As an artisan cheese enthusiast, I’m always seeking ways to elevate my cheese experience. Recently, I embarked on a journey to explore the art of wrapping goat cheese in leaves, a technique that not only preserves but also enhances its flavor. Let me share my step-by-step guide, inspired by my time on an Alsatian goat farm, recreated in my humble Brooklyn abode.
Why Wrap Goat Cheese?
Before we delve into the process, let’s talk about the “why.” Wrapping goat cheese in leaves, especially those with a porous nature like kale or cabbage, offers a two-fold benefit:
- Preservation: The leaves act as a natural barrier against air, preventing the cheese from drying out and extending its shelf life.
- Flavor Infusion: As the cheese rests, it absorbs the subtle flavors of the leaves, creating a more complex and earthy taste profile.
Gathering Your Supplies
For this artisanal endeavor, you’ll need:
- Fresh Goat Cheese: Approximately 10 ounces will suffice.
- Kale or Cabbage Leaves: Choose leaves that are large enough to wrap around the cheese.
- White Wine: Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc are preferred, but any dry white wine will work.
- Cheese Molds (Optional): To shape the goat cheese into uniform discs.
- Shallow Pan
- Refrigerator
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Preparing the Cheese: If desired, mold your goat cheese into discs using cheese molds. If you don’t have molds, don’t fret! You can easily shape the cheese by hand. Remember, cheese becomes pliable at slightly cooler temperatures. Refrigerate overnight to allow the shaped cheese to firm up.
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Preparing the Leaves: Blanch the kale or cabbage leaves in boiling water for a minute to soften them. This makes them more pliable for wrapping. Remove the tough center stems.
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Creating the Wine Bath: Pour your chosen white wine into a shallow pan. This will be a quick dip for the leaves to impart a subtle wine flavor and aid in the wrapping process.
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Wrapping the Cheese: Dip a leaf into the wine bath, quickly remove it, and place a goat cheese disc in the center. Gently wrap the leaf around the cheese, forming a secure package. The natural stickiness of the cheese should help the leaves adhere. No need for twine!
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Resting and Ripening: Place your wrapped cheeses in a container and refrigerate for at least two weeks. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to develop a more complex profile.
The Results: An Earthy Delight
After two weeks, you’ll be rewarded with a transformed goat cheese experience. The cheese will have absorbed the earthy notes of the leaves and the subtle fruitiness of the wine. The texture might also change slightly, becoming creamier.
Gifting Your Creation:
This leaf-wrapped goat cheese is not just a treat for yourself but also a unique and thoughtful gift. Imagine the delight of your cheese-loving friends when you present them with this hand-crafted delicacy.
Robert Kline Art: Elevating the Everyday
At Robert Kline Art, we believe in finding beauty and creativity in the everyday. This simple yet elegant technique of wrapping goat cheese in leaves is a testament to that philosophy. It’s a testament to the fact that even the simplest act of preserving food can be an art form.
We encourage you to try this technique at home and experience the joy of transforming ordinary goat cheese into something extraordinary. Share your creations and culinary adventures with us in the comments below! And don’t forget to explore our website for more unique, handcrafted gift ideas.