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Cheese Sex Death: A Bible for the Cheese Obsessed
From Erika Kubick—lauded cheesemonger and creator of the popular blog Cheese Sex Death —a bible for everything you need to know about cheese.
For many people, the world of artisan cheese is an intriguing but intimidating place. There are so many strange smells, unusual textures, exotic names, and rules for serving. Where should a neophyte begin?
From evangelist cheesemonger Erika Kubick, Cheese Sex Death guides readers to become confident connoisseurs and worshippers of Cheesus. A preacher of the curd word, Kubick provides the Ten Commandments of Cheese, which breaks down this complex world into simplified bites. A welcoming sanctuary devoted to making cheese a daily part of life and gatherings, this book explores the many different styles of cheese by type, profiling commonly found and affordable wedges as well as the more rare and refined of rinds.
Kubick offers divine recipes that cover everything from everyday crowd pleasers to festive feasts fit for holidays and gatherings, such This cheese devotee outlines the perfect cheese plate formula and offers inventive yet easy-to-execute beverage pairings, including wine, beer, spirits, and nonalcoholic drinks. These heavenly spreads and recipes wring maximum indulgence out of minimal effort and expense.
Filled with seductive photography and audacious prose, Cheese Sex Death is a delightfully approachable guide to artisan cheese that will make just about anyone worship at the altar of Cheesus.
For many people, the world of artisan cheese is an intriguing but intimidating place. There are so many strange smells, unusual textures, exotic names, and rules for serving. Where should a neophyte begin?
From evangelist cheesemonger Erika Kubick, Cheese Sex Death guides readers to become confident connoisseurs and worshippers of Cheesus. A preacher of the curd word, Kubick provides the Ten Commandments of Cheese, which breaks down this complex world into simplified bites. A welcoming sanctuary devoted to making cheese a daily part of life and gatherings, this book explores the many different styles of cheese by type, profiling commonly found and affordable wedges as well as the more rare and refined of rinds.
Kubick offers divine recipes that cover everything from everyday crowd pleasers to festive feasts fit for holidays and gatherings, such This cheese devotee outlines the perfect cheese plate formula and offers inventive yet easy-to-execute beverage pairings, including wine, beer, spirits, and nonalcoholic drinks. These heavenly spreads and recipes wring maximum indulgence out of minimal effort and expense.
Filled with seductive photography and audacious prose, Cheese Sex Death is a delightfully approachable guide to artisan cheese that will make just about anyone worship at the altar of Cheesus.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published October 26, 2021
56 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 11, 2023
How could I ever give a book about cheese less than 5 stars? Now I want cheese.
January 15, 2022
Definitely a bible for the cheese obsessed!
I loved the history, the descriptions, and especially the absolutely stunning pictures. I really enjoyed Erika Kubick's style of writing, I chuckled throughout the entire book. I could have done without the cheese as a female diety angle, but overall, a great and informative book.
Excuse me while I make my way through the entire cheese drawer in the fridge.
I loved the history, the descriptions, and especially the absolutely stunning pictures. I really enjoyed Erika Kubick's style of writing, I chuckled throughout the entire book. I could have done without the cheese as a female diety angle, but overall, a great and informative book.
Excuse me while I make my way through the entire cheese drawer in the fridge.
November 5, 2021
I'm a huge fan of Cheese Sex and Death on social media. I preordered this book and had to read it ASAP and take in all the cheesy wisdom! While this book is available in ebook, I feel that hardcover is truly the way to go. The thing is gorgeous. Full color, fantastic quality paper and cover, vivid layouts and photography throughout. This would make for a fun coffee table book.
And then there's the subject matter: cheese. This is a great all-around book for people just getting into artisan cheese because it IS so graphic and fun in format. Readers can learn all about the history of cheese, the types that are out there, fantastic makers, how best to take in the full sensory glory of cheese, recommended accompaniments, cheese board ideas, and on and on. It's still great for people like me, too, who have accumulated something of a cheese book library.
One caveat: the book really does go all-in on the "Bible for the Cheese Obsessed" theme. I know I couldn't lend this to my mom because she would be bothered by the persistent blasphemy. So, if that would bug you (or someone you may potentially gift this to), this isn't for you.
