Let's welcome back a series of my blog, dedicated to things that I find at Whole Foods Market. These items are special items that I either encountered there for the first time or are exclusives to Whole Foods. Today I am going to talk about one of those exclusives. Many of you have probably heard of Cabot. Their cheeses can be found all over the country in stores like Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, etc.
What's So Special About Catamount Hill Cheese
Even thought Cabot cheese is sold all over, their Catamount Hills cheese is an exclusive to Whole Foods Market. The sticker describes the cheese as "A hand-selected, hard Italian-type cheese with notes of swiss and Parmesan flavors." It is a type of cheddar cheese. When I offered a sample up to my wife, the first thing she said is that is tastes like swiss and Parmesan together. The milk that this cheese comes from was produced by cows that are never given artificial growth hormones. The cheese also contains 0 grams of lactose.
How Much Did This Cheese Cost?
Is it a regular part of their rotation of 3 day sales cheese. Every Friday to Sunday, you will find some cheese in their cheese department on sale. I have seen Catamount Hills make a couple apperance in that rotation. Normally the cheese is priced at $8.99/pound. For this 3 day sale it was $4.99/lb - which is a fantastic value.
Does Catamount Hills Cheese Melt Well?
This cheese is a wonderful melter. Grilled cheese fan? Totally go for it.
Kid Approved Mac & Cheese
My 7 year old daughter was not really feeling mac & cheese that night, but after she ate it said it was the best mac & cheese. My other daughter asked for 3 helpings of it. To say it was a hit with the kids would be underestimate. I know it's not hard to get kids to like mac & cheese, but I have turned mine into mac & cheese snobs. I can't just throw any cheese in the sauce and call it a day (and just try and serve them the blue boxed stuff, you don't even want to go there). They usually really go for a gouda & cheddar combo, but Cabot Catamount Hills did the work that it normally takes two cheeses to do. It's aformentioned swiss & parmesan like flavor, really shines in the mac & cheese. I was absolutely floored at what one cheese could accomplish all on it's own.
Jim
We bought some for a picnic in the Arb a week ago and loved it. I always feel a little guilty melting good cheddar, as I love the texture with the little crystals in it. My favorite way is on hot (almost burnt) 12 grain toast. The heat from the toast warms and softens the cheese!
Eric Samuelson
Excellent way to enjoy a picnic at the Arb. I need to get there again soon, it's been too long.
Fred Davidow
Cabot Catamount Hills Cheese is nothing other than Cabot Alpine Cheddar. Whole Foods charges more for a supposedly different cheese.
Eric Samuelson
I am curious how did you find this out? That sounds totally plausible. I should taste them side by side.
JimW
We love Catamount cheese but have not seen it at WFM for at least the last 6 weeks. We check the bunker at Whole Foods, but no go.
Eric Samuelson
Hi, what a bummer you can't find it. Did you check with one of the team members that works in the cheese area. I haven't been in a Whole Foods for a while myself.