Following The Cheese Here In Southeastern Minnesota

Seeing as June is Dairy Month, it's a great time to celebrate all the great local cheeses that are made right here in southeastern Minnesota!

Now, seeing as I'm from Wisconsin (known, of course, as America's Dairyland), it's no surprise that I love all kinds of dairy products-- from cheese, to milk, ice cream and just about everything else. I grew up not too far away from Mullins Cheese in Mosinee. And way before the 'farm to table' movement caught on, every now and again, I'd head down to Mullins' office at the dairy and buy a bag of fresh cheese curds. They were SO fresh, they were often times still warm. And, of course, they squeaked when you bit into them. (Which is, by the way, the real test of how fresh your curds are.)

But even though our state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we've got some really good dairies and creameries here in our neck of the woods, too. Explore Minnesota has a really good summary, called 'Follow The Cheese To Southern Minnesota' and it lists some great local cheese producers.

From the sheep’s milk cheese of Shepherd's Way Farms in Nerstrand, to Dancing Winds Farm in nearby Kenyon, or Alemar Cheese of Mankato, there are a variety of great, locally-produced cheeses available. And let's not forget Prairie Hollow Farm, 30 minutes northeast of Rochester, or the noted Caves of Faribault, either.

No matter where you head, take some time to enjoy some great, locally-produced dairy products this month-- or, if you're like me, all year long. What's your favorite?