by Pastoral Monger David Buchanan

I mean maybe you’ve seen my name on this blog before and well yes it probably was about a cheese from Wisconsin seeing as I do love my state so dearly and I figured why buck the trend I suppose right? It's winter and everyone is eating soup these days and we all know that soup is better with cheese, but lets stray away from the cheddars, the alpine cheeses and the parmesans of the world for a second and try something else, something new maybe. How about the Marieke Smoked Cumin Gouda from those lovely people at Holland’s Family Cheese in Thorp, Wisconsin.

Holland’s Family is downright Dutch from everything from the imported equipment, spices and cultures to the authentic Old World Gouda recipe. Oh and did I mention the pine planks that this cheese ages on are imported from the motherland as well? Marieke Gouda is available in 13 different flavors but lets focus on the one at hand shall we? Cumin is a spice that is traditionally used in cheeses in the Netherlands and this is one of the best examples why that is. The spice provides a meaty aromatic flavor that contrasts nicely with the nutty flavor and creamy texture of this beautiful cheese. The natural wood smoke flavor gives this cheese a lingering note that leaves you wanting more and well surely you bought yourself a big enough piece so that your wish could come true.

So, to the topic at hand, how Marieke Smoked Cumin Gouda made chicken tortilla soup the best it has ever been. You don’t really need to twist my arm to get me to eat chicken tortilla soup, especially if it has a good kick to it, but this cheese shredded on top took it to the next level. The soft creamy texture of Marieke lends itself to melt beautifully into the soup and together with avocado, sour cream and crunchy tortilla chips on top, this heartwarming bowl is like a southwestern Mexican flavor explosion in your mouth. As the cheese melts into the soup it thickens it up nicely and brings a nice smoky flavor to the party and after your 2nd, ok 3rd bowl you will be thankful you decided to mix it up a little bit for dinner and shred some gouda in your life.

Here’s the recipe, don’t forget the cheese, especially that extra half pound, because be honest, you know you’ll snack on it!

Chicken Tortilla Soup:

2 whole chicken breasts, bone in, skin on
Olive oil (maybe some Olave)
Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chopped onions (2 onions)
1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks)
2 cups chopped carrots (4 carrots)
4 garlic cloves chopped
2 ½ quarts chicken stock (homemade is always better)
1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes
2-4 jalapenos minced (depends how hot you want it)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon coriander seed
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
6 fresh white corn tortillas
shredded Marieke Smoked Cumin Gouda

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the chicken breasts skin side up on a sheet pan and rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 35 to 40 minutes. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, discard the skin and bones, and shred the meat. Cover and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until the onions start to brown.

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chicken stock, tomatoes, jalapenos, cumin, coriander, salt for seasoning (depending on the saltiness of the chicken stock), cracked pepper, and the cilantro.

Cut the tortillas into strips and add them to the soup.

Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 25 minutes.

Add the shredded chicken and season to taste. Serve the soup hot topped with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, crunched up tortilla chips and of course finish with the delicious, shredded Marieke Smoked Cumin Gouda.

Enjoy and come see your fellow friendly cheese monger at Pastoral and tell them how it went!

David Buchanan is the Assistant Manager at Pastoral’s French Market location. He loves the Packers, Badgers and Brewers and, well, pretty much anything and everything that is Wisconsin, like his camouflage crocs.