Dear Feta

Today I have had two great questions concerning cheese. The first questions asks about some varieties for the ever popular feta and watermelon salad. Here are my suggestions. If you have some favorite suggestions, just add a comment! 
Dear Feta/Watermelon
Since I'm not sure exactly what recipe your are using for your recently acquired addiction, let me offer some basic suggestions. Knowing that it is the tanginess and tartness of the feta mixed with the sweet, juicy melon that makes our taste buds do the tango here are some variations you can try:
1) add fresh mint  or fresh rosemary to your regular recipe
2) or instead of balsamic dressings, mix up a dressing of lime juice, olive oil and a pinch of Cayenne...this combo is perfect! (for me the more Cayenne, the better)
3) For a different twist, use heirloom tomatoes taking the place of half the melon; this adds another depth of flavor .
4) Or simply add 1/4 cup pitted Moroccan or other oil-cured black olives, coarsely chopped
 A great wine pairing for this tempting summer sensation is Riesling Wines from Washington;These fruity white wines have a strong body, allowing them to work well with this recipe.

Since it is the tangy/sweet combo that we all love, mix it up and try new things. We still have some pretty good looking peaches in our area, so I quickly looked up a feta/peach salad recipe to die for: Grilled Peach Salad with Feta and Honey Balsamic Glaze
 4 peaches
 1/2 cup honey
 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
 1/2 cup cashews, chopped
 5 ounces baby arugula
 Directions:  Mix honey and balsamic together and blend well. Set aside.  Halve peaches and remove pit. Slice into quarter pieces.  Place quarter pieces with one side down onto a heated grill. (I used a grill pan.)  Grill until peaches are tender and grill marks appear. Flip and repeat on opposite side.  Remove from grill and brush with glaze.  Arrange the glazed peaches on a bed of arugula. Top with chopped pecans and crumbled feta. Serve immediately.

Also, if you are wanting to try a different cheese variety, and most cheese mongers say "there is no substitute for feta". Try Goat cheeses. These days there are many different varieties of goat cheese (especially if you have access to a good local market. Goat cheese has similarities to the sheep's cheese or sheep-goat combo that makes feta. Look for a crumbly variety of goat cheese to use as a replacement for feta. The taste will be likely be milder than the taste of feta in your recipe.

Dear Mascapone,
Now, for the question of a substitute for mascapone; so sorry you live in an area where you can't find this wonderful sweet, Italian cheese. A fresh soft Italian cheese with a high butterfat content, made from cow's milk enriched with cream. Here is a fairly good substitute for mascapone:

• 1 (8 ounce) package CREAM CHEESE
• 1/4 cup HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM
• 2 1/2 tablespoons SOUR CREAM
• Combine well and use in recipes calling for Mascarpone cheese. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE LOW FAT CREAM CHEESE OR LOW FAT SOUR CREAM.

I do plan on carrying a line of imported cheese which include mascapone, so those in the area, should be able to find it for your favorite Tiramisu recipe. 

Thank you all once again for your comments and please continue to help me spread the word. Also to answer the questions concerning web and mail orders, I do plan to expand our shop for an online store, however, that will be phase two. Stay tuned for more great recipes, pairings and just plan food talk!