To Brie or Not To Brie
Hi Beesweet lovers! I am back with the history and pairings of one of my favorites, Brie! This cheese is so versatile and can be used in so many ways. So, let’s jump in and check it out.
Brie is a soft cow’s-milk cheese. One of the best-known French cheeses, Brie bears the nickname “The Queen of Cheese.” This is a statement I can definitely agree with. It is light in color with a rind that is typically eaten. The soft curd of Brie is molded in flat rounds that are about 1.5 inches thick. It usually contains 60-75% butter fat. Brie typically ripens within 3-4 weeks.
Brie is significantly different in France as compared to the cheese exported to the United States. French Brie is unstabalized with a complex flavor. The surface will turn slightly brown. When the cheese is pure white (like we see in the grocery) it is not matured. Brie in the United States never matures which prolongs the shelf life, making it not susceptible to infection.
Brie has a nutty, tangy flavor making it easy to add to a charcuterie board. Never tried it? Let me share all my favorites.
Of course we’re going to discuss honey! Honey and Brie combination will tantalize your taste buds. Allow me to introduce you to some gourmet honey's that will send your taste buds on a roller coaster ride of excitement. First, Bee Friends Farm Pecan Infused Honey is one of my all-time favorites. This jar of deliciousness has roasted Georgia pecans infused in Jacksonville, Florida wildflower honey. Want to know a secret? I lay my Brie wheel on the charcuterie board and pour this entire jar of infused honey on top, allowing my guests to dip until their hearts content with whole grain crackers, tangy apples like Granny Smith, or Pears.
Next up is a new one to Hive and Honeybee – Apple Bourbon Honey by Adams Apple Co. This is like apple pie in a jar mixed with a smooth bourbon. If you want to elevate your next board and wow your crowd, this is the honey for you. With the complexity of this honey I would keep it simple with Brie, honey and a whole grain cracker. You can also add a firm fruit like apple to add a different texture and compliment the apple pie spice that is in the honey. I’m going to step aside from charcuterie for a second and speak to the versatility of this honey. This honey also doubles as a delicious glaze for pork after smoking or grilling as well as salmon.
One other mention that I can’t forget is the honey cream spreads that Hive and Honeybee carry. Bumbleberry Farms has developed a delicious Sea Salt Honey Caramel spread that will knock your socks off! It has clean ingredients - whole milk, pure cane sugar, butter, honey, pure vanilla, and sea salt. This is a smooth, spreadable honey that compliments the soft nature of Brie, easy to top a cracker or fruit with. Heck, it is so enjoyable you can eat it by the spoonful!
Well, Bee Sweet lovers – there you have it for Brie cheese. It is a delicious addition to your charcuterie board for parties or just a snack plate for yourself. You won’t be disappointed. If you looking for the honey I discussed – head on over the Hive & Honeybee to check out all things sweet! See you next time.
