Hello my friends! M. Cheesemonger and I are now on our way to the Motherland, a.k.a., La France! I will keep you updated on things are much as I can while over there, especially on Instagram! However, today, I do have a special fall-inspired blog post for you, an all California cheese and jam pairing with Valley Fig Growers, maker of several fig jams.
Here’s what I found worked best! Let this inspire you for your next gathering!
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Jack + Organic Mission Fig Jam
These wedges of Jack, made of organic cow’s milk in Willows, California, are a great introduction into the world of American cheese. They are creamy and mild, good melters, and compatible with many other flavors. Because of this cheese’s gentle nature, I wanted to pair it with the simplest jam I had on hand, the organic mission fig jam. For those who are new to cheese pairings, this might be a good way to open the door.
Laura Chenel’s Chèvre + California Orange Fig Jam
I was inspired by an orange-flavored ice cream I tasted during a photo session with Lemon Bird Jams, so wanted to emulated that here. The creamy, bright-flavored cheese paired so well with the orange in the jam. It felt fresh, refreshing, and delightful.
Marin French Cheese Brie + Fig & Balsamic Pepper Jam
Marin French Cheese Company’s Brie has a great, smooth mouthfeel and buttery, deep mushroom flavor. I knew it needed a richly flavored pairing, and the Balsamic Pepper, with balsamic vinegar and black pepper, fit the bill. Together, the ensemble felt like a warm, woolly, mushroomy blanket to wrap around my shoulders on a crisp autumn afternoon. Although, I do admit, it’s been pretty warm in San Francisco lately! The pepper is nearly imperceptible to me, but maybe someone else can taste it more.
Point Reyes Blue + Port Wine Fig Jam
This classic California cheese has turned up a few times on the blog (I’ve even visited their farm!). Its creamy texture and sweet, yet pungent, blue flavor make it a crowd favorite every time! Since port wine is a traditional pairing with blue cheese, I thought I’d stick to tradition here! The complexity and fullness in the figs + the hint of port makes the cheese shine like the western star it is.
See you soon! Have you gotten your Miss Cheesemonger tote bag yet? You totally should do it now! Happy fall!
Valley Fig Growers provided me with the cheeses and jams for today’s pairing.
