Ode to the Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is another one of those ingredients that people either love or hate. On the one hand, we think goat cheese is a delectable, multi-talented piece of dairy. On the other hand, one hater told us he thought it tasted like 'farm'. Hmmm. Hopefully this article will inspire a second taste, perhaps even transforming 'farm' to 'farmtastic?

Goat cheese, also known as chevre cheese, has a slightly tart taste due to the higher content of medium chain fatty acids. Goat cheese is also lower in fat, calories and cholesterol, easier to digest and is higher in calcium content than its bovine counterpart. Even lactards can enjoy this kind of dairy. It's true that some people may find the taste of goat cheese too strong. But just like other types of cheeses, goat cheese can be cultivated into a large array of flavors, from the most delicate to the strong and pungent. If you can't handle the stink (weak!), try a fresh goat cheese for the mild and creamy flavor. The fresh cheese also lends itself to fit in well with salad ingredients and main dish toppings. You can find goat cheese in countless recipes and in the finest restaurants - in fact, you may love it and not even know it.

The Houston Dairymaids, a relatively new business run by Kendra Scott and Lindsey Schechter, travel all over Texas to bring some of the best handcrafted cheeses in the state to Houston foodies and restaurants (like Brennan's, Tafia and Catalan) . They take the time to research their suppliers and tour the farms to ensure that the milk comes from happy animals. You can find them at the Midtown Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings and the Houston Farmer's Market on Tuesdsay evenings. They offer free samples so you can have a no-commitment opportunity to give that goat a second try. Be warned...you actually might like it.

Hunkering for some goat cheese? Go to some of these restaurants for our favorite goat cheese dishes:
- Dolce Vita (500 Westheimer): pumpkin croquettes filled with goat cheese, by far, one of our favorite small plates in Houston. It's perfect for the fall season.
- Divino (1830 W. Alabama): the homemade goat cheese stuffed ravioli won Houston Press' Best Of House Made Pasta category this year.
- Tafia (3701 Travis): Monica Pope changes her menu regularly to accommodate seasonal produce, but you can be sure to find a salad or artisan cheese plate with goat cheese
- Ruggles Bakery (2365 Rice Blvd): Try the Warm Baked Texas Goat Cheese Salad with apples and toasted almonds in a sundried tomato vinaigrette