Beyond the Baguette: How to Pair our Greatest Hits

There’s so much more to enjoy with your cheese beyond crackers and bread. Using our Greatest Hits collection as a jumping-off point, we’re combining salty and sweet, pickled and creamy, and matching pairs by region (what grows together, goes together!). Use this as your indispensable pairing guide this holiday season.

Want to win five Greatest Hits gift collections? Enter our Eat, Drink & #bringmurrays giveaway!

beyond-baguette

What could you pair with Manchego?
We like honey and marcona almonds for a sweet-salty balance.

What could you pair with Gouda?
We like fig jam and fennel salami to play off the caramel nuttiness.

What to pair with Brie?
We like pears, grapes, and nuts for textural contrast.

What could you pair with Gruyere?
We like speck and cornichons. Mmm, salt!

What to pair with Cheddar?
We go classic with apples and tangy chutneys.

 

The Murray’s Catering Team Guide to an Easy Thanksgiving

We all know the stress of preparing a perfect Thanksgiving meal. This year, try a different approach. Instead of offering to prepare the stuffing or cranberry sauce, offer to bring everyone’s favorite dish: CATERING! If you’re in New York City, be sure to check out Murray’s Catering offerings and talk to our Catering team (Leigh, Sarah, and Beau), who can hook you up with everything but the bird.

All American Labels

Our go-to platter: cheese! The best part about bring cheese to your Thanksgiving gathering is the Murray’s Catering team who can help you assemble the perfect cheese board that will have all of your guests forgetting that turkey is even a thing. The “All American” spread pictured above celebrates American cheese, and includes 5 of our all-time favorites: Humboldt Fog, Green Hill, Solo Gran Queso, Pleasant Ridge Reserve, and Black River Blue. Serve these with honey, Marcona almonds, and dried fruit for something to be truly thankful for!

crudite_2 (2)Looking for something a little lighter to nibble before the big event? The catering team is also well versed in the world of small bites. Their beautiful Crudite platter features their famously addictive garlic-herb spread made with bright and tangy fromage blanc.

Overwhelmed by rich desserts? After the turkey, sides, and all the trimmings, a slice of pie might set you back another belt loop. Instead, take a break from the table, and set out a tray of bite-sized desserts and chocolates for your guests on your coffee table. Full of flavor and the perfect size to nibble on while lingering over coffee. Offer an assortment of mini tartlets, mini brownies, petits fours, and caramels, and let people help themselves to the bounty!

Want more info on Murray’s Catering? Shoot them an email at catering [at] murrayscheese [dot] com, or give them a call at 212-243-3289.

The Family that Milks Together: A West Coast Farmstead Cheese Plate

By Robin Minkoff
The Family that Milks Together

The popularity of artisan cheeses has helped many Americans create thriving dairy businesses – taste some of our favorites from the West, where Old World techniques and New World innovation gave rise to some of the most heralded and successful cheesemaking families. Mary Keehn began milking goats at home in Humboldt County to provide her family with healthy milk. The heralded result of her experimentation, Humboldt Fog continues to win acclaim and devotees. The story of Ancient Heritage Dairy begins similarly; Paul and Kathy Obringer began raising sheep to provide their children with an alternative to cow’s milk, eventually churning their herd’s output into artisanal cheeses.

Likewise, Cindy Callahan and her son Liam built their prolific sheep creamery, Bellwether Farms, from a small herd intended only for grazing.  Another prodigal West Coast cheese family, Bob and Dean Giacomini, founded Point Reyes Farmstead to make a traditional blue cheese, pulling their four daughters into the business.  Organize a family reunion and taste the terroir of the Pacific coast – from the misty cliffs of Point Reyes to the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades.

Begin with the fresh, tangy notes of Humboldt Fog. Each layer – rind, creamline, and paste each present unique earthy, floral flavors representative of the goats grazing in dewy mountain forests.
Continue reading “The Family that Milks Together: A West Coast Farmstead Cheese Plate”