Mmmm, cheese!

As my family and friends know, I love cheese. After almost every trip to Europe, I've hauled home some cheese as part of my loot. Some of my less fortunate travel companions have had to deal with the odor (I say aroma) of my cheese wafting down from the overhead compartment halfway through the flight home. Despite the "stinky cheese" comments, I think they're simply envious that I get to enjoy my tasty souvenirs once I get home.

My cheese hunting has led me to some fantastic cheeses. Neal's Yard Dairy is now a regular stop in London. I got a delicious Gruyere during a long stopover in Amsterdam. Paris has been a treasure chest of cheese, including the notorious "stinky" Camembert. I got a savory little goat's milk cheese in Lisbon, and a gorgeous assortment of artisinal cheeses in Dublin.

On my most recent trip, I stopped at a fromagerie toward the end of our trip for the requisite purchase. I got an herb-encrusted Camembert (forgetting the "stinky" incident) and a lovely little Crottin de Chavignol. The Camembert is very good, but the Crottin de Chavignol is new to me and a great find. The one I bought is young, and has a wonderful mild, nutty flavor. I've been rationing it, as I know I'll be sad when it is gone!

Now, to plan the next cheese-buying trip...!