An Ode to Some Cheese
a diabetic’s forbidden love for local cheesy goodness
As a diabetic in Wisconsin with an indifference to cholesterol levels and regularity, cheese and its consumption have become essential to my existence. It is my go-to snack, secret ingredient, garnish, meal replacement/shake replacement, and emotional support animal. My hunger for cheese never ceases. Fortunately, the Chippewa Valley has an ample and diverse supply whenever a craving strikes. Here are three varieties I highly recommend:
In my opinion, the greatest sight in Eau Claire is atop Mt. Simon during sunset in October. A close second is a fully stocked display stand of Yellowstone Cheese Curds at the entrance of a Festival Foods. This golden beacon of squeaks and love draws the ravenous like a dog parent to The Brewing Projekt. I’m sure there are scheduled days when these fresh offerings are available, but I have rejected chronicle observation and choose to live in a reality where happening upon these morsels is random and special, thus an obligatory purchase every time.
Yellowstone Cheese, Cadott, Wisconsin • yellowstonecheese.com
To many, the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market is home to seasonal produce, flowers, and pretzels – if you’re early. To the cheese-centric, every Saturday, May through October, there is a Hidden Springs Creamery booth at Phoenix Park and a bunch of obstacles. Despite my immense enjoyment of their satisfyingly spreadable Driftless cheeses, especially the habanero honey, the creamery’s Farmstead Feta is my must-have. The levels of moisture retention and texture are akin to a non-Newtonian fluid. I still don’t believe it's real even after I eat an entire block. You simply must try it to fully understand.
Hidden Springs Creamery, Westby, Wisconsin • hiddenspringscreamery.com
“It’s like cheese jerky!” a friend after their first taste of Vern’s Smoked String Cheese. It’s the perfect description for this robust punch of salty goodness. It is extreme and may not be for everyone, but if this Wisconsin delicacy hits your spot, nothing else comes close. Both the plain and smoked varieties are equally desirable, and both are available at many of our top grocery establishments. The question here isn’t whether you’re a stinger or a biter, it’s whether you're a single sticker or a whole bagger.
Vern’s Cheese, Chilton, Wisconsin • vernscheese.com
While the vast majority of cheese you encounter in the Wisconsin wild will be fantastic, these three have that something special to keep you coming back. You won’t regret sampling them all. No matter what, remember to keep it Wisconsin made and ignore your metabolic panel results.