From French or English or Dutch
To American or Danish or Swiss
Whether from cow or sheep or goat
Can anyone give cheese a miss
Think of it, cheese should be yucky
Cultured with microbes and mould
Sounds utterly disgusting, innit
But completely worth having, if truth be told
Mild or sharp, with wine or with bread
Sliced, cubed, diced, or as a spread
With crackers, cucumber sticks, or with jam
Or then with olives, grapes, or even ham
Over nachos, as chips & dip, in burgers
Melted in a fondue, as part of a platter
It’s fattening but tasty as hell
So forget the diet, it really doesn’t matter
Bring on honey, mustard or a salad
Philadelphia, Boursin or Cheez Whiz
Can you really go wrong
With a slather of any of these
There’s Camembert and Emmental
Cheddar, Gouda and Brie
But many hundreds of others
From all over, as I can see
There’s aged and mature, fresh and creamy
Mushroomy or garlicky, peppery or herby
Flavoured with nuts and berries, for a nibble or a snack
Then there’s Colby and there’s Monterrey Jack
As wheels and blocks and wedges and shavings
Cheese is something I can have in a healthy dose
Except for Blue Gorgonzola for its veins
And Limburger or Stilton for the nose
There’s the Greek Feta and Italian Mozzarella
And Parmesan (think pasta and pizza)
While the Subcontinent swears by its Paneer
Something I also hold quite dear
Gruyere and Ricotta
Smoked and Burrata
Asiago, Manchego, Grana Padano
Queso, Roquefort and Pecorino Romano
Raclette, Edam and Bocconcini
Buffalo, Havarti and Halloumi
Fontina, Chevre, Cotija, Muenster and Provolone
And I think for desserts they use Mascarpone
Still, in all of this variety
Something in me is very old school
I might have a taste of them all
But then yearn for a spicy chutney with Amul*
*the most popular Indian brand of ordinary processed cheese, nothing fancy but cheap, available everywhere and full of childhood memories before my tastebuds evolved!
Haha! Good one K! Ending was 👍. Some tastes die hard isn’t it?
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Thanks! However ‘saada’ Amul may be, it’s a familiar taste we’ve all grown up on. The others are acquired… 🙂
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Absolutely! I used to love their products more because of their lovely ads and the little Amul girl 😁
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She lives on, and as popular and topical as ever!
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“Spicy chutney with Amul” would be a great book title.
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Hahahaha, and the story would be…? 😉
Thanks, my friend! You should actually try some Amul from the local Indian store just to see what it tastes like.
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For the book, and movie, I’m thinking an Indian take on “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” I’m willing to bet that Bollywood has already covered this at some point.
I see Amul is a big dairy brand, probably a lot like Kraft Foods. We have a similar local brand from the state of Maine called Kate’s butter, and it has a picture of a little girl on the package as well, I think the granddaughter of the company’s founder.
Speaking of Indian stores, there are the ubiquitous tea biscuits, especially Ovaltine and Parle G, also with the picture of a little girl on the wrapper. They are all going for that cute, wholesome image for their products.
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Hahaha, I like the thought! Thanks!!
You should try a spicy cola brand called Thums Up – it’s good, I tell you , and the masala flavours of the Indianised ramen brand called Maggi 🙂
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I don’t drink soda, but Indian beers are good. The only spicy drink I like is a bloody Mary…and not I sound like a lush, but I don’t drink alcohol very often either.
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Kingfisher (beer) it is, then! Cheers!
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Cheers!
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Reblogged this on The Cheesesellers Wife and commented:
As the Cheesesellers Wife, I cannot resist sharing a wonderful Cheese poem with you, all in rhyme, by Kunal Thakore in Bombay. Enjoy:
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Why, thank you, Kim! Just a fun ditty, which I hope folks enjoy! God bless!
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ooooh! my mouth is watering – brought back all those memories of cheeseeeey times – camembert, fondue — and then our very own Amul. 🙂
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Glad you liked it, KP! Many thanks!
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yum!yum! 🙂
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Love your cheesy vibe, Kunal. Could go for some cheese and crackers about now!
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Breakfast time for you, isnt it? Maybe a cheese omelette? Thanks, Syl!
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Haha, yes! At work now but will have to squeeze cheese into breakfast one morning. You’re welcome always!
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Meant to type “dairy” not “daily” brand…maybe you can edit for me?
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Gotcha 🙂
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🙂
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Oh this is brilliant! And I do love my Amul out of the tin can! 😄
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Only it’s such a pain to open that damn tin! Thanks, V! 👍
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Haha… worth it each time! It does come with a pull out top now. 😉
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The block is easier + free plastic dabba for the wife!!! 😁
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😂🤣🙏
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Haha Kunal! Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani!
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Amul is saare jahaan se accha in a way 😊
Many thanks!
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So it is. 😀
You are welcome.
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Oh Amul will always be the best! In memory and taste 🙂 Your poem absolutely amazing.
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It’s the memories we associate with it that enhance its taste! Thanks, PD!
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Yes! You are welcome.
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Hahaha what a delightful poem. Specially love the ending.
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Thank you, Sona! Desi tastes are unique…
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You have a nice blog but can you please visit my blog and provide your invaluable feedback.
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Sure I will
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When are you coming out with your second book? This one must find a pride of place in it.GREAT.
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Hahahha, too early for that, but thanks!
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Welcome. This really was a very enjoyable article and the idea behind it was also great.
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Light and frothy and cheesy. Love it!
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Thank you!
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Fantastic. 👌👌
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Dhanyavaad 😊
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Your poem has me craving Brie and iced grapes.
It’s 4 a.m. I have neither in the fridge. Dang it!!
:Love your poem!
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Hahaha, sorry about that!
Thank you!!
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Brilliant! So well done!! I’m never had amul, but i’m thinking that has to change now. Cheers and happy holidays!
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Thank you! You serious, never tried it? Just for kicks you should get a small tin from an Indian store.
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I shall!
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👌🏼
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Love this post , cheese has fascinated me all along and your post is entertaining and educative but Kunal , I love amul butter , I feel all nostalgic about it. It’s taste beats everything else in the world.
Have a safe and happy healthy wealthy year , Kunal.
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The very same to you, my dear! 🤗
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Sending you a cheese hug.
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I’m saying cheese & smiling
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🥂
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