I found shards of Manchego on Berry’s futon today. Who the hell is feeding the dog Manchego? Is it really necessary to give him sheep’s milk cheese? I know full well he is the main consumer of all the mozzarella sticks I buy, so let’s get real here. While we are on the subject, I know many people are pooh-poohing Manchego in favor of other Spanish cheeses these days, but I still enjoy and purchase it now and again, usually from Costco. It is a semi-hard cheese that lasts a long time if you treat it right, so it is perfectly fine to buy it in those Costco-sized hunks. I love the strongish, zesty, salty flavor and eat it with some type of marmalade rather than quince paste, which is the traditional accompaniment. If you have Manchego on hand, a baguette or two, a good marmalade, perhaps some sweet butter and most certainly a strong Spanish or Italian red, you are set for dinner. If you have young children you can serve them grape juice.
