Another Ode to Fromage by Cheese O’Petes
The Kraft American Single
July is a nostalgic month, full of memories of back yard barbeques and Independence Days. It wasn’t summer if there wasn’t at least one big family cookout. Dad would roll out the charcoal grill; its smoky scent the perfume of the season. He’d lie out the burgers and grill them to perfection and just before they were done – a bright yellow slice of American cheese to melt on top. Yes, American cheese. What could be more perfect for an Independence Day celebration than cheeseburgers topped with the most patriotic of cheese?
When grandma asked what I wanted for lunch the answer was always a grilled cheese sandwich. I believe my love of fromage started there at Grandma’s. She had a drawer full of different deli cheeses I was allowed to choose from. With grandma, it was always a custom grilled cheese. I could have had anything, but in July my hand darted for the bright yellow squares, individually wrapped in plastic. I always grabbed two for my grilled cheese.
Some may argue that it is not real cheese. Even I can see that the packaging says “cheese product” rather than just cheese. As a fromage snob, I typically skim right past it at the grocery store, opting for something a bit more unique, such as Gouda or a nice sharp Pinconning. But when I’m feeling patriotic there is no other choice. It’s the American Single, or bust!