For my blog post this time around I was debating either cheese themed super bowl fare (Wisconsin being a cheese mecca and all) or cheese on Valentines Day. Although I am perhaps quick to the punch for Valentines Day, I am not much of a football guy; I have no bias towards any particular team or any cheese producing state for that matter. I hope my masculinity will not be jeopardized.

Everyone associates Valentine’s Day with chocolate but-- what about cheese?!? I like the idea of selecting 3-4 cheeses for you and your valentine to enjoy before, after or even as an alternative to a reservation at that ‘fancy pants’ restaurant. Do a little homework. Pick a few unique and contrasting cheeses with the help of your local cheese monger to wow your taste buds (and your date, of course). Even go as far as reading

up on the cheeses to really impress. Cheese, like many other foods really livens up all of ones senses; whether it be rich, silky, voluptuous, nutty or pungent (be mindful if these qualities allude to the traits of your company.) Cheese is perfect conversation trigger as well, tasting the different cheeses to a nice wine and sharing thoughts on how the cheese tastes next to each other or which compliments the wine. Clearly some cheeses hint towards the idea of love (the French heart- shaped Neufchatel, Brin d’Amour, meaning ‘wisp of love’, or even, in a humorous occasion, Bleating Heart’s Fat-Bottomed Girl.)

Some cheese, a fresh crusty bread and perhaps a soup is about as simple as it can get. Oh and why not a bit of chocolate? Keeping it simple keeps the stress level and ‘butterflies’ at a minimum and will allow plenty of time for smooches!

Of course you’re talking to a guy who has spent the last decade in a kitchen turning out ‘fancy pants’ tasting menus on Valentines Day. My recollection of Valentine's Day dates back to third grade with Scooby Doo or Looney Tune’s Valentines Day cards from little Cindy Lou Who. Ahh, what do I know?

I’ll be spending V- Day this year collaborating on a creative cheese themed menu with a friend at his restaurant. I will certainly post pictures in an upcoming post!

-Austin