Hudson Valley Camembert

Rennet: Vegitarian

Milk: Pasteurized Cow and East Friesian Sheep

Cheese: Type 1 Subcatagory Double Cream

Related: Brebirousse de Argental, Kunik

Origin: Made by Old Chatham Sheephearding Co. in Old Chatham, NY. Owners Tom and Nancy Clark.

Age: 30 days.

Story: Playing fast and loose with the names of great French cheese will get you everywhere in America. In this case it helped Tom and Nancy grow from a flock of 115 sheep to well over a thousand. The only thing this cheese has in common with its namesake is a bloomy rind, but it is delicious all the same. The small square shape insures quick ripening, so the paste is always soft. The flavor is salty and lactic, with a long sweet finish that alternates between lush cream and rich sheep, and carries an overtone of mold.

Pairings: Champagne or hard cider.

$8.50 per piece