A cool Humboldt Fog rolls in. . . . . . . . .

Doing all we can to stay cool here in central North Carolina as the weather continues 

to heat up. End of week became dangerously hot with the actual temperature
 hovering at 100F yesterday and will continue over most of the weekend. 
The heat index will make it feel more like 110F and could be life threatening for
 those who don't take care! 

We know to stay out of the sun, in air conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water, and 
not do stupid things such as mowing lawns, pulling weeds, jogging - or even

 walking far outdoors!

Northern California coast - Trinidad, Humboldt County 2016

I've shared these foggy coastal photos before but couldn't resist displaying

 them again as they are so refreshing on these hot days.

San Carlos, CA wine bar - perfect cheese plate with

 fresh bread, apricots, honey and chutney, and great

 cheese choices.

So what should we eat in 100+ degrees?

Always looking for hot stove alternatives in oppressive, steamy weather.

Salads of course are always good. Chilled soups such as the cucumber gazpacho

 we've enjoyed lately - and luckily I've several pouches in my freezer as I made so

 much last week. . . . . . . . and how about cheese plates! 

I love cheese in any shape or form. When in California last year, wine

tasting also meant cheese tasting, and did we ever get some fabulous 

offerings both at wineries and restaurants!

High end wine tasting in Napa - the way to go!

After hot, sunny weather in and around Napa and Sonoma, it rained heavily

 for our visit to Northern California, but it was so beautiful and allowed for

 some mysterious looking photos of the coastline bathed in fog with crashing

 waves. . . . . . . . and the discovery of what has become one of my most

 favorite cheeses ever. . . . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . .Humboldt Fog - a soft-ripened goat cheese made in Arcata, CA.

 Winner of many awards both in the US and internationally,

with just four ingredients, pasteurized cultured goat milk, salt, enzymes 

and vegetable ash, this is a remarkable cheese. . . . . . and all can be

eaten including the rind and ash.

 Each handcrafted one pound mini wheel features, per the maker Cypress Grove, 

"a distinctive ribbon of edible vegetable ash, buttermilk and fresh cream,

 complemented with floral notes, herbaceous overtones, and a clean citrus finish.

 As Humboldt Fog matures, the creaminess develops and the flavor intensifies."

Yes, on these hotter than you know what days, I'll be prepared when it 

comes to eating and drinking. A somewhat expensive cheese, but Costco stores
 are offering Humboldt Fog mini wheels at an excellent price.

What to drink with this cheese?
While the cheese is young, a chilled

 Sauvignon Blanc - my always favorite white - or a demi-sec sparkling wine, 
is suggested. When ripe, a Pinot Grigio, Rosé (my summer drink), Vouvray,

 or a sweet sherry. When mature, a Zinfandel or Pinot Noir may be best.

If you prefer a thirst-quenching cold beer, the maker suggests wheat beer, 

IPA or Porter with a young cheese, pale ale

 with ripe, and IPA or Stout when the cheese has matured.

Do you have a favorite cheese?
I'm admitting to being a cheese-aholic. . . . . . . how
 about you?

The weekend's here again already - 
have a great one.