I highly recommend this tome to cheese-lovers out there, and be sure to follow Cheese Sex Death across social media platforms, too.
And then there's the subject matter: cheese. This is a great all-around book for people just getting into artisan cheese because it IS so graphic and fun in format. Readers can learn all about the history of cheese, the types that are out there, fantastic makers, how best to take in the full sensory glory of cheese, recommended accompaniments, cheese board ideas, and on and on. It's still great for people like me, too, who have accumulated something of a cheese book library.
One caveat: the book really does go all-in on the "Bible for the Cheese Obsessed" theme. I know I couldn't lend this to my mom because she would be bothered by the persistent blasphemy. So, if that would bug you (or someone you may potentially gift this to), this isn't for you.
I highly recommend this tome to cheese-lovers out there, and be sure to follow Cheese Sex Death across social media platforms, too.
October 23, 2021
This is quite an interesting book and you can consider it a Cheese bible. There is so much going on in this book! An explanation of cheese, how it is made, what to look for, what to avoid, tastes, etc.
I flipped through this book and there are sections that I will go back and read more fully, but I am fascinated to learn what cheese is best used for what type of dish, pairings, how to set up a cheese plate (the right proportions of tastes), some recipes at the end, and so much more. There is even a timeline that reflects how cheese came about through the centuries.
The book is chock full of useful information that I would never have thought to find all in one place.
This book contains religious satire.
I flipped through this book and there are sections that I will go back and read more fully, but I am fascinated to learn what cheese is best used for what type of dish, pairings, how to set up a cheese plate (the right proportions of tastes), some recipes at the end, and so much more. There is even a timeline that reflects how cheese came about through the centuries.
The book is chock full of useful information that I would never have thought to find all in one place.
This book contains religious satire.
February 16, 2025
Incredible. Made me so hungry!! Can’t wait to host cheese parties in the near future 🧀🥰
November 4, 2021
Gorgeous. More information than the average person wants or needs. I found it fascinating. Also written as a religious text (tongue in cheek) the author refers to the subject with female pronouns and calls it Cheesus.
February 3, 2022
I loved the topic and the author had some great knowledge to share. However, the writing style completely turned me off. I should have assumed, given the subtitle, that there were religious references in the book, but the constant barrage of references to worshipping, prophets, sacraments, "Cheesus," etc. really grated. Particularly confusing was the about faces from religion to the sexualization of the cheese. If you enjoy or can get over the method of presentation, there's a lot of great information to be had in this book.
December 16, 2023
So the title did intrigue me and it probably wouldn't have been put at the top of my list if it didn't...and if I didn't like cheese and/or had worked as goatherd at a dairy.
Loses a star off the top for the mispronunciation of sieve. It is pronounced sɪv: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/File:e.... Having been a professional in the ASTM E-11 and ISO 3310-1 test sieve industry, this is a p̶e̶r̶s̶o̶n̶a̶l̶ professional pet peeve of mine having had to listen to too many people torture everyone with their pronunciation. What's interesting is that I am sure that the author has never heard anyone say "it leaks like a sieve" pronounced incorrectly; I never have...
I was discussing the Civil War with my sister last night and the topic of salt and the Richmond Bread Riots came up... which was mentioned in Salt. So, naturally I was comparing this to Kurlansky. As I said above, the title did lure me in, but the Cheesus theme became grating as the hours of the audiobook wore on. (No pun intended unless that's your sort of thing.) One of the things that I dislike about Kurlansky's audiobooks are the interspersed recipes in his [food] books—and it got old here too. That's a personal opinion: some people may love to have recipes read at them but it doesn't make for an enjoyable listen for me.
I think that it would be a better way to go to put notes in the narration that recipes have been moved to the end of the audiobook. Further, when that point is reached where no more text is available and the rest are recipes, that should be stated clearly in the narration so that the listener can skip or increase playback speed. Alternately, have them chapterized so that you can skip them. That doesn't help if you can't listen with your hands free, but it's something.
