Made From Raw Milk
Our new manse is located close to a “Super” Wal-Mart, which includes a huge grocery section. The Lady felt the need to checkout their cheese section…aka “spying on the competition”. She was pleased to advise The Man that their cheese table would never be considered competitive with hers (and that’s not bragging… just the facts…). However, she did bring home a little block of cheese that I had been hoping to sample and review: and what a terrific gem of a cheese it is.
Modesto, California, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, is the home of the Fiscalini Farmstead Cheese Company which has been making cheese since 1914 in the tradition of their Swiss ancestors who were cheesemakers in Switzerland for more than 300 years. Fiscalini has won many awards not only for their cheeses but also for their humane treatment of the cows that provide the milk for their cheeses. Their herd consists of 1400 Holstein and as with all Farmstead cheese; the cows live where the cheese is made.
This aged cheddar was the only American cheddar to be recognized at the 2003 World Cheese Awards in London, walking away with the Silver Medal in the category where no gold medal was given.
This white, buttery cheddar is mature without being sharp. It crumbles when knifed but not too much as to not sit well on a cracker. I suspect it would do quite well as one of the main cheeses in Mac n Cheese.
The Man was especially taken with this cheese.
In addition to this Premium Cheddar, the Fiscalini Family also makes several other award-winning cheeses including San Joaquin Gold, an extra-matured bandaged cheddar, several flavored cheddars and they have recently added fresh mozzarella to their line.
I give Fiscalini Farmstead Premium Aged Cheddar 4 Paws out of 4 Paws (cause that’s all I’ve got), in part because The Man was swooning while eating this cheese and in part because it is excellent!!
Serving Suggestions: Apples, pears and grapes with a few Beecher’s Crackers on a cheese plate and life is indeed good!!
Wine Pairing: 14 Hands Merlot (This Washington State red has become a favorite of The Lady.)
Beer Pairing: Trappist Chimay Ale
Awards: Silver Medal 2003 World Cheese Awards
Source: Raw Holstein Cow Milk
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