Brie Cheese Explorations: A Comprehensive Guide
The Brie Legacy: A Cheese Like No Other
Brie, often fondly referred to as the "Queen of Cheeses," is a true testament to the art of cheese-making. This soft, creamy, and lusciously rich cheese owes its name to the Brie region in France where it first originated. The cheese's pale hue contrasts beautifully with its white mold rind – a rind that's not only edible but contributes to Brie's distinctive flavor. Interestingly, while Brie and Camembert might look alike and share some similarities, they hail from different French regions and have nuanced taste differences. Pairing Brie with Girl Meets Dirt Preserves
Here at Girl Meets Dirt, we are pretty passionate about cheese. We make all of our preserves with cheese in mind, and we get pretty excited when we get to talk about how we can pair our favorite preserves with our favorite cheeses! Below are a few of our very favorite combinations for you to try and see which is your favorite.
Orcas Island’s Italian Plums are the star of the show in the Island Plum Spoon Preserves. The deep purple hue and richness of the preserves, combined with a subtle hint of licorice from anise hyssop, make it a phenomenal pairing with Brie. This preserve was one of the first concoctions from Girl Meets Dirt and captures the essence of the bounteous Orcas Island plums. Serve the preserve atop a wedge of Brie for a taste that's both lush and refreshing.
From the deep red Valentine variety rhubarb grown in Orcas Island's Crow Valley come our Rhubarb Lavender Spoon Preserves. This preserve is a magnificent blend of tart and sweet, with a gentle touch of floral notes from garden-grown English culinary lavender buds. The deep pink hue and tart, lightly floral flavors harmonize perfectly with soft, creamy Brie, making it an essential addition to your cheeseboard.
Finally, we adore our classic Orchard Apricot Spoon Preserve, a confiture-style jam that sings of summer. Made with the luscious apricots grown in the warm summers of Washington State, and paired with unrefined cane sugar, organic lemon, and infused with a hint of almond flavor from the apricot kernels, this jam is sheer magic. The golden hues and tangy flavor complement the creamy texture and flavor of Brie, adding a splash of summertime to any cheese board or charcuterie spread. It's truly a pairing that shouldn't be missed. Final Thoughts
The universe of Brie pairings is vast and waiting to be explored. Girl Meets Dirt, with its artisanal preserves, has gifted cheese enthusiasts an array of unique flavors to complement the creamy richness of Brie. As you indulge in these pairings, remember that it's all about the experience and discovering what resonates with your palate. To cheese, memories, and flavors that linger!