Walking the streets of most French towns will invariably land you near a century-old building, its large windows decorated with bottles of wine and baguettes. Inside, the rich smells of meats and cheeses will enliven your senses. The variety of cheeses, much of it local fare created by decades of crafters, offers a delicious array of flavors that gourmet chefs relish as the secret ingredient in their dishes.
Gourmet cheese is something of a national identity in several countries like France, Italy and Switzerland. Of course, there are many other countries where cheese has been a cherished staple for many centuries, like England, Portugal and Holland. These fine cheeses are crafted from many sources including cows, sheep and goats to allow the creation of soft and hard varieties as well as fragrant, mild and strong fromage types.
Finding a supermarket in America with something other than Kraft cheese is difficult; even specialty stores don’t stock an equal variety of cheeses as some of these country French markets. Online providers are one of the best ways to procure gourmet cheese and expand your cooking selection.
Foie Gras falls into the same category of hard-to-find gourmet food items. A delicate and delicious spread, this sweet p?t? is wonderful on toast or artisan bread. The varieties of Foie Gras are considerable and include large a selection of p?t?s with goose and duck. Bringing the local fare right to your home, an online gourmet store can offer an incredible selection of these spreads.
Making the most of the international palate, chocolate is a favorite the world over. Every region crafts its own unique style and flavor of this sweet confection. Some of the best chocolate in the world comes from Switzerland, and sending chocolate gifts is a great way to please friends and family. Swiss, French, American and Italian specialty chocolates that may not be available in retail stores near you are available online for gifts and cooking. So just order some of your favorites, and bon app?tit!