Ode to the Orange: A Chef’s Guide to Harvest Moon Cheese
mooooooon, say it with me!
The world of cheese offers a kaleidoscope of flavors and textures, but some cheeses stand out for their unique beauty. Enter Harvest Moon cheese, a vibrant orange stunner that’s not just a feast for the eyes, but a flavor explosion waiting to happen.
Here’s the thing — in 2013, the US FDA banned French Mimolette. Why? Because we’re not allowed to have nice things. So cheese makers had to either say au’revoir to this delicious cheese, or figure out a way to make it happen without breaking the law and angering the mighty FDA.
Enter the Harvest Moon.
Crafted by the award-winning 5 Spoke Creamery in New York, Harvest Moon draws inspiration from the classic French Mimolette without breaking any food-safety precautions. Made with raw cow’s milk and aged for at least nine months in underground caves, Harvest Moon boasts a dense, rich texture and a captivating orange hue. It occasionally has bleu veins of flavor, like a gorgeously aged bleu cheese.
What truly sets it apart is its complex flavor profile. Think: a delightful marriage of sweet and savory, with notes of butterscotch, caramel, and a hint of earthiness.
For cheese aficionados, Harvest Moon is a revelation. But for home chefs, it’s a playground of possibilities that will pop the eyebrows of your friends and family. The cheese’s unique characteristics lend themselves to a variety of culinary applications, from elegant appetizers to show-stopping main courses.
A Cheese for All Seasons
The beauty of Harvest Moon lies in its versatility. Here are some ways chefs can incorporate this vibrant cheese into their creations:
- Appetizers: Dazzle your guests with a cheese board featuring Harvest Moon as the star. Pair it with contrasting flavors and textures, like sliced pears, fig jam, Marcona almonds, and crusty bread. For a touch of elegance, consider serving it with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of quince paste.
- Salads: Elevate your salad game by incorporating crumbled Harvest Moon. Its vibrant color adds visual interest, while its sweet and savory notes complement a variety of salad greens, fruits, and nuts. Try tossing Harvest Moon with stronger flavors like baby arugula, sliced pears, candied walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Burgers: Take your next burger night up a notch with Harvest Moon. Crumble it over the patty before cooking for a burst of flavor and a hint of creaminess. Alternatively, serve slices of Harvest Moon alongside the burger for a delightful textural contrast.
- Pasta: Ditch the usual parmesan and explore the depths of Harvest Moon in your pasta dishes. Grate it over creamy risotto for a touch of sweetness, or crumble it over a simple cacio e pepe for an extra layer of complexity.
- Grilled Cheese: Elevate the humble grilled cheese with Harvest Moon. Its rich texture and meltability create a decadent and flavorful sandwich. Pair it with thinly sliced apples for a sweet and savory combination, or go classic with sourdough bread and caramelized onions.
A Recipe to Remember: Harvest Moon and Fig Crostini
This simple yet stunning recipe allows the beauty and flavor of Harvest Moon cheese to shine.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 ounces Harvest Moon cheese, thinly sliced
- 4 ripe figs, quartered
- Fresh rosemary, for garnish
- Honey (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- While the bread bakes, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the figs to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Remove the bread from the oven and rub each slice with the garlic clove from the pan.
- Top each crostini with a slice of Harvest Moon cheese.
- Broil the crostini for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Arrange the fig quarters on top of the melted cheese.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and a drizzle of honey (optional). Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Beyond the Recipe
Harvest Moon cheese is more than just a culinary ingredient; it’s an invitation to explore flavor combinations and create truly unique dishes. Experiment with different fruits, vegetables, and accompaniments to discover new favorites.
Here are some additional ideas to inspire your culinary journey with Harvest Moon:
- Pair it with bold flavors: Don’t shy away from strong-tasting ingredients like prosciutto, blue cheese, or spicy peppers. Harvest Moon can hold its own against assertive flavors, creating a delightful tension on the palate.
- Think beyond cheese plates: While Harvest Moon is a showstopper on a cheese board, don’t limit yourself. Consider using its shavings as a flavorful garnish for soups or ste