CHAUMES (LB)

Chaumes is a semi-soft, pasteurized, stinky, cow's milk cheese from France. Based upon traditional Trappist-style cheeses, this has proven to be one of the most popular of the modern French cheese varieties. The flavor is intense and full-bodied, with an intriguing, smooth taste that leaves behind a hazelnut-like aftertaste. Chaumes has a soft rind that is bright oraneg in color and an interior that is smooth, supple and quite rubbery. Although it looks as though it is about to run, the cheese is actually fairly dense and feels wonderfully rich and creamy on the tongue. Chaumes makes a great snack—especially for kids—when served with crackers.