The Bite (Issue 68): The one with all the cheese

Plus, some beans and greens [View in browser](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvc3g1OTVnbzFpbS8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) Do you remember how amid the first wave of the pandemic, everyone seemed to pick up a new hobby? There were some widespread favorites ([baking sourdough bread](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvc3R4a3FzYmZpNC8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~), [growing scallions](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvaHloMm1oaTZkaS8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~)on one's windowsill, roller skating) but I did find it very endearing to watch friends of mine take the opportunity to embark on some esoteric pursuits simply because they finally felt they had the time. My neighbor took up bird watching, my close friend started pouring wax candles — and I began to study for my first certification as a [cheesemonger](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvNTdnamV0dm1kYi8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~). For several months, I would shut my work laptop and pull out a pile of flashcards to test myself on my knowledge of how cheese is made and sold. During that stretch, a suspiciously large part of my grocery orders consisted of those slivers of[discount Murray’s cheeses](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvY25pemYwaG5rbS8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~), which I would consume with a pen in one hand and a flavor wheel in the other. When I passed my final exam, I was given a certificate and a little pin that disappointingly didn’t look like a golden block of cheese. Now, a year later, I’m gearing up to start studying for the second of the four total exams. There’s a lot of cheese in my future, but to say my time at Salon has helped prepare me is an understatement. Over the last several months, we have published a lot of really great writing and recipes all about cheese. In this issue of The Bite, Salon Food’s weekly newsletter, I’m going to be sharing them with you. Speaking of cheesy, Valentine’s Day is coming up. I’d love to hear what you are planning on cooking for your loved ones this year. Drop me a line at [astevens@salon.com](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMva3FsazhjMXNyYi8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) — Ashlie Stevens, deputy food editor. Dispatches from Salon Food's archives - [5 tips for building a better cheese board, according to an expert](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvaGQxeGh1a3lvdy8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) - [8 questions about cheese and cheesemaking, answered by a famous cheese taster and judge](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvczNobTd6NzQyYy8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) - [The case for queso: US-based cheesemakers prepare for a Mexican cheese boom](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvb2g0YXdzeHQ1Yy8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) - [Formaggio! An Italian-American's guide to choosing the best cheese for your pizza](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvYzg1d2thamhody8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) - [The crunchiest, cheesiest macaroni and cheese bakes on a sheet pan](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvOWM5OTNzcXh0by8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) If you found yourself here without subscribing, make sure to sign up for [The Bite](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvbGgwOTZrbDYzei8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) so you don't miss anything! What to make for dinner this weekend Let’s say you are wanting to make something for dinner this weekend that incorporates cheese, but also makes use of some pantry staples and the greens that are wilting in the crisper drawer. That’s where Mary Elizabeth Williams’ twist on David Kinch’s [beans and greens gratin](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvbWs1MWp5czlkMi8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) comes into play. Made with nutty Gruyere (or really, any melting cheese), cannellini beans and a hearty handful of collard greens, this dinner comes together in under an hour and is perfect for vegetarians and omnivores alike. As Williams’ writes, feel free to adapt this recipe to suit whatever is in your kitchen. Personally, I would serve this with a crisp, sparkling wine — both to cut the fat in this dish and to celebrate making it through January in one piece. From our writers - [Jamie Oliver's genius one-pan cheesecake will change how you do dessert](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvc2pjNmhmcTAzMS8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) (Mary Elizabeth Williams) - [The science and spectacle of microwaving Peeps](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvdHdqbTUzcXlhNy8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) (Ashlie Stevens) - [New studies find that ultraprocessed foods can cause cancer and cancer-related deaths](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvaWNwOHdsOWlmOS8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~)(Michael La Corte) - [3 biggest mistakes to avoid when cooking mushrooms](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvdjFrb2NpODIxaC8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) (Michael La Corte) - [Here's how we fell in (and out of) love with bacon](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvMnBjNnh0d2U5Zi8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) (Joy Saha) - [The unique "second lives" of Bonne Maman jars](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvaHdnZWppdWNmaC8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) (Ashlie Stevens) What we're reading - [I Am Begging More Restaurants to Serve Big Hunks of Cheese as the Main Course](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvZzNlaWhrODV4OC8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) (Bon Appetit) - [Reader Tips for a Better Frozen (or Homemade) Pizza](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLndoZXJlYnkudXMvdmw5aGE1NWZpby8_bGhfYWlkPTM0NTA5JmxoX2NpZD1vcTN0YTk5NmNuVwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) (The New York Times) [Unsubscribe from this list](~/AASU4wA~/RgRlwNvdP0Q8aHR0cHM6Ly9yZWFkLmxldHRlcmhlYWQuZW1haWwvdGhlLWJpdGUvdW5zdWJzY3JpYmU_aWQ9QDM0NTA5VwNzcGNCCmPT3VbeY1fF69RSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg1QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAJQ~~) Copyright © 2023 The Bite, All rights reserved. 1000 N. 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