The Nine Days of Av is the period in Judaism reserved for great introspection and remembrance during the first nine days of the Hebrew month of Av. It begins from Rosh Chodesh Av and ends with the serious, long fast day known as Tisha B'Av. People observe various limitations during these days, such as refraining from eating meat or wine, to mourn the destruction of the two Jewish Temples in Jerusalem.
As such, not having meat or wine in the meals during the Nine Days gives way to other culinary delicacies. Hence, it becomes an excellent time when cheese lovers get their fair share of many good cheeses. Here are some exquisite cheese options to enjoy during the Nine Days, all available at The Cheese Guy.
Here are some of the cheeses that The Cheese Guy is offering:
Pecorino Romano
$18.00
Pecorino Romano or Romano cheese is an Italian hard, salty cheese produced exclusively from sheep's milk. Its salty flavor and crumbly texture make it so great as an additive to salad, pasta, and bread. Try incorporating Pecorino Romano into your meals during the Nine Days for that burst of savory goodness. It's perfect for grating over a vegetable dish or adding to a cheese platter.
Ricotta Salata
$16.00
Ricotta Salata is a type of ricotta that is pressed, salted, and aged, which develops a firm, tart taste after about 90 days. You can crumble it over salads or mix it into pasta dishes, but it's also really nice on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. It's versatile and will help give a special dairy lift to your meals during this observant period.
Parmesan, Shaved
$10.00
Shaved Parmesan is one versatile ingredient that enhances quite a number of dishes. Being hard in texture and savory in taste, it is great when sprinkled over salads, pasta dishes, or soups. By using shaved Parmesan in your Nine Days menu, you will add a touch of class and richness to the dishes.
Emmental, French
$16.00
Emmental, French is a hole-y Swiss cheese with a mild flavor that carries a nutty hint to it. It melts beautifully, so use it in cheese sauces, fondues, or as a topping for your favorite vegetable gratin. During the Nine Days, Emmental can add creaminess and fun to your meatless meals.
Nine Days Recipes
Here are some recipe ideas that really show off the flavors of these beautiful cheeses:
For Pecorino Romano and Arugula Salad, one has to mix arugula, lemon vinaigrette, shaved Pecorino Romano, and pine nuts.
The second dish is recommended to be a Pasta with Ricotta Salata:
cook pasta and toss with spinach and garlic sautéed in olive oil and then grated Ricotta Salata on the top with the splashes of red pepper.
Lastly, for Emmental Gratin thinly slice the potatoes and arrange them in an oven-proof dish with cream, garlic, and shredded emmental cheese and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Conclusion
The Nine Days are for spirituality and reflection, but it can also be an opportunity to explore the many varieties of cheese available. Kinds like these—Pecorino Romano, Ricotta Salata, Emmental, and Romano cheese, and especially shaved Parmesan cheese—are ones with which one can create really great and satisfying dishes that adhere to the dietary restriction of the time. Stop by The Cheese Guy for these beauties and other gorgeous cheeses, and really make the Nine Days flavorful and memorable.
Indulge in the rich traditions and scrumptious tastes that these days offer, and may your meals be as meaningful as they are delicious. For orders you may contact us at 718-698-5154.