This Month’s Selection:
SHEPSOG, GRAFTON VILLAGE CHEESE, GRAFTON, VT
Shepsog is the Algonquin word for “sheep”, which once covered Vermont’s hillsides during the booming wool industry of the 19th century. The forest has since reclaimed the hills, but Grafton still sources top quality sheep and cow milk to make this mixed-milk, cave-aged beauty.
Made from raw sheep and cow’s milk and aged for 4-6 months, Shepsog has a dusty gray and white mottled rind, with a firm texture that echoes the curd structure of the cheese. Expect aromas of cultured butter and fresh buttermilk, alongside bright flavors that are lemony and sweet, with notes of caramel and a clean, nutty finish.
Shepsog is best served as a table cheese. Pair with toasted nuts and raw honey, shave over grilled asparagus, or enjoy with a handful of trail mix as you observe the view from your nearest mountaintop.
RECIPES:
Hemingway’s Fallen Souffle of Vermont Cheeses
Hemingway’s Restaurant held the AAA Four-Diamond Award for over twenty years. Chef Ted Fondulas graciously shared this recipe with Grafton from his former restaurant, which focused on Vermont foods.
Ingredients:
- 7.5 oz. milk
- 1 oz. butter, unsalted
- 3/4 oz. all-purpose King Arthur flour
- 3 egg yolks, large, fresh
- Pinch of salt
- 9 oz. Shepsog, shredded
- 1 tbs. almonds, ground
- 1/4 tbs. fennel seed, ground
- 4 egg whites, large
Cooking Process:
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter 8, 4-5 oz. ovenproof ramekins, and set aside.
2. Boil milk in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add flour and cook for 5 minutes, whisking constantly. Increase heat to medium. Slowly, whisk in the milk and bring to a boil for 1 minute, whisking often. Remove pan from heat.
4. Add salt and cheese. Mix until cheese has melted and is smooth. Set aside to cool.
5. Lightly whisk in yolks.
6. Meanwhile sprinkle the insides of the prepared ramekins with almonds and fennel seeds, rotating dishes to coat.
7. Beat egg whites in a medium bowl until stiff, but not dry. With a rubber spatula, fold half of the whites into the cooled egg yolk mixture. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites. Spoon mixture evenly into the prepared ramekins and place in a water bath.*
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until souffles begin to puff, turn golden brown on top and softly set in the middle. Note: Serve immediately or store covered in the refrigerator for a few days. Before serving, use a knife to un-mold and bake on a baking pan in a 300 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Serve immediately.
* For water bath: Place ramekins in a large shallow metal baking pan. Add enough warm water to come halfway up the sides of ramekins and gently place in the oven.
How to serve:
To serve, plate with a salad of baby lettuce tossed in garlic oil and salt and pepper. Garnish salad with a few spears of endive drizzled with honey balsamic vinaigrette.
Recent Awards for Shepsog:
- Best of Show, Big E Cheese Awards, 2017
- Gold, World Cheese Awards, 2016
- Best of Show Runner Up, Big E Cheese Awards, 2016
- Gold, International Cheese Awards, 2016
- Super Gold, World Cheese Awards, 2014
- First, American Cheese Society, 2014 Gold (2),
- International Cheese Awards, 2014
- National Sheep Assoc. Trophy, Best Ewe’s Cheese, 2014
- Third, World Championship Cheese Contest,
- 2014 Bronze, International Cheese Awards,
- 2013 Super Gold (top 16), World Cheese Awards,
- 2012 Silver Medal, Big E Cheese Competition, 2012
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