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.

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.

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!

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.

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.