Royer Mountain (revisited)

"Royer Mountain" is a medium hard Romano-style cow's milk cheese from Clover Creek Cheese Cellar of Williamsburg, Pennsylvania.

Maybe I say this too often and about too many of our cheeses but "Royer Mountain" is among my favorite cheeses that we carry here at Family Farm Creameries. I find myself recommending it constantly - and for a full variety of reasons!

First, since no one in the region is producing farmstead Parmesean at this time, "Royer Mountain" is my go-to sharp and salty alternative.

Second, because it's a "baby" Romano or a "young" Romano (aged 9 months as opposed to over a year), this cheese has only a bit of sharpness in its aftertaste. Texturally, it has a somewhat dry paste with a pleasant melt-in-your mouth feel.

As a stand-alone, it pairs nicely with a light lager or a Pinot Grigio. "Royer Mountain" is also a great addition to pasta dishes and adds the perfect amount of salty sharpness to breads, panko or even homemade pesto.