Tilsit, German Cheese

Tilsit, also called Tilsiter, was the invention of Dutch immigrants to the town of Tilsit in East Prussia. Legend has it that they were trying to make Gouda, but different environmental conditions such as bacteria, humidity, and a host of other factors gave them something entirely different. Since then it has been widely copied and is made all over Germany. The traditional shape for Tilsit is a large wheel but as of late is being produced in loaf shapes.
This German gourmet cow's milk cheese has a washed thin rind and creamy yellow paste, very similar in appearance to Danish Havarti, with its irregular holes and bread-like appearance. The texture is very springy and elastic but fairly moist. Tilsit has a little bit of an aroma and warm earthy flavor. It is a versatile cheese and the Germans traditionally serve it thin sliced for breakfast. It toasts well, is also good for cooking, and can be melted into cheese sauces.