Stinky Cheese
Posted: Wednesday, February 10, 2010
by Val Silver
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As I rounded the corner to the deli section of our local buying club, I was stopped by a most familiar aroma filling the area. "I know that smell, what is it?" I said to myself. "Ah, yes, provolone. Real provolone," came the answer from the recesses of my mind. And sure enough, there in front of me were stacked beautiful half wheels of one of my favorite cheeses. There was no question that I would buy one. My mouth was already watering as I chose my prize.
"Oh what is that smell?" asked my mother-in-law many years ago from her basement steps. I was in her kitchen savoring a few bites that I squirreled away from my family's last gathering. She was not familiar with this cheese, and upon tasting it, found it much too strong for her tastes.
I couldn't wait to leave the store I unwrap my new found treasure. Flashes of memories came rushing to mind. I could almost hear the laughter and raucous bantering of my large and loud extended Italian family. It was one of our many holiday dinners shared around my great-aunt's table. These meals were all day events.
As a child I would wait for the first course with eager anticipation. I loved seeing the rolled ham and salami that occupied their places on the antipasto tray. Then there were the evenly cut pieces of provolone. This was my favorite part of of the meal. Later, there would be pasta and gravy meat, followed by an enormous turkey. Honeydew and cantaloupe accompanied by prosciutto were served for dessert.
In between courses the men competed to see who could eat the most rolls. They'd talk and crack nuts. I'd wonder how they could keep eating. Olive forks provided entertainment as condiment shooters. The women would appear from the kitchen, pretending indignation. They only seemed to sit when it was time to eat and play cards.
I thought back to those times with some sadness. Most of those people who added such richness to my life are gone now. Yet it is evident that they live in my memory, waiting to be aroused. As I bit into my cheese, right there in the parking lot, it felt as though we were sharing those happy memories together. Memories brought to life by one of earth's most heavenly scents, the wonderful aroma of stinky cheese.
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More commentsThe article, of course, is quite interesting but the author should pay more attention on the construction.
Val, I have always called Parmesan "stinky cheese"! I guess that goes to show us that one man's stinky is another man's cheese!
Funny the things which can stir our memories. Good article, Val.
Val,You did make me home sick, as I started remembering my grandmas home when we all got together and be part of the family gatherings. Very memorable timesThank you so much,
You have really made me want to try this cheese. Thanks Rikke
My wife loves provolone...we buy it whenever we can afford it...I just wish i could get her fresh...not packaged! Thanks,Rich
Thank you for sharing your memories and like for cheese. This was heart warming.
Nice! Those memories will continue to enrich your life.
I always think about my mother's rolls when I was a little kid. Sadly, she passed away when I was 13, and I haven't had them since then.
Val,This reminds me of one our family's favorite kid stories, "The Stinky Cheese Man".It's a lot of fun to read! Very silly.Thanks for bringing that memory back! ~Aimee
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