Franklin's Teleme

© photo 2008 Jennifer Meier licensed to About.com, Inc.

Franklin's Teleme is inspired by Mediterranean cheeses, but is very much its own cheese, made in California by the Peluso family for three generations. It was sold under the name Peluso Teleme until several years ago, when Franklin Peluso and his family sold their cheesemaking company and moved to Maine. Luck for us, they missed the California sunshine. The Pelusos (and their Teleme) are back.

This time around, Teleme made by Franklin Peluso is sold under the name Franklin's Teleme and it's just as soft, luscious and oozing as I remember. Made from cows' milk, the cheese is mild and tangy with a yeasty quality. The edible rind is just as soft as the cheese and formed by a coating of rice flour.

I love Teleme warmed under a broiler, so it bubbles and browns. Spread it on a baguette and warm it up with a little drizzle of olive oil. Teleme is also great served cold with a side of sliced meats and a chilled bottle of rose.