I guess you can figure out my theme for the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge. That’s right, it’s cheese! I hope you enjoy these posts!
“N” is for NEUFCHATEL
Neufchâtel is a soft cheese made in the region of Normandy, France. It’s one of the oldest cheeses in France, with production believed to date back to the 6th century in the town of Neufchâtel-en-Bray. Similar in appearance to Camembert, the taste is sharper and saltier. Unlike other soft, white-rind cheeses, Neufchâtel’s texture is grainy. It’s typically matured for 8-10 weeks.
In the late 1800s, a New York dairyman made the first American cream cheese as a result of his attempt to create a batch of Neufchâtel. This American Neufchâtel is softer than regular cream cheese due to its lower fat and higher moisture content. These days, it’s found in most grocery stores as a reduced-fat option to regular cream cheese.
I certainly hope you archive this series, Martha! I am learning tons about cheeses. And I thought I already knew a lot. Thanks so much for providing lots of new info about cheeses known and unknown to me!
Heart-shaped cheese! Reminds me of a time long ago when it was customary to include a candy heart with a message like ‘SMILE,’ ‘CUTIE PIE’ or ‘BE MINE’ with a Valentine’s Day card for a special friend. Awe.
Jim! Legend goes that French farm girls fell in love with English soldiers during the Hundred Years War and started making heart shaped cheeses to show their love. Double Awwwww! 🙂
Sounds perfect. Off to buy some!
Clarissa, that’s funny. I was in the supermarket today and saw it right next to the cream cheese.
Oh! That’s wonderful, Kell. So no need to use the full fat kind.
The American variety of this lovely cheese is the only one I use to make my cheesecakes…yum!