Picture this: you’ve just been handed a colossal block of American cheese, and you’re standing there, slightly bewildered, wondering what in the world to do with it. Sure, the classic burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches come to mind, but is that all there is to this creamy, meltable marvel? Fear not, for the world of American cheese is as vast as it is delicious, and we’re about to dive into its gooey goodness.
Let’s start by slicing through some cheese-covered misconceptions. American cheese often gets a bad rap, dismissed as ‘not real cheese’ by those who haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing its superior meltability. But let’s set the record straight: American cheese is indeed real cheese, and it’s an icon in its own right. It’s the stuff of fast food legend, the secret weapon behind every succulent burger that’s worth its weight in flavor. Whether it’s the classic orange hue or the less common but equally delectable white variety, American cheese is a product of scientific ingenuity.
The story of American cheese is a tale of innovation. Patented by the founder of Kraft in 1916, this processed cheese was a game-changer in the world of dairy. It was a way to sterilize cheese, extend its shelf life, and reduce food waste. The resulting product was a soft, sliceable cheese that didn’t dry out quickly and could be easily portioned. This was a big deal, especially when you consider that sliced bread wouldn’t hit the scene until 1928. The combination of the two undoubtedly played a role in the rise of the grilled cheese sandwich, a staple of American comfort food.
But American cheese isn’t just a product of clever food science; it’s also a reflection of our nation’s history and policies. The journey of American cheese through the years is intertwined with government intervention in the dairy industry. In the 1970s, a national dairy shortage led to soaring prices, prompting then-President Jimmy Carter to pour money into the industry to boost production.
This subsidy led to a surplus, and by the early 1980s, the government found itself the proud owner of over 500 million pounds of cheese. The solution? Convert the excess dairy into cheese, which has a longer shelf life, and distribute it to the public. Thus, the era of ‘government cheese’ began, with blocks of cheese being handed out through food assistance programs.
Fast forward to the present, and the government is still stockpiling cheese, with 1.4 billion pounds of surplus tucked away in Missouri’s limestone caves. Despite declining milk consumption and the rise of lactose intolerance, the production of dairy has not slowed down. In fact, it’s increased by 13% since 2010.
The government continues to subsidize the industry, with a significant portion of dairy revenue coming from federal support. This has led to an overproduction that not only contributes to waste but also raises questions about the influence of the dairy lobby and the promotion of dairy consumption through campaigns like ‘Got Milk?’ and partnerships with fast-food chains.
Now, back to that block of American cheese in your fridge. It’s not just a slice of history; it’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate your cooking. The creamy texture and meltability make it perfect for a variety of dishes beyond the burger. From creamy mac and cheese to a velvety cheese sauce for vegetables, American cheese can be the star of the show or a supporting player that brings a dish together.
But before we get into the myriad ways to use American cheese in the kitchen, let’s talk about where to find the good stuff. If you’re like Seyth Miersma’s wife, Molly, you know that not all American cheeses are created equal. The pre-packaged singles might not cut it for the discerning cheese lover. Instead, you might find yourself on a quest for the elusive block of high-quality American cheese, like the one from Andrew & Everett that’s hidden away at the Whole Foods deli counter. As Seyth discovered, sometimes you have to navigate a labyrinth of employees and counters to get your hands on it, but it’s worth the effort for that creamy, melty goodness.
What do you do with a huge block of American cheese? The possibilities are endless. You can slice it for sandwiches, shred it for casseroles, or melt it for dips. It’s a cheese that’s made for comfort food, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be part of a gourmet meal. With a little creativity, American cheese can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Related posts:
The Whole Foods Deli Counter Has Secret American Cheese
American Cheese Deserves Your Respect
Homemade American Cheese