Otherwise, I did enjoy the book, but I could have probably skipped all the recipes and have gotten as much information. . . . though I could go for some fondue. . .
Loses a star off the top for the mispronunciation of sieve. It is pronounced sɪv: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/File:e.... Having been a professional in the ASTM E-11 and ISO 3310-1 test sieve industry, this is a p̶e̶r̶s̶o̶n̶a̶l̶ professional pet peeve of mine having had to listen to too many people torture everyone with their pronunciation. What's interesting is that I am sure that the author has never heard anyone say "it leaks like a sieve" pronounced incorrectly; I never have...
I was discussing the Civil War with my sister last night and the topic of salt and the Richmond Bread Riots came up... which was mentioned in Salt. So, naturally I was comparing this to Kurlansky. As I said above, the title did lure me in, but the Cheesus theme became grating as the hours of the audiobook wore on. (No pun intended unless that's your sort of thing.) One of the things that I dislike about Kurlansky's audiobooks are the interspersed recipes in his [food] books—and it got old here too. That's a personal opinion: some people may love to have recipes read at them but it doesn't make for an enjoyable listen for me.
I think that it would be a better way to go to put notes in the narration that recipes have been moved to the end of the audiobook. Further, when that point is reached where no more text is available and the rest are recipes, that should be stated clearly in the narration so that the listener can skip or increase playback speed. Alternately, have them chapterized so that you can skip them. That doesn't help if you can't listen with your hands free, but it's something.
Otherwise, I did enjoy the book, but I could have probably skipped all the recipes and have gotten as much information. . . . though I could go for some fondue. . .
February 2, 2024
This book is dangerous for my budget because man, did she sell me hard on Harbison.
This was humorous and so very very slutty (I enjoyed traumatizing my friends with quotes and pictures while I was reading it). I've never read such slutty cheeses!
The book itself is very high quality. Each page is thick and glossy, most are black with high quality, beautiful photography on top. It goes through histories as well as ways to buy/store/prepare/cook/serve. Loved it! But beware your cheese budget.
This was humorous and so very very slutty (I enjoyed traumatizing my friends with quotes and pictures while I was reading it). I've never read such slutty cheeses!
The book itself is very high quality. Each page is thick and glossy, most are black with high quality, beautiful photography on top. It goes through histories as well as ways to buy/store/prepare/cook/serve. Loved it! But beware your cheese budget.
January 31, 2024
Reminder to self: when rich, purchase physical copy of this book.
Beautiful illustrations and a holy guide to worshipping at the altar of cheese church.
Beautiful illustrations and a holy guide to worshipping at the altar of cheese church.
January 8, 2025
Informative! Perfect for those who want to know history and the perfect pairings for all their cheeses
March 6, 2025
Who wouldn't like this book? Maybe vegans and lactose intolerant folks. It's a great book to add to the kitchen shelf. It's more of a reference book.
October 23, 2021
If you are a cheese lover like I am, and I mean a SERIOUS cheese lover, brace yourself for some exciting news! Abrams Books is about to release the most fabulous, beautiful, informative, clever, unique book about cheese that I have ever seen. Cheese, Sex, Death: A Bible for the Cheese Obsessed by Erika Kubik is a winner from beginning to end. From the beautiful end pages featuring images of stained glass windows each depicting a different cheese, to the clever, biblical design, eye-catching fonts, and informative introduction, this is the only cheese book that you will ever need.
It is divided into two sections: The Old Testament of Cheesus (sic), and the New Testament of Cheesus. In the former you will find The Book of Creation, The Ten Commandments of Cheese, and The Book of Cheese Types. The Book of Creation begins with The Gospel of Cheesus. The latter section contains information on buying, storing, serving, tasting, pairing, plating, and recipes.
Brightly illustrated with a clever stained glass window theme throughout, there are also beautiful, mouthwatering pictures. The text is fascinating. You will learn about the beginning of cheese dating back to 6500 BC. A book on a subject such as cheese may not sound as interesting as it is, but let me tell you, I have been reading this book like a novel.
The Timeline of Cheesus is fascinating. Learning about the entire process of cheesemaking, the stages of ripening, the various colors, textures, milk types, all makes for delicious reading.
