Golden Gjetost: firm cheese of a firm country

Added: 05/27/2006

With its history, in which brave Vikings and awful battles are present, Norway may seem rather a severe country where courage and a strong mind are the key values. And how can it be otherwise if this is a northern land with a cold climate and rather hard life conditions? People there have been trying to survive since the ancient times, and only recently Norway has became one of the developed and prosperous states of not only Europe, but the whole world.

Norway is a northern country. Nevertheless, severe nature conditions do not prevent Norwegians from being hospitable and friendly. Everyone to have been to this country shall witness this fact. The Norwegian people always help you find the right way as well as with pleasure tell you several stories and legends about their native land. But be ready that most of these stories will be food-related, because cooking is a real art in Norway. Actually, it had not been that before, but in those times the Norwegian food was not too good to tell stories about it. Nowadays, when chefs of the country get the first prizes at the world competitions, the situation is quite different. And so, Norwegians have now what to tell about.

For example, cheese. This product enjoys great popularity in Norway. The most famous and well-purchased cheese in Norway is Golden Gjetost called so because of its unusual brown color. Golden Gjetost is made of goat's and cow's milk with cream added to whey. Besides, Golden Gjetost is made not of curds, as the other sorts, but of whey. When the mixture is boiled until the water is almost evaporated, the milk sugar turns into caramel and gives the cheese its never-forgettable taste and color. The cheese flavor is slightly sweet, and thus, children like it very much.

Golden Gjetost is wonderful as a dessert fondue when melted with cream. You can also add apple cider or orange juice. As for additions to the cheese itself, the best one is beer, in public opinion, but in case you do not use alcohol Norwegians heartily advise you to try the snack with Norwegian Egg Coffee. To prepare it you are to boil ten cups of water. Then mix a half cup of coffee grounds, one egg and a quarter cup of water in a separate bowl; add the mixture to the boiled-before water and boil it all together for about 2 - 3 minutes. On taking the bowl from the heat add a cup of cold water, take off the grounds and serve with Golden Gjetost cheese. You will surely like this wonderful experience with a truly Norwegian taste.

If you are just a tourist and do not know the Norwegian food well you may be astonished at the choice of cheese in Norway supermarkets. The fact is that all strange names, such as Geitosts, Gjetost, Mysost and some others, mean the same product only produced in different regions and with the use of different milk. For example, Mysost is rather made of cow's milk than of goat's. So, if you are not sure ask someone or buy the piece you like most of all. The Norwegian cheeses are so good in all their conditions and variations that you will be definitely glad to taste them and hardly get disappointed. Norway is worth to visit and Norwegian cheeses are worth to delight, so do not waste your time for thinking and long preparations!

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