Cheese, please

Oh the things I blog about... 

After my trip to Costco today, I went about my usual routine of grating my own cheese from the huge block that I buy there and realized... hmmm... I don't think everyone else does this.  Perhaps I can inspire :)

I must tell you all a deep dark secret of mine.  I LOVE cheese.  Like. a Lot. We go through quite a bit of cheese around here and I cant stand buying 2 lb loafs for $10+ as often as I do.  Here's my solution.  I pick up the 5 lb. loaf of Sharp Cheddar from Costco for about $12 instead.  Now, although we eat a lot of cheese, we definitely don't go through a 5 lb block fast enough for it to not go moldy.  So, I split it up into thirds. 

1. 1/3 is kept in the refrigerator for slicing, etc
2. 1/3 is grated and kept in the fridge for anything that calls for grated cheese
3. 1/3 is grated and frozen to pull out once the bag in the fridge is empty

Using the cheese grater attachment for my Bosch mixer, I cut large chunks and grate them section at a time. 

If you haven't used a Bosch before, you must try one! Seriously, I am convinced that once you go Bosch you will never go back.  If you have a Bosch, you must get the cheese grater! It is equally amazing and is not just for cheese.  I use it for grated onions, and any veggies you want grated (i.e. carrots for salads, etc).

Once the cheese is grated, I freeze 1/3 in a zip loc freezer bag, and throw the other bag in the fridge.

 It is so convenient to have your own fresh grated cheese in the fridge at all times.  I use it for quesadillas, salads, casseroles, etc. etc etc.  You name it, and I probably throw cheese on top :)

Alright folks, enough cheese talk.  If you already do this props to you.  If not, it's so worth the 5 min of extra work when you buy the block to save a ton of $ and have your cheese go a long way.

Say Cheese!