Bijou by Vermont Creamery

When we think of French goat cheese, we reminisce about the open air markets where small, delicately ripened, Crottins de Chavignol are on display. An American line of French-style ripened goats' cheeses from Vermont Creamery would not be complete without a small bijou-like crottin. "Bijou" is French for jewel and this new cheese epitomizes all that is special about goats and goat's milk, and the making of and caring for a small cheese.

Bijou is made from pasteurized goat's milk. After 24 hours of maturation/coagulation, the fragile curd is transferred into cheese cloth to drain overnight. The next day, the Bijou are formed and moved into a drying room. After a day in "sechoir", the cheeses are transferred into the aging room where the natural geotricum rind will grow in a controlled environment. At the right maturity, the cheeses are wrapped in their individual "micro-cave" packaging.

When wrapped in its micro-cave, the cheese is still fresh with a delicate rind. As it ages, the interior becomes soft and the flavor more robust. When in France, you cannot read a menu that does not include "chevre chaud". Simply cut Bijou in half and place rind side up on a baguette. Toast under the broiler for five minutes and serve with a salad. This French-Style Bistro entrée is perfect for a gathering with friends.

• Made from pasteurized goat's milk. Awarded 1st by the American Cheese Society in the American Made/International Style goat's milk category.
• Suitable for vegetarians.
• Package contains two 2 oz. bijous.
• Voted "Outstanding New Product" at the 2007 New York Fancy Food Show. Won 1st in the American Made/International Style category in 2015 by the American Cheese Society.