I grew up deep in the heart of her beloved Wisconsin, on a farm where my family raised beef and vegetables. Our milk came from their neighbors, unpasteurized, unhomogenized and delicious. My mother was instrumental in shaping our culinary education through her adventurous and innovative cooking, delighting in the farm's fresh ingredients. I moved to Minneapolis in 1985 and began working as a cheesemonger in 2000. I became an ACS Certified Cheese Professional in 2013 and participated in the Cheesemonger Invitational in 2015, an amazing event rich in networking and educational experiences.
I enjoy my work as a cheesemonger, deeply engaged in being an Ambassador of Cheese on a daily basis. It's my pleasure to curate, evaluate and guide - conveying the message of our dynamic and fascinating industry to the people who enjoy it most, my customers.
Cheese Pairing
Heritage Cheddar with Orange Marmalade, Lemon Thyme, and Effie's Corn Biscuits
My pairing is Effie's Corn biscuits with Heritage Cheddar (3-year) by Red Barn Family Farms, graced by orange marmalade and lemon thyme! I was inspired by the hint of anise in the crunchy corn cake, and the thought of one of my favorite flavor combinations, fennel and orange salad. The garnish is a little kiss of lemon thyme. The herbaceous note of citrus is the perfect finishing touch. I like my pairings to be simple, accessible, and easy to assemble. We don't need to be overwhelmed by an abundance of complex flavors. Instead, I aim for delicious and harmonious melding that may contain something unexpected.
- Start with an Effie's Corn Biscuits
- Add Heritage Cheddar (3-year) from Red Barn Family Farms (WI)
- Add a small "dollop" of orange marmalade.
- Top off with the smallest sprinkle of lemon thyme.
Featured Cheese:
Heritage Cheddar (3-Year) by Red Barn Family Farms
