The Cheese Does NOT Stand Alone!

We all know how well wine pairs with cheese, but beer and spirits do as well. Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge stock an extensive assortment of cheese, meats, and related items, to help brighten your days. If you're looking for a stocking stuffer, or a shopping stress-reliever, you've got some great choices at Joe Canal's. And with prices starting below $5.00, these are budget-friendly options.

Our meats and cheeses come from Di Bruno Bros, a Philadelphia tradition since 1939. We carry about a dozen different cheese items, plus crackers, olive oils and mustards. Here are just some of the tasty selections in our coolers:

Asiago

This splendid and functional hard cheese gets its name from the small pine tree filled village of Asiago in northern Italy. Today, Asiago is produced with pasteurized cow's milk in the neighboring village of Veneto which has brought forth several different versions, the most popular being Asiago d' Allevo. This house aged Asiago can be seen as a delicious cross between provolone and cheddar. With a rind that ranges in color from a dark-wheat to a deep-black, DiBruno's aged Asiago has a one-of-a-kind sharp, creamy flavor that only comes with proper aging (about 1 year in house) and continuous taste testing by our family. This Asiago is most popular as a table cheese served with fresh fruit. Try it melted over dried figs! Aged Asiago also grates well over casseroles, gourmet pizzas, and minestrone soup.

Pair with Corsican wines, Cotes de Provence wines, or an India Pale Ale.

Cheddar with Irish Whiskey

The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and is considered a vegetarian cheese since its curds and whey are separated with vegetable rennet. This variety is Irish Whiskey, producing a nice tangy flavor and a mosaic pattern throughout the cheese. We enjoy this cheese in Irish fashion with some Rashers & Potatoes, or simply with crackers and a glass of Jameson. Alternately, pair with a full-bodied red wine, or a Belgian ale.

Gorgonzola Dolce

Along with Stilton, Cabrales and Roquefort, Gorgonzola can comfortably claim to be one of the four most renowned and respected blue cheeses on the planet. This classic version is mild and nearly buttery in texture, with mushroom notes and prevalent blue funk. At home in numerous applications, it is perhaps best enjoyed on bread with a drizzle of truffle honey and fresh fruit, or melted over steak and caramelized onions.

Pair with sparkling wines, or even a Lambrusco. Beer lovers, try this with a Lambic or a Chocolate Stout!

Manchego

Manchego is by far Spain's most popular cheese, not only in terms of local consumption, but also in export numbers. It is deserving of its acclaim. Made from the milk of sheep that feed on acorns, wild grasses and herbs, the resulting flavor is of toasted almonds and olives. Despite its age of six months, it is relatively moist, thanks in part to its weekly olive oil baths. There are two classic pairings for Manchego, being Membrillo and Marcona Almonds, and you would be wise to pair it up with Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Navarra or Malbec. On the beer side, try this with a lager or a pale ale.

Prima Donna

Created in the early 20th century in an attempt to combine the best qualities of Parmigiano and Gruyere, Prima Donna resembles classic Dutch Gouda in many ways. Prima Donna is full of sweet, crunchy crystallized bits of protein and has a rich butterscotch flavor but is made with partially skimmed milk and has a butterfat content of about 38 percent. The paste is pale yellow to deep gold with a scattering of eyes and small white crystalline flecks. Aged for roughly 16 months, Prima Donna Maturo is best paired with red grapes or honey roasted pecans and bold fruity wines such as Cabernet and Pinot Noir. You could also enjoy this with a dark, malty beer.

Bacon & Horseradish Cheese Spread

Di Bruno Bros. Bacon & Horseradish Cheese Spread combines the salty goodness of bacon with the aromatic bite of horseradish, making it a strong competitor for staff favorite. Enjoyed with crackers and breadsticks, Bacon & Horseradish is a flavorful snack that can be enjoyed any time. While delicious on its own, Di Bruno Bros. Bacon & Horseradish Cheese Spread truly shines in a grilled cheese or smothered over a prime rib sandwich.

Port Wine Cheese Spread

 

Combining sharp Wisconsin Cheddar with sweet Port Wine, this classic is sure to be a hit at your next tailgate. Enjoy our Port Wine Cheese Spread with crostini or rye bread and a glass of Framboise. The home chef may want to try combining Di Bruno Bros. Port Wine Cheese Spread with walnuts to create a decadent stuffing for pork tenderloin.

Roasted Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread

This one was a big hit with the Lawrenceville staff. The Roasted Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread is zesty and full of flavor, without the fire of Abbruzze. This cheese spread is perfect with crostini and even better on a chicken cutlet. For the home chef, try melting Di Bruno Bros. Roasted Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread into your sauce for a burst of Italian flavor in homemade Mac & Cheese.

Olive Oil Crostini

 

Overall, we stock about five different Crostinis. The distinct flavor of extra virgin olive oil is fused into our crunchy, twice-baked Crostini,which make an ideal one-on-one snack, although they reach their maximum potential in group settings with any of the many handmade cheese spreads and artisan cheeses.

Salami Toscana

Inspired by the fennel that grows wild in the hills of Tuscany, Olli Salumeria’s Toscano Salame is inflected with Florence fennel resulting in a potent, licorice-like quality.

The photos and descriptions are courtesy of Di Bruno Bros, and represent serving suggestions. All cheeses are sliced by hand, resulting in slight size variations. Not all products are available in both stores. Subject to availability.