Zaski’s Wisconsin Cheese Picks!

There’s a lot to love when it comes to Wisconsin cheese. Combine exceptionally fresh milk and cheesemaking traditions our ancestors brought with them to the New World with America’s innate restlessness to innovate, and you’ve got countless award-winning cheeses from America’s Dairyland.

Here we’ve asked Zaski Blazek, Cheese Specialist at Lunds & Byerlys Ridgedale, to share a few Wisconsin faves and how to use them. Zaski Blazek, Cheese Specialist at Lunds & Byerlys Ridgedale recently earned the prestigious title of American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional. This extensive test measures each candidate’s mastery of cheese knowledge and best practices. To qualify for the exam, you must have a minimum of 4,000 hours of cheese experience and submit an application for review. Earning this certification represents months of personal commitment, studying and preparation.

Zaski is now one of just 32 Certified Cheese Professionals in Minnesota – and nine are here at Lunds & Byerlys!

Uplands Cheese Rush Creek Reserve

Produced only in the fall when the cows start to transition from summer pastures to winter hay, this soft-ripened decadent cheese is only available for a limited time. Each cheese is wrapped in spruce bark, which gives shape to the cheese and imparts a subtle, woodsy flavor. At its peak, Rush Creek Reserve is soft and custard-like.

Zaski’s rec: A classic and somewhat controversial pairing for Rush Creek Reserve is potato chips! L&B Traditional Kettle Chips and Old Dutch Original Potato Chips serve as a savory base that Rush Creek Reserve’s intensity cuts through beautifully. I like to sprinkle it with pan-fried pancetta for an extra crunch.

Kingston Creamery Breezy Blue Cheese

This award-winning blue cheese is a blend of 60% cow’s  milk and 40% goat’s milk for a flavor that’s truly one-of-a-kind. The result is a smooth, creamy blue with subtle earthy notes and a clean, fresh finish.

Zaski’s rec: Kingston Creamery Breezy Blue Cheese (or any blue for that matter) appreciates an equally-intense friend, like dark chocolate. A small chunk of a Hammond Espresso Martini chocolate bar is my favorite choice. Otherwise you can go for a lighter bite with a slice of Anjou Pear and a drizzle of L&B Honey.

Marieke Golden

Marieke golden is crafted with vegetable rennet and farmstead-fresh cow’s milk. Its freshness is unrivaled. It has a soft, buttery texture, creamy mouthful and a pleasantly sweet aroma. 

Zaski’s rec: Marieke Golden is light and refreshing, and pairs well with fresh fruits – especially raspberries and blackberries. It also works well with seed crackers like the Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps. For those with a sweet tooth, Effie’s Homemade Oatcakes are another wonderful option!

For additional ideas and recommendations, visit the cheese counter!