Say Cheese: "Ossau Iraty"

Since birth, I have been allergic to milk. Without getting into detail, milk and my body don't get along, and sometimes it puts me to sleep. But thanks to last year's revelation that my allergy is based on the milk of cows; the world of goats, and now sheep have opened new possibilities to me as never before! Which means cheese is no longer taboo! :)

I went to a local cheese shop yesterday and purchased my first two cheeses, cut from a wheel and wrapped in paper made locally and imported. I also purchased a freshly made baguette of bread and some lemon curd butter spread. Yum yum.

So I want to tell you about my new favorite cheese, made from sheep ("ewes' cheese") called Ossau Iraty, made in Pyrennes-Atlantiques, France, and winner of the world cheese award in 2006 so how can you go wrong? Here is the description:

"Generations of the Pardou family have produced this AOC sheeps milk cheese in Montplaiser, France. It is matured in a stone tunnel which they have built into the mountainside."

It is mild, very creamy and full of flavor. I am hoping to make a really nice mac & cheese with this new found favorite. It's not pasteurized, which may not be recommended for mothers-to-be. But isn't it cool that someone in france can make cheese in a mountain, and now it's in my fridge? Way to go technology.

So, take a look at your cheese aisle and see if you can find some ewe's milk cheese, or "Iraty" and try it out. Highly recommended! Especially for my siblings who suffer from my same cow's milk disability. :) Your spouses will thank you for it.