Queen Anne's Lace
The cheese not the flower
Or tatting
Before we dive into the delightful world of Queen Anne's Lace cheese (which, by the way, I have just a few pieces left – so quick, hop online and grab one I’ll save it for you), let me share a cautionary tale. One summer, we found ourselves up north, surrounded by the whimsical beauty of Queen Anne's Lace flowers. Well, I thought they were Queen Anne's Lace. I adore that sweet, delicate flower. There were plenty of them growing right next to our garage. However, I've never been a fan of yellow flowers, and, lo and behold, these Queen Anne's Lace flowers were yellow.
Maybe I should have researched right then and there.
Recently, I wondered, "How did Queen Anne's Lace get its name?" My curiosity led me down a mini rabbit hole of royal lore, where I discovered that this elegant flower was named after Queen Anne of England, an expert in lace-making or "tatting." I started researching tatting, and beyond knowing it’s how you tie knots to create lace, it was about as thrilling as watching paint dry. So, I didn't get too caught up in that.
Queen Anne
Legend has it that Queen Anne pricked her royal finger, and a drop of blood fell onto her lacework, leaving behind the crimson center like the flower. Queen Anne also faced unimaginable tragedy, losing 17 children, and her only living son succumbed to smallpox at the age of 11. It's said that the crimson center represents this heart-wrenching loss —quite the sad tale.
It’s now going to become painful. Lurking amid those picturesque prairie Queen Anne's Lace flowers is pure evil – Wild Parsnip. To the untrained eye [AKA the Zubays], it may look like a pretty little thing with a cluster of flowers, much like the Queen Anne's Lace. But these flowers are yellow. So, my enthusiasm for creating a bouquet dwindled.
I mean they are pretty…
Now, Wild Parsnips may seem all sunshine and rainbows, but don't be deceived. It looks like Queen Anne’s Lace, but beware that it is yellow.
Its sap contains wicked phototoxic chemicals that turn your skin into a fiery battleground when exposed to sunlight. Just ask JZ, who decided to tackle the blooms next to the garage. It got a little wild, and I requested just a few for a vase. They pulled easily enough, and JZ used his bare hands, thinking it would be a simple task to check off his list. Well, the sun was shining, and as mentioned earlier, that's when the fun began – burning blisters and endless itching. Despite numerous lotions offering a smidge of relief, he had to wait it out for several miserable weeks. PS – I decided not to add any of those to my vase. Dodged that bullet; I did!
So, beware of imposters!
Although there's no actual imposter of Queen Anne's Lace cheese, you may come across many just average bloom-y rind cheeses in grocery stores. At first glance, they might seem similar to Queen Anne's Lace cheese, but there's a reason why Tulip Tree Creamery’s cheese is as delicate as the flower and first-class delicious.
Queen Anne's Lace Cheese, much like its floral namesake, possesses a delicate charm that's impossible to resist. Its visual appeal is simply breathtaking, with a snow-white exterior and a delicate rind that evokes a lacy pattern. And, the best part? It stays pure white, no ominous yellow in sight. Well, unless after some time, mold has started to creep in, but unlike Wild Parsnip, you can simply cut the yellow off and get on with your life.
A snow-white exterior and a delicate rind that evokes a lacy pattern.
The Queen Anne's Lace cheese only makes appearances a few times a year, and here's why it's basically regal.
Artisanal Approach: Tulip Tree Creamery is renowned for its artisanal approach to cheese making. Their small-batch production allows meticulous attention to detail and quality control, unlike mass-produced cheeses in grocery stores.
Locally Sourced Ingredients: Tulip Tree Creamery often sources milk from local dairies, ensuring the primary ingredient's freshness and quality, resulting in a more distinctive flavor profile.
Unique Flavor Profiles: Artisanal cheeses like Queen Anne's Lace are crafted with specific techniques and aging processes, leading to unique and complex flavor profiles that mass-produced cheeses can't replicate.
Handcrafted Expertise: Skilled cheesemakers at Tulip Tree Creamery use traditional techniques and expertise to create their cheeses, producing a more refined product.
Seasonal Variations: Artisanal cheesemakers may produce seasonal variations or limited-edition cheeses that reflect the changing characteristics of milk throughout the year, offering a unique tasting experience.
Small-Batch Quality Control: Smaller batches allow for closer monitoring of the cheese as it ages, ensuring a more consistent and high-quality product.
Freshness: Cheese from Tulip Tree Creamery is often sold directly to consumers or local retailers, ensuring a shorter supply chain and increased freshness compared to cheeses that travel long distances to reach grocery store shelves.
Do you and dive in even if it’s a Ritz cracker [gasp, covers ears lalalala]
So, how should you savor this cheese? You could opt for the blue-blooded approach, arranging it on a platter with fresh fruits, drizzling honey, and sprinkling some nuts for that extra crunch. Don't forget the dark chocolate – it's a superb pairing. Triple creams are like the ice cream of cheeses, and Queen Anne's Lace does not disappoint.
But let's be honest, you could also pair it with a fun local beer and Netflix. Oh, and maybe a Ritz cracker, but keep that to yourself. Unlike the cheese, I can be a bit judgy, judgy. So, enjoy Queen Anne's Lace's gentle sweetness and buttery richness in your PJs, and just do you. Plus guess what? The final season of "The Crown,” is coming. Or watch “The Favourite” starring Olivia Colman as Queen Anne. Either is a perfect pairing for this superb cheese.
Olivia Coleman is in both, you can’t go wrong.
Cheers!