Cortney LaCorte, or Cheese Gal on social media, is passionate about food, especially as the temperature dips into the fifties. We sat down with Cortney to chat about favorite recipes, kitchen must-haves and sip on Bourbon Cider Tinis. With over 600,000 followers on Instagram and 300,000 on TikTok, Cortney knows her stuff and loves to share it with others. She has a forthcoming cookbook that will delve deeper into her recipes and favorites, scheduled for release next year.
What do you think it is about fall and food that makes people love this time of year?
CG. I'm not sure if it's the magic in the air or just the coziness, but there's something a bit nostalgic for me personally, and it is my favorite season of the year.
What are your five favorite year-round kitchen staples?
CG. Chef's knife, stainless steel pan, cutting board, citrus press and a butter dish. Room temperature butter is very important!
What are your fall pantry requirements?
CG. Apple cider is often used in cocktails and marinades, while pumpkin or apple butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree are ideal for coffee creamers and desserts.
It's October. What's your favorite Halloween candy, and what are you pairing with it?
CG. I LOVE Butterfinger! Pairing it with a triple cream cheese, such as a triple cream brie or Saint André, is a personal favorite. I feel that the creaminess of the milk chocolate and cheese works well together. In fact, I know that it does because I've done it before! Haha.
You just made us the most delicious Bourbon Cider Tini. What bite should we pair this with?
CG. For me I am such a Saltine stan. I actually make or buy maple butter and coat my saltine crackers with it, then bake them with a little sprinkle of cinnamon and flaky salt on top. They are scrumptious and the perfect couch snack, of course, a cheese board always works well too. Haha!
How do you find inspiration for your new recipes and videos online?
CG. I'm a very "in season" kinda gal. I'm always looking at what produce is in season at the grocery stores and markets. Flavors and smells are a huge influence, but also the weather; if it's dropping below 60 degrees, I'm making chili.
Which recipe do you hope your girls, Charlotte and Ellie, pass down to their own families one day?
CG. I actually have two in mind, and they are important to me. One would be my skillet enchiladas, my mom would make this for me, and it's a true comfort food and super easy to make. Secondly, my Aunt Mary's lasagna is the BEST, and I feature it in my upcoming cookbook.
What's the advice you'd give those who are starting out into the foodie content Creator world?
CG. First, ensure that you're always being true to yourself. Being authentic and genuine is a must. You don't want to be anything that you're not. Secondly, post consistently. Keep posting - that is what will grow your community.
Bourbon Cider Tini
INGREDIENTS:
4 ounces Apple Cider
2.5 ounces Bourbon
1 ounce fresh Lemon Juice + lemon wedge to rim glass
1/4 tsp ground Cinnamon + more for the sugar cinnamon plate
Maple syrup, optional
2 tbsp of Granulated sugar for rim plate
Garnish with a Cinnamon stick or rosemary sprig !
DIRECTIONS:
Rub lemon wedge around the martini or cocktail glass until well coated. Then, dip the edges in a shallow plate of the sugar + cinnamon mixture.
Pour apple cider, lemon juice, bourbon, and ground cinnamon into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. SHAKE LIKE IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE. This is how you get the ice chips and froth, and also incorporate all of the cinnamon throughout the cocktail.
Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick, rosemary and apple. Cheers!
Follow Cortney on TikTok @chzgal and Instagram @cheesegal
I'm a very "in season" kinda gal. I'm always looking at what produce is in season at the grocery stores and markets.