Pairing Cheeses with HerbNZest Condiments: an interview with Rudie Smit, Cheese Connoisseur and Owner of Olsson’s Fine Foods, now in Palmer’s Square in Princeton

In April, 2011, Rudie Smit and his wife Jennifer moved their gourmet cheese store, Olsson’s Fine Foods from its location at the Trenton Farmer’s Market to its current location at Palmer’s Square in Princeton, NJ. The square in Princeton town center with its historic and quant charm is aptly suited for Olsson's which strives to aspire to the standards of premium cheese stores in Manhattan. I met Rudie in the summer of 2010 when I moved back to Princeton and was looking for local and fresh ingredients at the farmer’s market. I was so impressed with Rudie's knowledge of cheeses and collection thereof, that ever since I have kept coming back to taste and learn more.

Rudie is Dutch, and this shows in his love for and knowledge of cheeses. In fact, Rudie’s passion for educating his customers about cheeses evident from the manner in which he strikes up conversations about the origin, flavor profile, and suggested pairings as he offers a taste (tasting before a purchase is mandatory and very much in line with Rudie’s philosophy of sharing his knowledge). The Palmer Square store will carry over 200 assortments of cheeses, as well as gourmet olives, meats, and condiments.

It was not a surprise therefore that I turned to Rudie’s expertise when I was trying to write about suggested cheese pairings for HerbNZest condiments (launching in July 2011). Rudie graciously agreed to offer his suggestions.

For HerbNZest Basil Peach Raisin Spread Rudie suggested The Delice de Bourgogne which is an aged French cow's milk cheese from the Burgundy region of France. Given its rich and creamy texture and pungent flavor, it pairs well with HerbNZest Basil Peach Raisin Spread which is sweet and tangy with a fresh basil undertone.

For HerbNZest Chive Tomato Mustard Spread, Rudie recommended The Zamorano which is a aged hard sheep's milk cheese made in the province of Zamora, Spain. Due to its rich texture and piquant and nutty flavor, it pairs well with the tangy and savory HerbNZest Chive Tomato Mustard Spread with its heat finish.

Summer Lunch: Chicken Curry with Peach Ice Tea

When I think of a summer lunch, I am looking for bold flavors with a summery drink to cool things down. Plus, I like to use vegetables grown right in Jersey like local peaches and tomatoes. So, after having the weekend shopping, I decided I wanted to make some soul-satisfying spicy flavors using basic ingredients and some peach ice tea to go with it.

Ingredients: For the Chicken Curry

4 chicken thighs (keeping the bones adds flavor) or breast

2 medium sized tomatoes

1 cup low fat yogurt

1 large onion

1 inch cube ginger

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

salt to taste

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

cilantro to garnish and flavor

Cooking Method:

Grind 1/2 onion, ginger, garlic and tomato in food processor and add the cumin, yogurt and chicken with it in a glass storage bowl and marinade for 3-6 hours in the fridge. When ready to cook, heat oil in a shallow pan and chop 1/2 of the remaining onion  and sautey until light brown, add the marinaded chicken and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes, then add cinnamon and simmer until chicken is cooked.  Add chopped cilantro  for flavoring. You could also add some whole or chopped cilantro as a garnish at the end.

Ingredients: For the Peach Ice tea

2 medium sized peaches

your favorite black tea bags

sugar to taste

Cooking Method:

Remove seed from peaches, chop to 1/4 and bring to boil. Simply pour the peach water into a glass jar and soak your tea bags for 5 minutes. Add sugar to taste and chill before serving