Curd is the Word

Baron Bigod: Britain Reimagines Brie (ft. Nick Bayne, Fine Cheese Co.)

Send us a textIn this episode of Curd Is The Word, Brittany sits down with Nick Bayne, Head Cheesemonger at the Fine Cheese Company in Bath, England, to talk all things Baron Bigod — the British bloomy-rind cheese that looks like a brie but absolutely is not.They dig into Nick’s journey from actor to cheesemonger, why raw milk cheese imports are currently restricted in the UK, and how Baron Bigod came to be through thoughtful farming, Montbéliarde cows, and a deep respect for land stewardship. Nick breaks down what makes Baron Bigod so unique: its thin wrinkled rind, even breakdown, savory depth, and why it avoids the bitterness common in modern brie-style cheeses.If you’ve ever written off brie as “boring,” this episode will change your mind.References:CheeseBaron BigodWebsiteshttps://fenfarmdairy.co.uk/pages/abouthttps://www.finecheese.co.uk/products/baron-bigod

Havilah: New Jersey’s Award-Winning Answer to Alpine-Style Cheese

Send us a textIn this episode, we dive into Havilah, an award-winning Alpine-style cheese from New Jersey made by Cherry Grove Farm. Crafted from raw, pasture-based Jersey cow’s milk, Havilah reflects the seasonality, terroir, and careful cheesemaking that have earned it national and international recognition, including wins at the World Cheese Awards.You’ll hear a full tasting breakdown—bright citrus and pineapple, toasted nuts, savory roast notes, and a caramel-like finish—along with pairing ideas ranging from wine and beer to cocktails and non-alcoholic options.I also share personal anecdotes from my time working with Cherry Grove, offering behind-the-scenes insight into the farm, the milk, and what makes this cheese so distinctive. Whether you’re a cheese professional, food lover, or just curious about American artisan cheese, this episode is a deep, delicious look at one of New Jersey’s true standouts.🧀 Cherry Grove Farm – Official Sourceshttps://www.cherrygrovefarm.com/https://www.cherrygrovefarm.com/shop-all/p/havilahhttps://www.cherrygrovefarm.com/our-farmstead-cheesesOtherFloral Fromage – Cherry Grove Farm Havilah listing:https://www.floralfromage.com/product-page/cherry-grove-farm-havilahEdible Jersey – Cherry Grove Farm feature / holiday cheese boards:https://ediblejersey.ediblecommunities.com/shop/shop-fresh-cheese-cherry-grove-farm-lawrenceville/NJ Cheese Guild: https://www.njcheeseguild.org/Pairingshttps://www.karmakrackers.com/product/obsessed-onion/hhttps://spread-mmms.com/🏆 Awards ReferencedWorld Cheese Awards (general site):https://worldcheeseawards.com/Good Food Foundation (Good Food Awards):https://goodfoodfdn.org/American Cheese Society Awards:https://www.cheesesociety.org/awards/

Toscano with Syrah: Trader Joe’s Holiday Star

Send us a textIf there’s one cheese that deserves a spot on every holiday table, it’s Trader Joe’s Creamy Toscano soaked in Syrah. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why this wine-washed beauty has become a cult favorite—and why it might just be your new December must-have. We’ll talk about what Toscano cheese actually *is*, how Syrah transforms its flavor, and why the pairing works so shockingly well.I’m also digging into how Trader Joe’s sources cheeses like this (yes, small makers really are involved), plus a little cheese-world lore, fun facts, and everything I’ve learned from tasting this one for years.Then we get into the good stuff: holiday pairings that make this cheese shine on festive boards, and—because balance—my “girl dinner/rat in the kitchen” pairings for the nights when you’re eating cheese straight from the fridge while wrapping presents.Whether you’re building a party board or sneaking a midnight snack, this is the cozy, wine-soaked cheese episode you didn’t know you needed.References:CheeseCreamy Toscano Soaked in SyrahPairingsMeia-Dúzia spreads from PortugalAu HoneyBlake's ChocolateWebsitesSyrah - Wine FollySyrah Soaked Toscano Cheese Spread & Dip - Trader JoesSay cheese! A quick tour through Tuscan cheeses - Visit Tuscany

Cornerstone: One Recipe, Three States

Send us a textIn this audio-only episode, Brittany dives into Cornerstone—the raw-milk American Original cheese crafted from one shared recipe across three states. Created by Parish Hill Creamery, Cato Corner Farm, and Birchrun Hills Farm, Cornerstone is part collaboration, part terroir experiment, and entirely delicious. I break down how this cheese came to be, why raw milk and natural cultures matter, and how three farms can follow the same recipe yet produce wildly different (and wildly delicious) results.You’ll hear the story behind the Cornerstone Project, what makes this cheese a true American Original, and why it’s become a favorite among mongers, makers, and cheese lovers craving authenticity. I explore the flavor profile—earthy, tangy, herbal—and share pairing ideas that make Cornerstone shine on any cheese board or kitchen counter.If you love raw-milk cheese, artisan cheesemaking, or discovering small-batch American producers, this episode is your new obsession. Grab a wedge, settle in, and taste what three states, one recipe, and real terroir can do.References:CheeseCornerstoneWebsitesCornerstone Project: The StoryCornerstone Project: The RulesBuy Cornerstone from Parish Hill CreameryThe (late) Cheese Shop of Salem - Parish Hill Cornerstone

Humboldt Fog: An American Icon

Send us a textIn this episode, Brittany digs into Cypress Grove's Humboldt Fog, one of the most iconic American goat cheeses. She breaks down everything you need to know: its creamy texture, the tangy yet gentle flavor, that famous ash line, and how the cheese ripens from a firm core to a luscious cream line. She also shares the story behind Cypress Grove and how Humboldt Fog was literally dreamed into existence and went on to reshape American artisanal cheese.Then we get into the fun part: the pairings playground. Brittany walks us through a classic food pairing with honey, prosciutto, apple, and Marcona almonds, plus a modern twist using apricot jam, pistachios, and a baguette. There is also talk about drink pairings, including Sauvignon Blanc, IPA beer, and an easy sparkling lemon elderflower soda that brings out the cheese’s floral notes.If you love cheese boards, food stories, or just discovering new flavors, this episode gives you the tools to taste like a pro and enjoy Humboldt Fog in its best light.References:CheeseHumboldt FogBooksThe Oxford Companion to Cheese - Catherine W. Donnelly.Websites2 Geeks Who Eat: Humboldt Fog