Brie cheese

[BREE]

Brie cheese is a creamy or double cream cheese best served at room temperature. At the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815, Brie was crowned King of cheeses, "Le Roi de Fromages".  Although Lorraine, France is now the largest produce of Brie,for the best flavor, look for traditional Brie de Meaux.  Make sure to allow Brie to come to room temperature (at least 25 minutes) before serving.

Selecting and Eating Brie

When selecting brie make sure the cheese is not "runny" looking which is an indication the cheese is over ripe.  If the cheese is too firm it is probably under ripe.  Once the cheese is cut from the wheel it will not ripen any further.  Don't buy under ripe cheese thinking it will get better if you hold it a few days.

The white bloomy rind is edible or you can discard it if you choose.

If you don't have brie, then the best substitutes include:

• Camembert should be your first choice.  It is a very similar cheese produced in Normandy, France.
• OR - Explorateur cheese will have a similar flavor profile.
• OR - Fromage d'Affinois similar to brie with a slightly stronger flavor.