The section describing various cheeses including history, correct pronunciation, milk type, intensity, pairings, and more, will teach you everything that you need to know about cheese. Along the way, you will no doubt rethink the way you have both eaten and served cheese in the past, becoming more creative and daring.
The section on plating is both beautiful and inspiring. A wide variety of themes are offered including Whiskey Plate, Spring Cheaster Plate, Munchie Plate, and many more; the Cheesemas Plate is a thing of beauty.
Helpful information on cooking with cheeses including tips and tools precede the recipes, one appearing more delicious than the next. Each one gives you information on how to select the proper cheese, as well as pairings, and variations that you can make.
Honestly, I haven’t been as excited about a book in quite some time. This book is wonderful! If you enjoy cheese, or have a friend who does, this would make an excellent gift.
Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this book from Abrams books as a member of their 20 21–22 Abrams dinner party.
It is divided into two sections: The Old Testament of Cheesus (sic), and the New Testament of Cheesus. In the former you will find The Book of Creation, The Ten Commandments of Cheese, and The Book of Cheese Types. The Book of Creation begins with The Gospel of Cheesus. The latter section contains information on buying, storing, serving, tasting, pairing, plating, and recipes.
Brightly illustrated with a clever stained glass window theme throughout, there are also beautiful, mouthwatering pictures. The text is fascinating. You will learn about the beginning of cheese dating back to 6500 BC. A book on a subject such as cheese may not sound as interesting as it is, but let me tell you, I have been reading this book like a novel.
The Timeline of Cheesus is fascinating. Learning about the entire process of cheesemaking, the stages of ripening, the various colors, textures, milk types, all makes for delicious reading.
The section describing various cheeses including history, correct pronunciation, milk type, intensity, pairings, and more, will teach you everything that you need to know about cheese. Along the way, you will no doubt rethink the way you have both eaten and served cheese in the past, becoming more creative and daring.
The section on plating is both beautiful and inspiring. A wide variety of themes are offered including Whiskey Plate, Spring Cheaster Plate, Munchie Plate, and many more; the Cheesemas Plate is a thing of beauty.
Helpful information on cooking with cheeses including tips and tools precede the recipes, one appearing more delicious than the next. Each one gives you information on how to select the proper cheese, as well as pairings, and variations that you can make.
Honestly, I haven’t been as excited about a book in quite some time. This book is wonderful! If you enjoy cheese, or have a friend who does, this would make an excellent gift.
Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this book from Abrams books as a member of their 20 21–22 Abrams dinner party.
February 11, 2024
Imma be honest, was not expecting it to be such an enjoyable read cover-to-cover. Devoured the night I got it. You just do a taster opening, right? Flip through, find an interesting tidbit here, some cheesep0rn there, just a quick glimpse... The author's wit drew. me. in. How does anyone make history interesting?! I just wanted to up my charcuterie game. Didn't know I was about to be converted. Con queso-verted? I'm not the author, I'm not witty, jusy cheesey.
...
Just get it and enjoy everything in it, okay?
Recommending as a good read for anybody, not just the cheese obsessed.
Also, the tasting washes thing was a fun, at-home, date night experience, and this has, in fact, elevated my charcuterie game like I hoped 😋 Yum!
...
Just get it and enjoy everything in it, okay?
Recommending as a good read for anybody, not just the cheese obsessed.
Also, the tasting washes thing was a fun, at-home, date night experience, and this has, in fact, elevated my charcuterie game like I hoped 😋 Yum!
January 22, 2022
Intricate links between God, sex, and cheese.
This book is packed with history, humour, and the gorgeous divinity of cheese. Each page is accompanied with sharp design, beautiful illustrations and delicious photographs.
My only qualms about the book is the chapter on blue cheeses was only 12 pages long.
It is also America-centric but the author has said they are working on a more world orientated second book which I will buy in a heartbeat.
If you love cheese, and I mean really love it, and have an open mind, this will be one of the funnest and sexiest books you will ever open.
P.S it teaches you how best to pair strains of marijuana with cheese.
