Trader Joe's Gouda with Walnuts

The cheese selection at TJ's is always a delight to paw through; even though you might have no intention of buying, sometimes you find yourself slipping a wedge into your cart anyway. "It's just to find out," you tell yourself, "a treat."

That is how Amico del Signore came to buy a package of Gouda with walnuts. He shared it with Mlle. de Joie and we both found it a delight. The acidity of the walnuts does not overwhelm the Gouda; it compliments it and gives a textural break from the smoky creaminess of the cheese.

Try this cheese after it's been out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. It would be superb with a crisp Fuji apple and a glass of Chardonnay. If you'd like to do something more elaborate, here is a recipe from The Wine Imbiber for Apple-Gouda quesadillas; they suggest a Gewurtztraminer to go with.

Apple Gouda Quesadillas

8 flour tortillas
Olive Oil Spray
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 cups shredded Gouda with walnuts cheese
2 green onions, chopped
2 green apples, cored and thinly sliced
Crisply cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

Preheat a large heavy frying pan on medium–high heat. Spray one side of each tortilla. Spread a thin coating of Dijon on the other side of only half of the tortillas.

Place one tortilla (oiled side down) in pan. Layer shredded cheese, onions, apples (and bacon bits, if using) on top of the mustard. Place a second tortilla on top (oiled side up). Grill until the bottom tortilla is crisp and lightly browned and the cheese has melted. Flip and then grill the other side until crisp. Remove from the pan to a cutting board. Cut into quarters (a pizza wheel works great for this). Serve warm.

- Femme de Joie

Gouda with walnuts, $9.99/lb at Trader Joe's.