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When selecting cheese, the array of options can be overwhelming, ranging from salty feta to rich Camembert. Yet, among the vast choices, cheddar stands out for its immense popularity and adaptability. This semi-hard cheese, known for its sharp, slightly savory notes, serves as a fantastic base for dishes like macaroni and cheese or as a complementary element on a cheese board. Despite its ubiquity, choosing the right brand can be a challenge. That's why insights from culinary professionals are invaluable. Interestingly, when five prominent chefs were recently polled about their preferred cheddar brand, a single name consistently emerged as the clear frontrunner: Cabot. This is excellent news for consumers, as Cabot cheese is widely accessible, ensuring that exceptional quality cheddar is within reach for almost everyone.

Cabot Creamery, a cooperative rooted in the agricultural traditions of Vermont for over a century, has garnered a loyal following among chefs and home cooks alike. Their dedication to producing high-quality dairy products, including a variety of cheeses, butter, and sour cream, has earned them numerous accolades. The consistent praise for their cheddar highlights its superior qualities, making it a staple in professional kitchens and a favorite among food enthusiasts. The collaborative nature of the cooperative, where farmers are direct stakeholders, is believed to contribute significantly to the exceptional taste and ethical production of their cheeses, reinforcing a model that prioritizes both flavor and sustainability.

The Culinary Community's Top Choice: Cabot Cheddar

Culinary professionals widely recognize Cabot for its superior qualities, praising its distinctive flavor, pleasing texture, and broad culinary applications. Experts like Andrew Black, a seasoned chef, highlight how easily Cabot cheddar can be sliced and how effectively it melts, making it a versatile ingredient suitable for a multitude of dishes. Its approachable price point, coupled with a quality that surpasses many other grocery store options, makes it a favored ingredient in both high-end kitchens and home cooking. This balance of affordability and excellence underscores why Cabot has become a consistent choice for those who value both taste and practical use in their culinary endeavors.

Cabot's appeal spans across diverse culinary styles, from gourmet sandwich shops to modern speakeasy-inspired restaurants. For instance, Counter Service in New York incorporates Cabot cheese into signature sandwiches, leveraging its tangy and sharp profile to complement ingredients like salty bacon and barbecue chicken, and ensuring a smooth, delightful melt in dishes such as the Mushroom Melt. Similarly, Emshika Alberini, chef and owner of establishments in New Hampshire, values Cabot's wide range of cheddar varieties, which cater to different preferences, from mild to extra sharp. Analisa LaPietra, a chef de cuisine in South Carolina, specifically opts for Cabot's extra sharp cheddar due to its intense flavor and its reliable performance in both raw applications, like cheese platters, and cooked dishes, such as white cheddar spread. The ease of availability and the consistent quality of Cabot cheddar make it an indispensable ingredient for these chefs, enabling them to create exceptional dishes while supporting a brand that aligns with their culinary standards.

A Legacy of Quality and Sustainable Farming

Cabot's century-long history as a farmer-owned cooperative has established a profound tradition of excellence in cheesemaking. This cooperative model means that the farmers themselves are committed to sustainable practices, focusing on the welfare of the land and animals rather than solely on profit. This dedication is believed to be a key factor in the distinctively rich and authentic flavor of their cheeses, differentiating them from mass-produced alternatives. Beyond their renowned classic cheddar, Cabot has broadened its range to include other popular varieties like Colby Jack and Gouda, along with a premium Legacy Collection that features artisanal selections such as Farmhouse Reserve and Alpine Cheddar, catering to diverse palates and culinary needs.

The collaborative spirit of Cabot extends to unique partnerships, exemplified by their acclaimed Jasper Hill Farm collaboration. This partnership yields the Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, an artisanal cheese matured in a meticulously controlled environment, resulting in a crumbly texture and a complex, natural rind. This particular cheddar has captivated distinguished culinary figures, including James Beard Award-winning chef Karen Akunowicz, who lauds its perfect harmony of sharpness, savoriness, and nutty undertones. Akunowicz, a well-known personality in the culinary world, cherishes this cheese not just for its magical crystalline texture but also for the narrative it embodies—a testament to traditional craftsmanship and regional identity. For her, this cheddar is more than just an ingredient; it's a piece of New England heritage that enriches any dish, whether grated over warm pasta, served on a cheese board, or savored on its own.

Unlock the potential of this versatile vegetable with a straightforward approach to creating tender, flavorful zucchini infused with the rich essence of garlic and aromatic herbs. This recipe offers a hassle-free solution for a delightful side, perfect for enhancing any meal with its vibrant taste and appealing texture. From initial preparation to final garnish, each step is designed to maximize flavor and simplify the cooking process, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience for home cooks.

To begin this culinary journey, preheat your oven to 450°F, ensuring the racks are positioned in both the upper and lower thirds for optimal heat distribution. Carefully score the cut sides of the zucchini halves in a precise crosshatch pattern, cutting approximately one-eighth of an inch deep. This technique allows the flavors to penetrate more effectively and helps achieve a uniform tenderness. Gently pat the zucchini dry to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a beautifully roasted finish, and then arrange the prepared zucchini, scored-sides up, on a large rimmed baking sheet.

Next, combine one tablespoon of olive oil, a quarter teaspoon of grated garlic, and a quarter teaspoon of ground pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. Using a brush, evenly coat both sides of the zucchini with this savory mixture. Arrange the zucchini around the edges of the baking pan, ensuring the scored sides face down. Roast the zucchini on the lower oven rack for approximately 10 minutes, or until it reaches a state of near tenderness. Afterwards, transfer the pan to the top rack and increase the oven temperature to broil. Continue to broil the zucchini for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes perfectly tender and develops enticing browned spots.

While the zucchini is roasting, prepare the flavorful herb butter. In a separate small bowl, combine softened butter, one tablespoon of freshly chopped soft herbs (such as flat-leaf parsley and chives), half a teaspoon of lemon zest, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and the remaining half teaspoon of grated garlic. Stir these ingredients together until they are well incorporated, forming a fragrant and creamy mixture. Once the zucchini is removed from the oven, immediately flip it over and brush generously with the prepared herb butter. Finish by sprinkling one tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining quarter teaspoon of salt over the zucchini. This final touch adds a rich, savory layer that complements the garlic and herbs beautifully.

This method transforms simple zucchini into an extraordinary side dish, offering a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. The initial roasting technique ensures the zucchini is tender and slightly caramelized, while the finishing blend of butter, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan introduces a burst of freshness and a savory depth. This preparation not only highlights the natural sweetness of the zucchini but also offers a vibrant and aromatic addition to any meal, proving that even the most common vegetables can be elevated to new culinary heights with thoughtful preparation.