Eight centuries ago, in the Swiss Jura Mountains, monks of Bellelay Abbey had a sense of humor. Fashioning small cylindrical ''monk's head'' cheeses, they invented a machine, called a girolle, to thinly shave away layers from the top, exposing a bald spot. Made of raw cow's milk, these Semi-Hard cheeses have a dense texture and a seriously intense, fruity flavor. One of the stronger, sweeter Swiss cheeses we've experienced, it pairs nicely with fresh or dried fruits or heary dessert wines of equal intensity. PLEASE NOTE: Tete de Moine is sold by the pound, NOT the piece. If you would like to purchase one whole wheel for use with a Girolle, please enter 2 in the pulldown menu, and get ready to shave some cheese.
