Who's the Big Cheese? How much do you know about cheese?

 

 

Cheese is important to Americans! Did you know these bits of cheese trivia?

• Americans eat over half pound of cheese per person each week.
• The terms "Big Wheel" and "Big Cheese"originally referred to those who were wealthy enough to purchase a whole wheel of cheese.
• Most people that are allergic to cow milk products or who are lactose intolerant can use goat and sheep milk products. The lactose or protein in the milk is what usually causes the allergic reaction or intolerance. Goat & sheep milk both have lactose and protein but it is of a different make up that doesn't bother most people.
• String cheese is mozzarella cheese. Try it for yourself. Get a piece of mozzarella and see how easily it "strings" when you pull it apart!
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture's food pyramid recommends that everyone have 3 servings of low-fat dairy each day.
• Just two ounces of a reduced fat cheese a day will give you about 40-50% of the daily value for calcium and around 15 grams of protein for an investment of only 160 to 180 calories.
• Switch to a high flavor cheese so you can use les, yet still provide maximum flavor. Some high flavor cheeses include Parmesan, Romano, smoked cheeses, blue cheese, extra-sharp cheddar and goat (feta) cheese.

There's no reason to smother your dish with blankets of cheese. Often recipes call for the final step in a casserole or mixed dish to be a blanket of cheese on top. A sprinkle can do the trick just as well... about a cup of shredded cheese to cover a 9 x 13-inch baking dish instead of 3 cups.