We all know, and enjoy, Camembert and Brie, but there is another member of that family of French cheeses that is far less known, especially back in the UK.
Like its siblings, Chaource has a white rind, and is very similar to Camembert in its interior. As you can see from the photo, it is more barrel shaped than Camembert. It has a creamy texture, and if left out in the open for a day or two will begin to melt into a deliciously flowing, silky, 'gloop'.
It was my son Kimbo who first introduced me to Chaource, and we now buy it in preference to either Camembert or Brie; although we do buy Somerset Brie occasionally which is excellent.
If you haven't tried it, and can find some, I recommend that you give it a go.
I recently mentioned 'Figatelli'. Well, it's not sold as Figatelli here (trades description act no doubt, as it's not made in Corsica) but as Saucisse seche de Foie. The maker is the respected house of Milhau, and if your taste runs to the 'adventurous', then this could be for you (if you happen to be in France this Summer).
Personally I can't get enough of it. It has a really haunting taste of dried Liver. I love it.
I just checked and added to my Waitrose order Chaource AOP. £4.25 for 250 g. Which seems pretty reasonable. Our of curiosity please let me know how much you pay for it in France in Euros.
ReplyDeleteThe Figatelli is harder to come by though there are speciality places (on line - where else). Mind you, Cro, you aren't very good at selling it to your readers. "...haunting taste of dry liver"? I like liver but never had it "dry".
U
I have no idea how much the Chaource costs here; I never look at prices. I agree that dried liver doesn't sound very inviting, but it has a very 'earthy' and 'dark' flavour. Not, maybe, to everyone's taste!
DeleteYou never look at prices? I find that hard to believe. Presumably you don't look at your receipts either.
DeleteU
Funnily I have just found my receipt, and I see that the Chaource cost 3.49 Euros for 250 gms.
Deletep.s. I am very methodical. I always have a shopping list, and simply buy what I need. There is no point for me to look at prices. What difference would it make?
DeleteI like sliced Somerset brie on sourdough toast with cranberry sauce.....briefly zapped in the microwave to melt the cheese a bit!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds heavenly!
DeleteSomerset Brie (at least, the one I buy from Sainsbury's) is a wonderful cheese; if anything, better than the original French version.
DeleteI get mine from Waitrose, and yes it is much nicer than any French ones I have tried.
DeleteWe were introduced to Chaource years ago in a little French B&B. We sourced some to bring home then found it’s readily available in UK supermarkets. I try to buy British but now and again I cannot resist this, it is indeed delicious.
ReplyDeleteIt's always on sale at my big Sainsbury's. I buy it often.
DeleteChaource cheese and saucisse seche de Foie are both available in big mainstream British supermarkets but we don't want them 'cause we prefer cheddar and Lincolnshire or Cumberland bangers.
ReplyDeleteI too eat good mature Cheddar, and some very good Cumberland Sausages; not sure about the Lincs cheese. I'd prefer some Gorgonzola.
DeleteNot Lincolnshire cheese, Lincolnshire sausages Crozier!
DeleteAh! That's why I was confused!!!
DeleteHaunting taste of dried liver? Leave me out! Feta is enough for me. I do like camembert but it's a bit pricey here. A treat
ReplyDeleteFunnily, I don't think it's a female taste. It's too dark and almost angry tasting.
Delete