Vive le Difference!

Did you know that it was the train that pulled nations from a collection of regions into countries with a national identity? We can clearly see this development in Britain where the Shire that you hailed from defined you – the accent that you spoke with and the foods that you ate. Many of the Shires (similar to our provinces) were known for a particular cheese – Cheshire Cheese came from Cheshire, Lancaster Cheese came from Lancashire, Cheddar came from Somerset taking its name from Cheddar Gorge where the cheese was matured in the natural caves in that area and Red Leicester came from Leicestershire. I am often asked what the difference is between Cheddar and Red Leicester and it has primarily to do with the aging. Red Leicester is a bit milder a cheese as it is generally not as aged as Cheddar. However, it would seem that the cheesemakers’ of Red Leicester are getting into the aging of their cheeses as Red Fox is a fabulous, aged Red Leicester. Interestingly enough, Red Leicester makes a better cheese for melting in Mac n’Cheese for example as it has a slightly higher fat content. Although National Mac n’Cheese Day isn’t until July 14th, I think this is much better weather to enjoy a comforting serving of Mac n’Cheese as we all know that Cheese Improves EVERYTHING! So maybe plan to enjoy a Red Fox Mac n’Cheese this week!