Cressy Blu Cheese

Cressy Blu is a distinctive semi-hard, blue-veined cheese that showcases the artisanal cheesemaking prowess of both Canada and Italy. This cheese is known for its striking blue veins that meander through a creamy, ivory-colored paste, offering a visual feast that hints at its complex flavor profile. The texture of Cressy Blu is semi-hard, making it versatile for various culinary applications, yet it retains a certain creaminess that enhances its mouthfeel. Its rind is natural and often showcases the cheese's aging process, adding to its rustic charm. Cressy Blu is a testament to the fusion of Canadian and Italian cheesemaking traditions, resulting in a cheese that is both unique and familiar to blue cheese enthusiasts.

Cressy Blu's origins are a blend of Canadian innovation and Italian tradition, reflecting a collaborative effort to create a cheese that bridges the gap between the two countries' cheesemaking heritages. While specific historical details about Cressy Blu are scarce, it is clear that this cheese is part of a growing trend of artisanal cheeses that aim to combine the best of different cheesemaking cultures. Its creation is a nod to the rich history of blue-veined cheeses in Italy, such as Gorgonzola, while also embracing the modern, experimental approach of Canadian cheesemakers. Cressy Blu serves as a symbol of the global nature of contemporary cheesemaking, where traditions are respected, but innovation is encouraged.

Cressy Blu is made from cow's milk, which is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality. The milk is then curdled using traditional methods, with the addition of Penicillium roqueforti to create the characteristic blue veins. After curdling, the cheese is pressed and shaped before being aged in controlled environments that allow the blue mold to develop properly. The aging process is crucial for Cressy Blu, as it allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to become semi-hard yet creamy. Special attention is paid to the humidity and temperature during aging to ensure that the blue veins develop evenly throughout the cheese.

Cressy Blu offers a complex flavor profile that balances the sharpness of blue cheese with a creamy, slightly sweet undertone. The blue veins contribute a bold, tangy flavor that is complemented by the cheese's inherent creaminess, resulting in a harmonious blend of tastes. The aroma is earthy and slightly pungent, typical of blue-veined cheeses, inviting cheese lovers to indulge in its rich flavors. The texture is semi-hard, providing a satisfying bite, yet it melts in the mouth, releasing its full spectrum of flavors.

Cressy Blu pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods and beverages. For a traditional pairing, try it with a robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Barolo, which can stand up to the cheese's bold flavors. Beer enthusiasts might enjoy it with a dark stout or porter, where the cheese's creaminess contrasts beautifully with the beer's bitterness. On the food front, Cressy Blu is excellent on a cheese board, accompanied by nuts, dried fruits, and honey for a sweet contrast. It also melts beautifully, making it a great addition to gourmet burgers or a luxurious blue cheese sauce for pasta.