Marple Library Hosts an International Cheese Tasting

BROOMALL–The first of a a two-part tasting series that the will be hosting this summer, as part of the ," library patrons and cheese fans came out last week for a 'worldly' cheese experience.

The cheese tasting included cheeses from Italy, Greece and more. From manchego and gruyere, to Italian black truffle, double-cream brie and double cheddar, it was a cheese lover's paradise.

"It's the first time we've done something like this since I've been here," said Jennifer Stock, assistant director of the library. " We wanted to do something fun on a summer night. It was just a nifty idea and so easy to do."

About 23 library patrons–from young to old, cheese connoisseurs to new cheese fans–attended the event, sampling the various cheeses and unique pairings, including goat cheese balls rolled around in chives and poppy seeds to figs dolloped with ricotta cheese and honey.

But the cheesemonger and connoisseur of the night was Melissa Anderson, a children's assistant at the library and an employee at Trader Joe's, who explained the different cheeses and pairings that would go well with each.

"When you're traveling, the best part of traveling, like in Europe, are those small cheese stands at the market, where the cheeses come straight from the farm," said Anderson.

An informal discussion was held after the tasting with Anderson, who offered her advice on what to do with some cheeses and other tips.

"If you're lactose intolerant, yogurt cheeses are lactose-free," explained Anderson. "Any cheddar that's over six years in age is pretty lactose-free with maybe 3 percent lactose."

She also recommended buying Greek feta cheese in the brining solution, which brings out more flavor, and trying marscapone cheese which has the same consistency as ricotta and can be used for almost anything.

Anderson said she has always been surrounded by food and her passion for cooking and foods came at a young age.

"From when I was younger to now, I just always loved food," shared Anderson. "That's how my family showed their love. It's about sharing that job with someone just eating together."

Anderson recommended a few sources for more information on cheeses, pairings and the like:

Internet Sources

www.cheese.com

www.almagourmet.com

www.cheesemongershop.com

www.traderjoes.com

www.traderjoesfan.com

iPhone and iPad Applications

Complete Cheese Directory

i-Fromage: Wine & Cheese Pairings

Cheese Plate

i-Pairings: Wine, Food & Cheese Pairings

Magazines

Culture

Cheese Connoisseur