Big Cheeses: Cabot Tomato Basil Cheddar

I had the great opportunity to spend some time at Delicious Orchards recently and the even better opportunity to try some new samples. Traditionally, they have the dressing samples (which I barely show need for since I'm not a salad person) and this time, they had powdered doughnut samples, Salami Napoli samples, and of course my wonderful pleasure... cheese samples. While I enjoyed trying Caerphilly cheese and will eventually go forth and make it a "big cheese," I am going to blog about a cheese I tried when I went to time before last and enjoyed so much that I had to go back and buy it a second time. It also happens to be a specific company and a specific flavor, which won't be common for my highlight cheeses that I choose. However, Cabot Tomato Basil Cheddar is such a good cheese that it is unable to go without recognition. It's just one of those gourmet style cheeses that should not be overlooked.

Cabot, Vermont is a farm area that has been known for making Cheddar cheeses since 1919. Cheddar is probably the most well known cheese in Britain and is called "Cheddar" after the cheddaring process. Cabot has been known for its various takes on Cheddar and thus flavors such as Horseradish Cheddar, Habanero Cheddar, Chipotle Cheddar, Smoky Bacon Cheddar, and Wasabi Cheddar have been made. As for me, I like the simply Tomato Basil Cheddar. Sun dried tomatoes are mixed with basil in a mild Cheddar, which compliment the cheddar with a refreshing element. This gives this Cheddar the opportunity to stick out.

There are several ways you can eat this cheese, but I feel that Tomato Basil Cheddar sticks out so much, that it plays the grand star. I personally enjoy having sliced pepperoni next to it. I'll either wrap a slice of pepperoni around the Cheddar or just simply start with the pepperoni and follow it up with the cheese. This allows the refreshing but appetite quenching Cheddar to relieve the spicy pepperoni. This works just perfectly when it comes to a cheese dish that can be made so simply. It's just the perfect snack for any time of day and to me, what kind of snack is better than dried meat (in many instances, a nice and impacting Italian meat such as Soppressata, Salami, and Pepperoni) and cheese. You also have bread, crackers, and fruit, but with this instance, I like pepperoni.

If you ever go cheese sampling or shopping at a place where Cabot has cheese, you should definitely check out their Tomato Basil Cheddar. Pick your preparation, pick a time, sit down, eat, and enjoy! Cabot Tomato Basil Cheddar cheese will surely help you do that.