Initially, the concept of cheese coffee may sound peculiar, but it happens to be a unique beverage with a renowned reputation in two countries, Colombia and Scandinavia. Similar to the combination of coffee with eggs or honey, despite facing skepticism from many, the duo of coffee and cheese yields unbelievably impressive results.
What is Cheese Coffee?
Essentially, cheese coffee is the fusion of coffee and cheese, with the process and flavor variations tailored to each unique recipe, originating mainly from the cultures of Colombia and Scandinavia.
The flavor of cheese possesses attributes that harmonize exceptionally well with coffee. When blended, the aromatic richness of both ingredients mutually enhances, crafting a distinctive taste that undoubtedly exceeds your expectations.
Classifying 3 Varieties of Cheese Coffee Around the Globe
Kaffeost – Cheese Coffee in Scandinavia
Kaffeost stands as a traditional coffee formula hailing from Scandinavia, where cheese pieces are delicately dropped into a steaming cup of black coffee.
When indulging in a cup of coffee on its own, you'll notice a delightful sweetness inherited from the cheese. However, the most memorable experience unfolds as you savor the distinct taste of the cheese melding with the coffee after a few minutes – it carries both rustic simplicity and a fragrant milkiness.
Colombian Cheese Coffee
Colombians have a penchant for pairing cheese with popular beverages like coffee and even chocolate. The preparation method is quite similar: Drop the cheese into the hot coffee. However, they use white cheese instead of the special leipäjuusto formula from Scandinavia.
The significant difference lies in the white cheese gradually melting and blending into the coffee, rather than 'absorbing' like leipäjuusto. Thanks to this, the overall flavor of Colombian cheese coffee becomes richer, with a pronounced creamy aroma.
While waiting for the cheese to melt, the drinkers continuously savor the flavor, determining the perfect intensity for their individual taste buds. Once the aroma reaches an ideal level, they scoop out the cheese for a separate enjoyment, followed by slowly relishing the coffee.
Many Colombians also have a habit of enjoying bread with their coffee. Therefore, the method of blending cheese into coffee will significantly enhance the appeal of this dish.
Effortless Cheese Coffee
Although lacking a distinct name or any association with a specific geographical tradition, this is one of the most heartily embraced ways to relish cheese coffee: Cut a small piece of cheese, take a nibble but don't swallow, then immediately sip the coffee, letting both components meld right in your mouth.
Certainly, the coffee should not be too hot to avoid scalding. With this method, many reveal that they gain a more intriguing experience when directly savoring the blend of cheese and coffee right on their tongues.
Moreover, you can even mix different types of cheese simultaneously to create new and unique flavors when paired with coffee.
Homemade Cheese Coffee Recipe
In essence, the recipe for cheese coffee is primarily 90% related to the steps of crafting a well-flavored and appropriately textured cheese curd. As for the coffee part, you have the freedom to choose between black coffee, instant coffee, or even Espresso – it's all fair game.
a. Prepare the ingredients for making cheese
(Rennet: A type of digestive enzyme and protein hydrolysis commonly derived from a calf's stomach, acting to curdle milk and produce cheese. You can find it online, at some major supermarkets, or specific pharmacies.)
b. The process of making cheese coffee
Some specific images for a few implementation steps (image source: The Joli Pantry):
Prepare the initial frozen milk filter.
Cover with a clean cloth and press to remove excess water.
Before and after the baking stage.
Pour a cup of hot coffee and savor it with the aromatic cheese cubes.
It is currently unclear whether any cafes in Vietnam have adopted the cheese coffee recipe or not. However, if they have, this would undoubtedly be a dish that attracts a lot of attention and curiosity from coffee enthusiasts due to its unique and diverse creativity.
On the other hand, you can always try your hand at making a batch of cheese at home, preparing for a relaxing weekend with family or close friends. Wishing you always have interesting experiences with every cup of coffee crafted by your own hands.
Posted by: Trọng Vân
Keywords: Cheese Coffee - A unique delicacy that guarantees a delicious experience