Many of you will recognize Mel's voice when ordering from our Online Store. After 4 holiday seasons at Cowgirl Creamery. Mel is now our Corporate & Group Gifting Specialist, helping our customers across the country source artisan and organic cheese for events, client gifts, and virtual tastings. As a North Bay native and consummate cook, Mel shares her infectious enthusiasm for cheese and local food with everyone she encounters. In an unusually busy season, we took some time to catch up with Mel and learn about life as a virtual cheesemonger.
How did you get into cheese?
I've always loved cheese! My paternal grandparents were great lovers of artisan cheese many years ago and would introduce my siblings and I to the different varieties. Then, over the years, going to parties and events and being introduced to so many incredible creameries and cheeses, it was like - wow! And I love how our palettes change as we get older & mine has definitely evolved.
What's your favorite Cowgirl cheese to cook with?
Hop Along!! Love this cheese so much! Great sliced on a cheese plate but so wonderful for cooking. I have used it, shredded, in both Mac & Cheese and in Hop Along Chive biscuits (or as I call the, Hop Chive Biscuits). I also really love our Red Hawk Potato Gratin,
What's it like living in California's North Bay?
Growing up in Marin County and then living in Sonoma County, we have always been fortunate to have access to so many thoughtful, creative, and incredible producers. I particularly love the Sebastopol Farmers Market where my absolute favorite Red H Farm resides, our local Petaluma Farmers Market, Petaluma Market, Wild Goat Bistro, Straus, and oh my goodness so many favorite restaurants that cover a diverse cross section of our world!
What’s on your Holiday Cheese Plate?
Mt Tam, Red Hawk, Uplands Cheese Rush Creek Reserve, and Cypress Grove's Humboldt Fog Mini.
Still need some Holiday cheese? Mel and the rest of our Ecommerce Team are here to help! Shop online while supplies last (select Ship Week of 12/14 or 12/21 to arrive for the Christmas Holiday) or send someone a Gift Card or Cheese Club Subscription for an easy last-minute gift.
Hi Sara,
Unfortunately, we do not produce a coffee-rubbed cheese, but you may be thinking of a cheese from one of our producer partners. Beehive Cheese (in Utah) makes a fantastic espresso-rubbed Cheddar-style cheese called Barely Buzzed: https://beehivecheese.com/products/barely-buzzed . Could this be what you tasted?
Best,
Rory
Cowgirl Creamery