Cooking With Blue Cheese

The Unique Flavor of Blue Cheese

Blue cheese, known for its characteristic blue or green veins, is a type of cheese that has been inoculated with Penicillium mold. This gives it a strong, tangy flavor that can enhance a variety of dishes. According to the USDA, blue cheese is also a good source of calcium and protein, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

Recipe Ideas for Cooking with Blue Cheese

1. Blue Cheese Pasta Sauce

For pasta enthusiasts, a blue cheese sauce can be a game-changer. Here's a simple recipe:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 pear, chopped and tossed with lemon juice
  • 1 cup hot chicken or beef broth
  • Optional: cooked chicken or pork

• Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine the blue cheese, green onions, and pear.
  2. Add the hot broth and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  3. Toss with your favorite pasta and add cooked chicken or pork for a gourmet-style meal.

2. Blue Cheese Burgers

Upgrade your barbecue with blue cheese-stuffed burgers:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled

• Instructions:

  1. Form the ground beef into balls and create a well in the center.
  2. Fill the well with blue cheese and cover with meat to form a patty.
  3. Cook on the barbecue or stove as usual.

3. Blue Cheese Salad

Add a burst of flavor to your salads with blue cheese:

• Ingredients:

  • Mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • Optional: nuts, fruits, and a homemade blue cheese dressing

• Instructions:

  1. Toss the mixed greens with blue cheese.
  2. Add nuts and fruits for extra texture and flavor.
  3. Drizzle with a homemade blue cheese dressing made from salad oil, vinegar, garlic, pepper, onion chives, and paprika.

4. Blue Cheese Snacks

Create quick and tasty snacks with blue cheese:

• Ingredients:

  • Grapes, pear chunks, or pitted olives
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese, softened
  • Chopped nuts

• Instructions:

  1. Coat fruits or olives with softened blue cheese.
  2. Roll in chopped nuts for a delicious snack.

Nutritional Benefits of Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is not only flavorful but also nutritious. According to the USDA, a 1-ounce serving of blue cheese contains:

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 6 grams
• Calcium: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin A: 6% of the DV

Interesting Facts About Blue Cheese

• Aging Process: Blue cheese is typically aged for 2 to 3 months, during which the mold cultures develop, creating its unique flavor and texture.
• Varieties: There are several types of blue cheese, including Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton, each with its distinct taste and origin.
• Health Benefits: Blue cheese contains probiotics that can aid in digestion and boost the immune system.

Conclusion

Incorporating blue cheese into your cooking can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. Whether you're making a creamy pasta sauce, stuffing burgers, or adding it to salads, blue cheese offers a versatile and delicious option. Next time you're at the grocery store, pick up some blue cheese and start experimenting with these recipes. You'll be amazed at the depth of flavor it brings to your meals.

For more information on the nutritional benefits of blue cheese, visit the USDA's FoodData Central.

Sources:

1. USDA FoodData Central
2. Healthline: Blue Cheese Nutrition Facts