Saint André on Puff Pastry
Pear Balsamic Reduction
Rare Hawaiian White Honey
Fried Leek with Muscat Grape
Slice of Saint André
Sautéed Pear
Fresh Muscat Seedless Grapes
Pear Balsamic Reduction
Rare Hawaiian White Honey
Toasted Baguette
We are cheese lovers over here. If you are too, you just might be interested in these previous posts:
Today, however, we have fallen head-over-heels for the cow’s milk, soft-ripened, triple cream cheese from the Normandy region of France called Saint André. They say, “Imagine the satiny paste of a perfect Brie mixed with equal parts of whipped sweet cream and heavy sour cream.” Oy. Oy. Oy.
Many of the lovely flavors of Brie are there, and they are so right-on with sweet cream and sour cream notes, but my other favorite attributes of this cheese are the texture and the rind. The texture is drier than Brie yet still creamy. Extraordinary really. And the bloomy rind is creamy, white and soft, slightly fuzzy. Mold spores help transform the curds, then the cheese is allowed to ripen in a humidified room. During this affinage the mold grows, or blooms, to form the rind. Are you fond of the rind? Go here to read more.
Saint André Cheese Course:
So, I wanted to create a cheese course where the texture and rind of this rich heavenly cheese could be appreciated. Due to the richness of this course, I am serving a fresh and forceful Champagne (Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label to be exact). What would you serve?
Teaser: A warm small round of puff pastry is topped with a slice of Saint André, drizzled with pear balsamic reduction and a touch of rare Hawaiian white honey, finished with fried leek with muscat grape.
Platter: Sautéed pears are served over pear balsamic reduction, with a drizzle of rare Hawaiian white honey and fresh muscat grapes with a generous slice of Saint André, toasted baguette on the side.
To My Fellow Cheese Aficionados
Please visit Ile de France’s Portal of the French Cheese Community informative site, especially the Saint André page to learn more about this enchanting cheese and other marvelous French cheeses.
Oh yes, this is such a luscious cheese. I haven’t had it in years. You make me want to run right out in this rainy weather and buy some.
That looks wonderful!! I have tried Saint Andre before. From the way you describe it, it makes me want to go and buy some right now and i love brie, too.
I can’t believe i’ve never tried this cheese! I will be sure and remedy that soon!
This is also one of my favorite cheese.
Cheers,
elra
Love it with the muscat grape! YUM!
Oh girlfriend!!!!! The second I saw the heading on this post, I started to salivate! My sisters and I discovered this cheese a couple years ago and fell in LOVE! We get it often when we are together. Your presentation and serving suggestions are dreamy. Will you be my best friend?! 😉
I love reading ur blog,I LOVE CHEESE too！
Need to check out whether the supermarket stocked St Andre cheese of not.
I do not know this cheese at all, but any cheese paired with fruit is a winner to me. Great post!!!
I’m right with you in the cheese fan club, and will look for this. You describe Saint Andre so wonderfully, I may head right down to Murray’s Cheese this second and buy some!
Cheese lovers here too, I haven’t had this one but your dishes sure do look good .. I will have a little bite 🙂
I don’t know this cheese but I will have to find it now, that is my favorite champagne, and I think I need both.
♥ lori
Saint Andre is wonderful! We usually do regular cheese tastings on Saturdays but with travel and spring birthday parties haven’t been doing those for a while.
Saint André – and all these wonderful other courses! *swoon*
Only a few days ago was I standing in front of the very well stocked cheese counter at my corner grocery store and trying to convince myself that I could justify buying a mini-Saint André. I did not give in to temptation, but the next time that little wheel of oozing goodness will be mine – thanks to you! Now, which Champagne shall I serve with the cheese and pear balsamic reduction? 😉
You make me laugh! Oy oy oy! That was cute. I am going to try this cheese! It sound tres magnifique! 🙂
~Abby
oh how i love thee,
Saint André. you are so, so bad for my ever expanding tummy but sooooo soooo good on my tongue. thanks for helping others explore this decadent cheese.
Pear, French cheese and puff pastry is the greatest combo in the world, yummy! Thank you for introducing me to a new kind of cheese.