How to Eat Cancoillotte, the Beautiful Star with Yellow Wine Cancoillotte is a creamy cheese fondue-like specialty of the Franche-Comté region in eastern France. Known as the "beautiful star with wine," this delicious treat is often enjoyed with a glass of local yellow wine. If you are eager to try this unique delicacy, here are some tips on how to eat cancoillotte like a true connoisseur. Firstly, let's begin by understanding what cancoillotte is and its origins. Originally made from the leftover cheese bits that remained after producing Comté, a famous French cheese, cancoillotte has evolved into a separate delicacy in its own right. It is primarily made from melted metton, a fresh cheese with a crumbly texture, mixed with water or milk. The mixture is heated and then seasoned with salt, garlic, and various other herbs and spices, depending on personal preference. Cancoillotte has a unique smooth and velvety texture that sets it apart from other cheeses. This consistency makes it perfect for dipping your favorite accompaniments. Traditional choices include chunks of crusty bread, boiled potatoes, or steamed vegetables. When serving cancoillotte, it is typically presented in a ceramic pot or a fondue set to keep it warm and gooey throughout the meal. To enjoy cancoillotte to its fullest potential, it is vital to warm it gently before serving. This can be done by placing the ceramic pot in a bain-marie or a fondue pot over a low flame. Be cautious not to overheat the cheese, as it can become too runny and lose its signature smoothness. Stir the melted cancoillotte occasionally to ensure an even consistency. When it comes to pairing cancoillotte with wine, the Franche-Comté region offers an excellent choice – yellow wine, or Vin Jaune. This particular type of wine is unique to the Jura region, which is adjacent to Franche-Comté. Yellow wine is made from Savagnin grapes and aged for six years, giving it a distinctive flavor profile with nutty and oxidative notes. Its complexity and rich acidity make it an ideal match for the creamy, savory cancoillotte. To fully appreciate the combination of cancoillotte and yellow wine, consider the following suggestions. Start by pouring yourself a glass of well-chilled yellow wine. Take a moment to savor its aromas and flavors before moving on to the cancoillotte. Dip a piece of bread or a cooked potato into the warm cancoillotte, ensuring it is well-coated, then take a bite. As your taste buds revel in the creamy cheese, take a sip of the yellow wine and feel its richness complementing the flavors. For those who have a more adventurous palate, you can elevate your cancoillotte experience by experimenting with variations. Some common additions to cancoillotte include thinly sliced sausages, crispy bacon bits, or even a splash of locally produced absinthe. These additions add an extra layer of flavor and a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese. In conclusion, cancoillotte is a delightful cheese fondue-like specialty that is best enjoyed with a glass of yellow wine. Its smooth texture, when paired with crusty bread or boiled potatoes, provides a wonderfully creamy and satisfying experience. By following these tips, you can savor this beautiful star with yellow wine like a true connoisseur. So, go ahead and indulge yourself in the delightful flavors of cancoillotte and yellow wine – a match made in heaven!