Bellwether Crescenza

Quick question: is cheese a solid or a liquid?

Sometimes, it's sort of both, as in the case of this creamy, oozy cheese from northern California's Bellwether Farms.

Crescenza is a soft-ripened cow's milk cheese, modeled after some of the traditional soft cheeses of southern Italy. It has no rind, so they often sell it in clear plastic bags.

Upon first opening, the cheese retains its shape. But let it sit for awhile -- and I recommend that you do, to draw out its full flavor -- and Crescenza evolves into a delightful, gooey wonder.

It is super-creamy, like the richest butter you ever had. The dairy flavors are pronounced, but because it's a young cheese, not overpowering. There is a hint of tartness to Crescenza, but not so much that you'd call it tangy.

What do you do with such a cheese? Spread it on anything -- apples, pears, bread, flatbreads. Or, just grab some with your finger, like you're sneaking some icing off a cake. It's messy, sure. But soooooo tasty.