I know, so I make cheese puns. Like the one that is the title of this post. But why not… if I don’t want to get made fun of I can always block comments!!
Today I had the pleasure of trying out more of the cheeses from Taste of Cheese’s December Cheese Box and I have much to report on the Valencay. Not only is it phenomenal (cheese-tastic?) but it also has a great story behind it, and I’m a sucker for a good story.
Valencay is a raw-milk chevre from the Loire Valley in France. It’s lovely pyramid form is blanketed in a soft ash mould. Legend has it that the Valencay was at one time a pyramid with a point – NOT as in a cheese with something to say. When Napoleon returned to France after failing to conquer Eqypt, it is said that the sight of this pyramid of cheese pissed off the little guy to the point of saying “Off with it’s head!” (Wrong Frenchman – I know!!)
Anyways, after it’s evolution Valencay continued on to become a beloved French chevre, sweet with a bit of a tang and a texture which is a mix between crumbly and melty. It is a bit lactic and herbal and everything else that a great chevre should be!!
I wish I hadn’t tried this one first today. If it had been last on my list of 4 I would have definitely gobbled up more.. but it’s ok! I’m probably going to have to keep testing the Valencay. Maybe every day till it’s gone, you know, just to make sure it’s staying ok!!
Can’t wait!! yummmmmm!!
Stay posted for some exciting pics of the cheese label art I’ve been doing using the oodles of “etiquettes” (aka labels, in French) to make some sweet ephemeral design!!