This book is packed with history, humour, and the gorgeous divinity of cheese. Each page is accompanied with sharp design, beautiful illustrations and delicious photographs.
My only qualms about the book is the chapter on blue cheeses was only 12 pages long.
It is also America-centric but the author has said they are working on a more world orientated second book which I will buy in a heartbeat.
If you love cheese, and I mean really love it, and have an open mind, this will be one of the funnest and sexiest books you will ever open.
P.S it teaches you how best to pair strains of marijuana with cheese.
February 1, 2025
I bought this book for my sister and may have accidentally bought myself a copy ... 🤷🏼♀️
While I wouldn't say I am 'cheese obsessed', I am someone who wants to learn but doesn't know the first thing about cheese pairing or even where to start.
I feel this book was a good introduction for a beginner cheese worshiper, such as myself.
It started off with a history lesson (my inner history nerd was delighted with this!)
And then we get into science, types of cheese, and pairings. I actually feel confident setting out to try my hand at a small charcuterie.
My sister is coming to town next week, maybe I can impress her with my newfound cheese knowledge.
While I wouldn't say I am 'cheese obsessed', I am someone who wants to learn but doesn't know the first thing about cheese pairing or even where to start.
I feel this book was a good introduction for a beginner cheese worshiper, such as myself.
It started off with a history lesson (my inner history nerd was delighted with this!)
And then we get into science, types of cheese, and pairings. I actually feel confident setting out to try my hand at a small charcuterie.
My sister is coming to town next week, maybe I can impress her with my newfound cheese knowledge.
October 29, 2021
I preordered this book and received it last week. It is GORGEOUS, filled with high quality photos and a tooooooon of information for the cheese obsessed like me. There is great advice on pairings and where and when to find specific cheeses. Pro tip: follow Erika's Instagram account for loads of related content. I'll be worshipping at the Church of Cheese for a long time to come!
July 2, 2023
Funny and informative. The over-sexualization of the cheese is my only complaint. Although, Sex is in the title, so I shouldn’t be surprised. All the jokes were just beaten to an absolute pulp and hearing “take her top off” in regards to multiple different types of cheese was just too much for me. But overall I enjoyed the book.
March 13, 2024
Easily the best cheese book I’ve ever read. From being both humorous and informative, and also making me want to devour all of the cheese (like everywhere), I can’t wait for my next foray into a cheese plate. The added decadent recipes in the back are also something I loved. Truly worthwhile if you are a novice or experienced in the realm of enjoying cheese.
November 12, 2021
Definitely a unique take on all things cheese! The style of the writing might not be for everyone, there is repetition across and within sections, and it's better as a cursory overview than an in-depth study of cheese. I appreciated sections on cheese categories and types, and pairing suggestions.
May 27, 2022
Fantastic book. It contains a litany of cheese related information, from cultural impacts, cheesemonger, pairings, storage all delivered in an at times hilarious tongue in cheek style of a Holy text. A must for any coffee table owned by the serious cheesehead.
December 30, 2022
Audio. This book isn’t really meant to be read from start to finish. It’s not a great audiobook. It’s a fabulous reference to have in the kitchen if you can get past the ridiculous biblical references. Not for me.
February 29, 2024
This amazing book is life changing. I don’t think I needed the Bible themes throughout (cheese is the god in this good book), but it’s a silly gimmick, I get it. This book is staying in my kitchen for a long time, while I play, learn, and experiment with Cheesus.
October 29, 2021
Fabulous, joyful, informative and scrumptious . Can’t wait to see what she does next! Bravo
November 14, 2021
Witty, informative, useful book by an enthusiastic "cheese preacher." Loved it.
December 25, 2021
Highly recommend for cheese lovers. This is an amazing, unpretentious primer on everything cheese.
January 7, 2022
Really informative overview of cheeses in history, styles, husbandry, and serving. The "Bible" gimmick wears thin pretty quickly, however.
February 1, 2022
A fun coffee table book.
March 27, 2022
A detailed, informative, amusing, and beautifully-designed guide to cheese.
April 11, 2022
Everything you could ever want to know about cheese, its history, and how to enjoy it. I liked the pairing recommendations!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews