Our Grafton Cruiser was NOT disqualified! It raced and placed 10^th out of 12^th.  Everyone was raving about it and they were announcing it as Grafton Village Cheese “and yes it is REAL cheese”.  The car was a big hit even though it wasn’t the fastest.  So no it DID NOT get disqualified.

Check out the sweet ride GVC President Adam Mueller created for a Boy Scouts fundraiser.  We've learned that the Old Tavern also created one, but we haven't seen photos yet. We'll keep you posted.

Bad news though, this nicely 'aged' cruiser was 1.8 oz too heavy and thus, disqualified. Bummer.

That's how much time you have until the Super Bowl kick-off. Are you ready? I'm not. First of all, I'm still disappointed by the last interception of the Vikings/Saints game. Maybe once in my lifetime, the Vikings will make the Super Bowl. Maybe. Regardless, we'll be watching the game, enjoying some drinks and eating a lot of good food (of which, I haven't planned yet - Yikes!). Of course there will be some Grafton Cheese involved, since that is what consumes most of my refrigerator. Any tips will be greatly accepted from you readers.

Second of all, it's my husbands birthday. Not only do I need to plan snacks for the game, but a birthday cake and a gift. Usually I'm very organized and good at planning these things, but for some reason I am really struggling this year.
Help me. Please. What is the ultimate gift on a guy's birthday, AND what are some of the ultimate foods to serve during the Super Bowl? I'm waiting... only 5 days, 4 hours and 28 minutes left!

One of my most favorite events in the Midwest is the Minnesota State Fair. Where else can you get all of your favorite foods on a stick - or deep-fried? No where else.  Let's not forget the excellent 4-Her's who work their butts of exhibiting their animals - or the All-You-Can-Drink Milk Stand.  I'm getting carried away, back to the point.

Ice fishing.

It’s really a big oximoron of a sport. I enjoy ice fishing the most when I am in a warm, heated ice house. So to think that I’m out there freezing my butt off just isn’t true. Plus, we catch a lot of Walleye where I am from — its delicious. 

One of my best friends writes: "A few years ago while ice fishing over college winter break with a neighbor (yes, his name REALLY is Ole) I was informed of a delicious recipe for cooking walleye. After it is boned and cleaned, simply boil it in a small pot of lemon-lime soda (7-up, Sprite, or Sierra Mist.) When the fish is cooked, drain and serve it with melted butter. As Ole’s wife Barb would say "It tastes just like lobster!"" -YUM!

Luckily, ice fishing is common in Vermont too, so I feel at home every time I drive in to work - only to see about a dozen fish houses on the ice to my right.  Are you guys catching anything out there? I also feel fortunate to be experiencing 22*F weather instead of the -2*F in Minnesota today. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Minnesota Ice Fishing. Notice the large mountains in the landscape? Probably not.

We have less than a week until Christmas which means our mail-order and shipping  departments are going strong.  Endless days, cardboard paper-cuts, holiday tunes blaring and choosing which gift baskets are the worst/best to package - we can't wait for you to enjoy Grafton Village Cheese at home for the Holidays. 

We love to be part of traditions all over the country and the world! Speaking of traditions, I'm starting a new one this year - each member of my immediate family is going to bring their favorite bottle of wine and some new cheese to share.  We will then choose our favorites to enjoy all year long and come up with new favorites every year. I'll of course bring some Grafton cheddar. I was already asked to bring some Duet, 5 Star and Cave Aged.  

The wine I'm going to bring is called The Black Chook, Sparkling Shiraz.  Nick told me to try it and it has been a favorite of mine ever since! It has blackberry, plum, cocoa powder and licorice flavors with a little fizz to make it interesting.  I prefer it chilled even though it is a red wine. Can't find it? Check out our retail store in Brattleboro.

My family also plays a lot of broomball - hockey with boots and brooms instead of skates and hockey sticks. We usually come out with some bruises, but a good time is had by all.

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Though the holidays are coming fast, remember to soak it all in and enjoy the time you share with family and friends.  I know I'm looking forward to flying back to Minnesota - so be safe, have fun and eat lots of good cheese!

Welcome Winter!  It's a beautiful day in Brattleboro, Vermont.  The snow is falling and everyone seems to feel more of the Holiday Spirit because of it.  Personally, I'm excited to get out my cross-country skis and hit the trails. 

Until then, we are continuing to process your holiday orders  and make the cheddar cheese you've grown to love.  Stay tuned for a post about our busy elves and cheesemakers who make it all happen!

Enjoy the  snow and Happy Holidays!

I grew up in the Midwest - where the dairy industry is strong and the cheese is abundant. 

In fact, the milk from my parent's dairy farm is transformed into cheese every day at a local co-op. But the cheese isn't white... it's orange. 

Cheddar's orange rich color comes from annatto, a natural plant dye. It is thought that the dying of cheddar began way back in the 1800s in the Midwest. Someone from that region is just as likely to eat white cheddar as a New Englander is to eat orange cheddar. It's just a preference/tradition thing. At Grafton Village Cheese - cheddar is white.

The landscape of the Midwest, more specifically, Minnesota is also a bit well, flat - compared to Vermont.  Instead of 10,000+ lakes, Vermont gets 10,000 green mountains.. how do you people keep them straight?  Luckily though, I am adept to the temperature similarities.

I'm used to feeding baby calves in -20*F temperatures - I heard it doesn't get quite that bad here, but I'm ready for it.

Regardless of the differences I am thankful to be involved in such a wonderful industry - Dairy. An industry that feeds the world with a nutritious, versitile product Have you thanked a farmer today?

Happy Thanksgiving!