The stinky cheese fan...

"I want the stinkiest cheese they have," Izzy announced as we waited on line at the Zabar's cheese counter. The counterman looked up in amusement. When it was our turn to order I said, "I don't know about the stinkiest, but medium stinky will do." He pointed out something I had been eyeing, which was a Corsican sheep's milk cheese called, U bel fiuritu. I believe it was lovingly described as "pungent but not aggressively so". I asked for a sample and handed it over to Izzy who gobbled it down before I could try it myself. I figured a hunk of that was in our future even before I had tried it myself. Sampling does add so much to the shopping experience, not only for the grown-ups. It not only has entertainment value but is also a great way to encourage food discovery.

Now I know that kids enjoy cheese in general but I never thought the stinky ones would be high on the list of favorites. In fact, when I was a kid I was certain that blue cheese had to be one of the most awful things to eat and wouldn't go near the stuff...I will also admit that blue cheese was an acquired taste that only came in my late 20's after watching my boyfriend (now husband) enjoy it so thoroughly. He prepared it for me and convinced me I had to try it.. I haven't stopped eating it since.

To be continued...