Petite Boo by Marin Cheese Co

Even though Halloween has come and gone, it's still the spooky season, at least for those of us who like to extend the macabre festivities until the end of December and beyond. That's why I was thrilled to see that Whole Foods still had some seasonal Petite Boo cheese by Marin Cheese Co. in stock after Oct 31st. 

Petite Boo cheese is seasonal

Recently, I reviewed Marin's Petite Breakfast cheese, a versatile naked Brie that's considered a morning staple in many homes. My reaction to Petite Boo was far more animated than when I tried the Petite Breakfast Brie. How could I not be excited to try a spooky-looking triple cream Brie disguised as a ghost with an orange interior? It's so stinkin' cute...and kind of scary looking! I was smiling from the moment I saw it and couldn't wait to dig in and taste this little round. 

Petite Boo is 4 oz of fun and flavor

As adorable as this holiday-themed cheese is, the taste is grown-up and sophisticated. The outer bloomy rind has smudges of smoky vegetable ash that deepen the overall flavors. Though it's milky and mild and smells like traditional Brie, earthy and buttery, it's zestier with deeper mushroom notes. It's tangy with just a hint of funk without any real bitterness, even when it's a smidge past its prime. When the British say a particular food is "moreish" that's the perfect word to describe this petit trésor. It is good!

Petite Boo's texture is InCreDiBlE. Holy cow's milk. The paste inside the soft, bloomy rind is oozy and smooth, velvety and absolutely lovely. The orange comes from natural annato, which enhances the very slight spicy notes. It's the type of cheese that makes a person close his eyes and sink fully into the experience. 

The vibrant orange interior is a wonderful contrast to the white exterior.

Because the flavor is so mild, Petite Boo pairs with almost anything. Serve it hot or cool, though with a silky smooth texture like the one it has, it deserves at least one bite unheated. The Marin Cheese Company has a fantastic Instagram account on which they offer excellent recipes and cheese pairing ideas.  I love their suggestion to dress up Petite Boo in a puff pastry mummy's costume for the fall season. 

Serve Petite Boo on a festive fall cheese plate with sliced green apples, red grapes, mixed marinated olives, candied pecans, proscutto or smoked salmon, apricot jam, pretzels, dark chocolate squares, and sliced crusty baguette rounds. Its orange interior will grab everyone's attention. This is a cheese that can easily pair well with savory or sweet foods. It's as good with fresh berries as it is with cured meats. You can serve it on burgers, sandwiches, in salads, or on its own. It's that good. And it can be baked in tarts, with potatoes, or in noodle dishes. 

When it comes to beverages, try Petite Boo with a Stout, Belgian Ale, or Saison. Good wine pairings include Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Cava, or Sauternes. 

In the fall, a Stout goes well with Petite Boo