Poutine. Just the word conjures up bafflement on this side of the pond. But oh, how I miss you, salty cheesy goodness.
I can get very good chips, and decent enough gravy. It’s the cheese curd that is missing.
From wikipedia:
Cheese curds are little-known in locations without cheese factories, because they should ideally be eaten within hours of manufacture. Their flavor is mild with about the same firmness as cheese, but has a springy or rubbery texture. Fresh curds squeak against the teeth when bitten into, a defining characteristic, due to air trapped inside of its porous body. Cheese curds are sometimes referred to as “Squeaky cheese”.
Yes, squeaky cheese is near on impossible to find here, and I have started a crusade to find me some! I’ve contacted and emailed local and traditional cheese producers to see if I can get some fresh curds shipped from their factory. So far, no luck. But I’m still chasing some leads.
Watch this space!