Meadowbelle

We taste a lot of breathtaking, lovingly handcrafted and versatile farmstead cheeses here at Family Farm Creameries, but if I had to claim my favorite stand-alone cheese, it would probably be "Meadowbelle." And I think it's safe to say that my co-workers would rank it high on their lists, too.

Even if you don't yet consider yourself to be a fan of goat milk or goats in general, I hope that you'll allow yourself the opportunity to indulge in all that is wonderful about the increasingly diverse range of local goat cheeses that we carry, particularly "Meadowbelle."

"Meadowbelle" is a firm and waxy aged goat's milk cheese with a rich, sweet cream flavor and beautiful natural mold rind. It's made by our friends Sam and Susie Byler of River View Dairy, near Sligo, Pennsylvania.

Aside from its complex flavor and the fact that it's the only raw milk cheese that Sam and Susie make, "Meadowbelle" is special because it features the crunchy white crystals that are desperately sought by aged cheese lovers the wold over. "Crystals?!" you say? Yes, crystals! If a whole slew of variable circumstances are just right, as the the milk's proteins and sugars are broken down by lactic acid, they sometimes bind with calcium to form tiny, crunchy clusters. This may seem odd, but let's be real, cheese can be pretty odd! Generally speaking, these crystals are seen as a positive among well-aged cheeses.

Personally, I like to eat "Meadowbelle" straight-up and in thin slices, but it pairs deliciously with a variety of beverages and foods.

If you're choosing to try it alongside a beverage, "Meadowbelle" works well with light, crisp and fruity white wines, but if I'm feeling fruity, I prefer it enjoy it with dry, full-bodied reds. If I'm feeling more savory, I go for dark, malty beers with nutty, caramel profiles. Then again, the firm texture and strong flavor of "Meadowbelle" makes it a beautiful grater, so feel free to sprinkle it over soups, salads or pasta dishes, too!