean flavors in our spread.
Peach Prosecco Sparkling Jam
Handcrafted in small batches, this Peach Prosecco Jam blends the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with the subtle acidity of Prosecco. Inspired by the classic Italian Bellini cocktail, this vibrant spread adds a refreshing summer twist to your spread, enhancing savory cheeses and charcuterie with its bright, tangy notes.
Roasted Pistachios
Pistachios have been grown and enjoyed in the Mediterranean for centuries. These emerald gems bring in a rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture which complements the savory, salty flavors in cheeses and cured meats.
Chocolate Covered Cranberries
These tart, chewy cranberries are generously dipped in rich milk chocolate, creating a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This indulgent treat adds a luscious contrast to the savory meats and rich cheeses in our spread, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Triple Creme Brie (2024-08-21)
From the Vosges mountains, a part of France renowned for the quality of its milk, it has a smooth flavor profile that hints at the subtle mushroom flavors from the rind.
Froze the brie (Monday, 2024-09-02)
2024-09-25
Prairie Breeze
This six-time award winner brings a delightful twist to the traditional cheddar, combining sweet and nutty notes with a tangy, umami-rich flavor. Aged for a minimum of 9 months, its crumbly texture and fudge-like finish make it a standout. Sourced from small Amish and Mennonite farms in Iowa, this cheese was chosen for its ability to perfectly complement the hearty, robust flavors of Oktoberfest beers.
This was good!
La Trappe Quadrupel
Made bny Trappist monks in Belgium, this semi-firm cow's milk cheese is infused with a dark quadrupel style beer creating a robust, malty sweetness with tangy notes,
This was good!
Fennel Salami
Sweet, aromatic, and seasoned with a dusting of coarse-ground fennel seeds, this salami delivers a robust and flavorful experience in every bite. Handcrafted in the Vermont countryside, each slice is a testament to all-natural ingredients and minimal processing, offering a genuine taste of artisanal craftsmanship.
Pair with Prairie Breeze, Old Fashioned Mustard, Triple Crème Brie.
Very good as a Salami sandwich. I made it twice!
Kleine Schweine Pepperettes
These German-inspired pepperettes, called "Kleine Schweine" or "little pigs," are handcrafted by a family-run business. Flavored with caraway—a staple spice in German cuisine—and coriander, they offer a warm, earthy taste reminiscent of classic sausages like Bratwurst and Landjäger. Enjoy them sliced alongside cheese and mustard, or bite right in for a satisfying, flavorful experience.
Pair with La Trappe Quadrupel, Prairie Breeze, Glazed Walnuts.
Old Fashioned Mustard
Mustard is a staple in Bavarian cuisine, traditionally served alongside sausages and pretzels during Oktoberfest. The tangy, bold flavor of this whole grain mustard complements the rich, hearty foods of the season. Aged for a more vibrant taste, it’s a tasty and essential part of any Oktoberfest-inspired spread.
Dark Chocolate Brandied Cherries
These indulgent dark chocolate brandied cherries are a true treat. Made with all-natural dried Bing cherries, brandied to perfection, and enrobed in super-premium 72% cacao chocolate, they deliver a rich, sweet-tart flavor that pairs wonderfully with bold cheeses and smoky meats.
Glazed Walnuts
These glazed walnuts, with their sweet candied coating, offer a delightful contrast to the savory elements of your Oktoberfest spread. Their rich, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch add a touch of seasonal, autumnal warmth that pairs perfectly with cheeses, meats, and a hearty beer.
2024-10-23
Fenugreek Gouda
Made by an award-winning cheesemaker in Wisconsin, this semi-firm Gouda is crafted using traditional Dutch methods and aged to develop a smooth, creamy texture. It features the natural sweetness of fenugreek seeds, evoking a maple syrup-like flavor that complements its nutty, earthy notes. The unique flavor profile brings a cozy, autumnal warmth, perfect for a fall-inspired spread.
This was good!
Clothbound Cheddar
Aged for 10-14 months in Jasper Hill’s cellars, this clothbound cheddar offers a rich, nutty flavor with subtle hints of brown butter and caramel. The traditional clothbound aging process allows for slow, even maturation, creating a firm yet creamy texture with an earthy depth. The result is a cheddar that’s both approachable and complex, with a crumbly texture and a savory, slightly tangy finish balanced by a touch of caramel sweetness.
This was good!
Hard Cider Salami
Crafted with local pork and infused with small-batch hard cider, this salami offers a balanced blend of tangy and savory flavors. Naturally fermented and slow-cured, its subtle sweetness and gentle acidity make it a perfect pairing for the cheeses in this spread. Selected for its unique regional character and versatile taste.
This was good; I used half of it to make a Salami sandwich.
Prosciutto Piccante
Aged for 10 to 12 months, this prosciutto is made from Berkshire pigs, a heritage breed prized for its tender, richly marbled meat. It is carefully rubbed with freshly ground fennel seed and red chili for a rich, bright flavor profile packed with umami. The result is a delicious balance of savory depth and subtle heat.
Used 1.2 oz. for Rigatoni with tomato, spinach, and prosciutto in spicy vodka cream sauce and saved 0.8 for another use.
Salted Caramel Corn
This salted caramel corn delivers a perfect blend of rich, buttery caramel sweetness and a hint of sea salt for a delightful sweet-salty crunch. Its smooth caramel flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses, balancing creamy, tangy profiles like aged cheddar or brie for a deliciously indulgent snack.
Heirloom Apple Butter with Maple Syrup
Heirloom Apple Butter with Maple Syrup combines the crisp sweetness of heirloom apples with the deep, rich flavor of pure maple syrup. The jam offers a smooth, velvety texture with a perfect balance of tart and sweet, enhanced by a warm, caramel-like maple finish. This luxurious jam adds a touch of sweetness that highlights the savory, tangy notes of your favorite cheeses.
Praline Pecans
Crunchy and crispy, each pecan is candied with real sugar and butter, crafting a heavenly morsel that's irresistibly nutty and sweet. Its delightful texture and rich, sugary coating perfectly complement the spread.