Music to my taste buds: Carr Valley's Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar

Friends, I have found the perfect artisanal cheese. It happens to be made right here in Wisconsin.

Meet Carr Valley's Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar, a dreamy blend of white cow's milk cheddar, smoky chipotle peppers and tart cranberries. I found it at a wine store while visiting Manitowish Waters in Northern Wisconsin, and have had fun with its versatile flavors ever since.

It's been great by itself, a couple of tempting slivers make a perfect amuse bouche.

It provides a great kick to a simple egg sandwich. This cheese carries a delicate yet pronounced heat, making the otherwise drab combination taste exotic.

Though my wedge is nearly finished, I will not fret. Carr Valley Cheeses are available to order online. Some other tempting options: the triple-cream Creama Casa, the Black Sheep Truffle, and the award-winning Cocoa Cardona, which is described as "like nothing you've ever tasted."

I can't wait to try out these intriguing varieties. The Carr Valley Cheese Factory and Retail Cheese Store is located in Fennimore, which is nearby to both Governor Dodge and Wyalusing State Parks. Perhaps I'll get to visit this summer, would anyone like to join me on an artisanal cheese road trip?

Happy Cows? Please.

Hello there - been a short while - no worries though! I've been out of town and have a ton of things to talk about... will get to that eventually.

In the meantime - I have a rant - what is up with all of this California Cheese? I think it's crap. Living in Wisconsin, I have a privileged cheese palate when it comes to what's available at the grocery stores. What really 'grinds my gears' (like my Family Guy reference?) is when I see the California Cheese commercials on television, they are so dumb! Wisconsin cows are 'Happy' too... not to mention that with our plethora of WISCONSIN-produced cheese options, we are lessening our carbon footprint by eating locally-produced products. So I think these California Cheese / Dairy Council people should save their freaking dough and market to a state that has a lack of great dairy products. Capeche?

I am a true cheese fan... I love my camembert, brie, smoked gouda, muenster, pecorino (thanks Annie), parmesan, feta, gorgonzola, alpine Swiss... I love 'em all. Fresh cheese curds? You'd better believe I dive in when they are available. I can't always afford to cough up the dough for such pricey cheeses, and that's why when I go cheap... I have my favorites.

There is simply no better value in a supermarket, than Sargento Cheese. I shop at Pick N' Save mainly, and they seem to always have a Sargento product on special, so it's not only friendly on my palate but on my bank account as well. My favorite product is the Reduced-Fat Pepperjack Cheese Slices, which are a great addition to an avocado and tomato sandwhich or just plain on their own aside some apple slices. As the only cheese eater in my house, it's nice to have the convenient slices vs. buying a brick and only eating half before it goes bad.

Sargento also started to market their Salad Finishers, most of them have bacon or chicken however the Cranberry Pecan product looks to be amazing for us vegetarians. I am going to watch for a coupon on these.

Anyway - thanks for reading my random cheese rant... more soon!