Winter is a magical time of year in Wisconsin. We wait anxiously for the first snowflakes, dreaming of weekends spent crosscountry skiing, warming up by the fire and sharing a cozy meal with friends. Perhaps a bubbling dish of macaroni and cheese or a pot of fondue with all the trimmings. Around here, we’re serious about our cheese, and it’s been a proud part of our state’s history for many years. Today, third- and fourth-generation cheesemakers are continuing Old-World traditions and setting new standards in cheesemaking craftsmanship and artistry. There are 1,200 cheesemakers in the state crafting more than 600 varieties, types and styles of cheese. We’re so pleased to share a few of them with you in this first issue of Grate. Pair. Share. This magazine was written with you in mind—the home cook, the busy parent, the gracious hostess. Inside, you’ll find ideas for weeknight meals, seasonal dinner parties, cocktail party bites and decadent desserts. We’ve invited some of our favorite food bloggers and cheese experts to share their recipes and tips as well. We hope you’ll discover a new cheese or a new way to serve one of your favorites. On behalf of the Dairy Farm Families of Wisconsin, we invite you to pull up a chair and discover how cheese can enhance even the simplest of meals. We invite you to grate, pair and share.
Welcome to our table.