Ep 11. Episode 11: Getting Cheesy

Episode 11 of Fresh with Anna Olson's third season is titled "Getting Cheesy". In this episode, Anna shares three recipes that feature different types of cheese in creative and delicious ways.

The first recipe is for a homemade feta and blueberry salad. Anna starts by making her own feta cheese at home, a process that is surprisingly simple and yields a much fresher and tastier product than store-bought feta. She then combines the feta with juicy blueberries, peppery arugula, and a tangy honey-lime dressing for a light and refreshing summer salad that is bursting with flavor.

Next up is a recipe for cheddar and herb scones. Anna shows viewers how to make tender, buttery scones that are studded with chunks of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. These savory scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for soup or salad.

Finally, Anna demonstrates how to make a decadent macaroni and cheese with bacon and smoked gouda. She starts by cooking up some crispy bacon and using the rendered fat to make a roux for the cheese sauce. Then she adds in chunks of smoked gouda and sharp cheddar, along with some cream, mustard, and hot sauce for a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The dish is finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

Throughout the episode, Anna shares tips and tricks for working with different types of cheese, from selecting the best varieties to handling and storing them properly. She also offers suggestions for how to customize the recipes to suit different tastes and dietary needs, such as using gluten-free flour in the scone recipe or swapping out the bacon for mushrooms in the mac and cheese. Whether you're a cheese lover or just looking for some new ideas for incorporating more dairy into your diet, "Getting Cheesy" is sure to inspire and satisfy.