National Cheese Day!

I don't mean to be cheesy, but June 4th is National Cheese Day! Here are some great ways to celebrate:

I [heart] Cheese: 60 Ooey, Gooey, Delicious Meals For Serious Cheese Lovers by Mihaela Metaxa-Albu

"Celebrating the world's most beloved culinary ingredient, this inspired collection of delicious recipes helps readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy cheese through creative recipes that highlight cheese in unique meals." -From the Catalog

The Story of Cheese (DVD)

"Venture on a voyage to discover the phenomena behind the making, and popularity, of cheese." -From the Catalog

Composing the Cheese Plate: Recipes, Pairings, and Platings for the Inventive Cheese Course by Brian Keyser

"Cheese need not stand alone! Composing the Cheese Plate isn't just another cheese book -- it's a gateway into the wonderful world of pairing and plating your favorite cheeses with dozens of sweet and savory condiments. Fromager Brian Keyser and pastry chef Leigh Friend provide inventive recipes that go way beyond the average crackers and jam. Instead, think chutneys, pestos, purees, whole grain mustards, fruit curds, nut brittles, pickles, honeys, and more!" -From Amazon

Stuff Every Cheese Lover Should Know by Alexandra Jones

"The perfect gift for the cheese lover in your life, this pocket guide includes a brief history of cheese, a primer on the different types of cheese, cheese pairing guides, essential cheese recipes, home cheese-making tips, how to host a cheese tasting, and more. Experts and newbies alike will learn: Highlights from Cheese History Types of Cheese Perfect Cheese Pairings Essential Cheese Gadgets How to Make Cheese at Home How to Host a Cheese Tasting And more!" -From the Catalog

Wisconsin Cheese Cookbook: Creamy, Cheesy, Sweet, and Savory Recipes From the State's Best Creameries by Kristine Hansen

"Wisconsin’s artisan cheese scene is steeped in tradition and bursting with innovations. Local cheesemakers attract visitors from all over the world. Cheese is a huge part of the state’s tourist draw and homegrown character. Everyone who calls Wisconsin home or visits for a day will love this book of the best recipes to cook with cheese. Stunning photos and 60 recipes from the 28 creameries featured will include comfort-food staples like pizza, mac ‘n cheese and grilled-cheese sandwiches, as well as wow-worthy dinner-party favorites such as mascarpone cheesecake, plus picnic-friendly salads and delicious breakfasts." -From Amazon

Cheese Sex Death: A Bible for the Cheese Obsessed by Erika Kubick

"For many people, the world of artisan cheese is an intriguing but intimidating place. There are so many strange smells, unusual textures, exotic names, and rules for serving. Where should a neophyte begin? From evangelist cheesemonger Erika Kubick, this comprehensive book guides readers to become confident connoisseurs and worshippers of Cheesus. A preacher of the curd word, Kubick provides the Ten Commandments of Cheese, which breaks down this complex world into simplified bites. A welcoming sanctuary devoted to making cheese a daily part of life and gatherings, this book explores the many different styles of cheese by type, profiling commonly found and affordable wedges as well as the more rare and refined of rinds. Kubick offers divine recipes that cover everything from everyday crowd pleasers (think mac and cheese and baked brie) to festive feasts fit for holidays and gatherings. This cheese devotee outlines the perfect cheese plate formula and offers inventive yet easy-to-execute beverage pairings, including wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks. These heavenly spreads and recipes wring maximum indulgence out of minimal effort and expense." -From the Publisher

And for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, the cheese celebration is for everyone!

This Cheese is Nuts! Delicious Vegan Cheese at Home by Julie Piatt

"Julie has always been known for her dairy-free cheeses, and here she shares seventy-five recipes using almonds, cashews, and other nuts to create cheeses anyone can make right at home. Nut-based cheeses are on the cutting edge in the world of vegan cuisine. They’re remarkably simple to prepare (all you need are a few simple ingredients and a basic dehydrator), and in as little as twenty minutes, you can have an assortment of tasty fresh cheeses fit for any occasion. Even creating aged cheeses is easy—they require only a day or two in the dehydrator, so making “fancier” cheeses, like Aged Almond Cheddar, is an almost entirely hands-off process. And though they’re delectable on their own, Julie’s nut-based cheeses are a terrific component in her recipes for Raw Beet Ravioli with Cashew Truffle Cream, Country Veggie Lasagna with Fennel and Brazil Nut Pesto, French Onion Soup with Cashew Camembert, and more. Filled with the essential tips, tools, and mouth-watering recipes home cooks need to immerse themselves in the world of nut-based cheese-making, This Cheese is Nuts will demonstrate why nut cheeses should be part of any healthy, sustainable diet." -From the Publisher

Vegan Cheese: Simple, Delicious Plant-Based Recipes by Jules Aron

"Don't be intimidated by the idea of making cheese―vegan cheese is simple and straight-forward, with clean, basic ingredients. Here, green-lifestyle expert Jules Aron shares the tricks of the trade for making sauces, cheese you can grate or slice, and soft spreadable options, using homemade nut milks, vegetables, and natural helpers like lemon juice, probiotics, agar-agar, and nutritional yeast. Her flavorful creations are enhanced with herbs and spices, and run from incredibly easy to more complex, mimicking familiar cheeses." -From Amazon