Our Cheese Is Just As Gouda
Sure, you expect amazing cheese to come from France and other European countries. And if you ask the average person where the best cheese in the United States comes from, they’d probably say Wisconsin. But we actually have a world-class cheese made right here in the Inland Northwest.
Cougar Gold, a white gouda cheese that’s aged for at least a year, recently took top honors in its class in the World Cheese Awards contest held in England. Out of 26 entries, Cougar Gold was rated the best of hard-pressed noncheddar cheeses.
Cougar Gold, made at the Washington State University Creamery, came within one point of a perfect score and beat out cheeses from Ireland, Holland, France, Scotland, England and other countries.
Cougar Gold, along with nine other varieties of cheese, is made by WSU students and sold in cans and shipped all over the world. To order WSU cheeses call (800) 457-5442 or log on to www.wsu.edu/creamery
No fruitcakes, please
The much-maligned fruitcakes of the world just took another hit. A survey by Baker’s Chocolate found that 74 percent of Americans would rather receive any homemade goody other than fruitcake.
The survey also revealed that 85 percent of those polled say baking helps put them in the holiday spirit. And Americans’ favorite ingredients in holiday goodies are, in order: chocolate (40 percent); nuts (17 percent); raisins, sugar and fruit (all 5 percent).
Speaking of baking
Land O’ Lakes Butter is offering a free brochure called “Baking Basics Trusted Techniques.” The booklet features a handful of recipes and many tips ranging from “always preheat your oven 10 to 15 minutes before baking” to “use low heat and a heavy saucepan when melting chocolate on top of the stove.” To receive the brochure call (877) 221-8255. Or, you can download the brochure from the Internet at www.landolakes.com.
Also, Smuckers has a mini cookie cookbook available featuring recipes for Orange Marmalade Cookies, Chocolate Raspberry Brownies, Spiced Apricot Pastries and others. To receive this brochure send a self-addressed No. 10 envelope along with two first-class stamps to: The J.M. Smucker Co., ATT: Classic Cookie Recipe Collection, Consumer Relations Department, P.O. Box 280, Orrville, OH 44667.