Whirlwind Spring

Friends, has an entire month really passed by? I've been a busy gal! A few big updates:

1. We bought a house.

Closing is April 30th - coming up fast! We can't wait to move in.

2. My 'Maid of Honor' duties have been in full effect.

Stefanie's bridal shower was a couple weeks ago, check out this awesome cheesecake from Simma's Bakery, with chocolate ganache and raspberry layer. Mmmmmm.

Currently, I am recovering from the great bachelorette weekend of all bachelorette weekends (more to follow).

3. I was a model / actress in a wedding showcase at The American Club in Kolher, Wisconsin. Golden Chic Events put on the extravaganza, check out this link for a full recap.

While it's been busy, and will get busier with work, I have a bunch of great stuff planned for Backstage Pass... including a Celestial Seasonings Tea giveaway!

Stay tuned within the next few days for all of the details ;-D

Marquette Tribune: The man behind the curtain

The Marquette Tribune just posted a story on one of our hospitality employees.

It's a fun snippet of what working backstage for a concert venue is like. The article's author, Molly Gamble, seems to have captured the employee's personality and spirit quite well. Enjoy!

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?