Ingredients Needed
Vacherin Mont d’Or cheese is an exquisite cow’s milk cheese made in the mountains of France that is aged and wrapped in a spruce bark. To prepare it, you will need the cheese, some herbs such as thyme and bay leaves, and a few cloves of garlic. You can also use some white wine and some butter to enhance the flavour.
Preparing the Cheese
The cheese should be washed in a bowl of cold water, then placed in a cheese cloth and left to dry. Once the cheese cloth is dry, the cheese should be placed on a baking dish. Using a knife, carefully cut away the top layer of the cheese.
Once the top layer is cut away, the herbs and garlic should be added to the inside of the cheese. If you are using the butter, spread it evenly across the top of the cheese as well. Place the cheese in an oven preheated to 220 °C (428 °F) and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you choose to add white wine to the cheese, pour it into the baking dish and bake until it has evaporated.
Serving the Cheese
Once the cheese has been cooked, it should be allowed to cool for a few minutes before serving. Vacherin Mont d’Or cheese can be served in a variety of ways. It can be served as is with some crusty bread or it can be melted over meats or vegetables. It can also be used in fondue with some white wine. Crackers and pickles are also great accompaniments to the cheese.
How to Store Vacherin Mont d’Or Cheese
If you’d like to save some of the cheese for later, the best way to preserve it is to keep it in its original wrapping. Place the cheese in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. The cheese should be consumed within five days of being opened. If you do not plan on consuming the cheese within that time frame then it should be frozen.
Nutritional Information of Vacherin Mont d’Or Cheese
Vacherin Mont d’Or cheese is a great source of calcium, proteins, zinc and vitamins A, D, and E. It is also a rich source of amino acids. The average calorie content is 45 calories per serving. The cheese also has a high fat content, it is saturated fat so it should be consumed in moderation.
Pairing Wine with Vacherin Mont d’Or Cheese
Due to its soft texture, Vacherin Mont d’Or cheese is best when eaten with a white wine. It pairs well with Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. When melted over meats or vegetables, a Pinot Noir is also an excellent choice as it enhances the flavour of the cheese.
Health Benefits of Vacherin Mont d’Or Cheese
Vacherin Mont d’Or cheese is high in calcium, which is an essential mineral for healthy bones and teeth. It is also a good source of proteins, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. The cheese contains lactic acid, which is beneficial to the digestive system and helps to reduce cholesterol levels.
Culinary Uses of Vacherin Mont d’Or Cheese
The cheese can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be added to salads, used as a topping for pizza, or melted down into a cheesy sauce. Another popular way to use the cheese is in a fondue where it is melted in a pot with some white wine and served with crusty bread. Grilled cheese sandwiches are also popular using Vacherin Mont d’Or cheese.
Tips for Choosing Vacherin Mont d’Or Cheese
When purchasing Vacherin Mont d’Or cheese, make sure to choose one that has a golden-brown crust on top with a soft texture inside. The cheese should be firm yet also elastic in texture. Best before dates are important with any cheese, so make sure to check the date before purchasing.
