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Featured Cheese for July 2009: Wisconsin Fontina
Wisconsin Fontina is the July featured cheese of the month.
Wisconsin Fontina
Fontina cheese originated in Italy in 1477 and was named after the village of Fontinaz, near the Swiss border. Considered to be one of the most versatile, Fontina is excellent as both a table cheese and a cooking cheese.
Due to its popularity and wide range of uses, Fontina has been copied and reproduced by cheesemakers all over the world. The most notable versions are the Italian-style, Swedish-style and Danish-style. Today, Wisconsin cheesemakers produce all three styles.
While Italian-style Fontina is mild, earthy and buttery, the Danish and Swedish-styles are slightly tart, nutty and mellow to sharp, depending on age. Both the Danish and Swedish-style are pale ivory with a red wax coating, while the Italian-style is ivory to pale gold with a brown coating.
All styles of Fontina are smooth, semi-soft and slightly creamy with tiny holes. Fontina is commonly melted into food, but also has a deserving place on any dessert or dinner tray.
As an excellent multipurpose cheese, the serving possibilities with Fontina are endless. One of the simplest ways to add creamy texture and mild buttery flavor to any sandwich, hot or cold, is to add a few slices of Fontina.
For more information about Wisconsin cheesemakers who produce Fontina, pairing suggestions and recipes, visit www.EatWisconsinCheese.com.
Featured Supplier - Arla Foods - Dofino® Brand Specialty Cheeses
Arla Foods has been producing quality European-style specialty cheeses and butter in the U.S. for the past 120 years.
The specialty cheeses made by Arla under its Dofino brand use rBST free milk and are crafted with the greatest respect for all ingredients – using only nature’s best.
It is this love and respect for every ingredient and the craftsmanship involved in the process that allows Arla Foods to naturally create the very best Wisconsin-made European-style specialty cheeses.
Arla Foods has recently expanded its line of Dofino Specialty Cheeses to include all-natural Fontina. Made in Wisconsin by licensed Wisconsin cheesemakers, this semi-soft cheese is mild and creamy in flavor. The Fontina’s soft texture makes it a great everyday cheese, ideal for sandwiches.
For more information about Wisconsin Cheese, Arla Foods or other Wisconsin cheesemakers, visit www.EatWisconsinCheese.com.
