Wisconsin Leads U.S. in World Contest Awards

Wisconsin cheesemakers claimed a total of 31 awards at the recent 2012 World Cheese Awards competition, the largest cheese contest in the world. The total represents more than those awarded to any other U.S. state. This year, more than 2,700 cheeses from 30 countries entered the competition.

The highest award to a Wisconsin company, a “Super Gold,” went to Sartori Cheese for its Limited Edition Cognac BellaVitano. Other Wisconsin awards include 4 Gold, 12 Silver and 14 Bronze. The Wisconsin Gold winners are Holland’s Family Cheese for Marieke Aged Gouda, Sartori for Reserve SarVecchio and Carr Valley Cheese for Billy Blue and Cave Aged Marisa.

Other Wisconsin companies that earned awards include Emmi Roth USA, Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, Lactalis USA, DCI Cheese Co., the Artisan Cheese Exchange and Kraft Cracker Barrel. The entire Wisconsin winners’ breakdown can be found at Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board’s website.

In other WMMB news, the Madison, Wis.-based organization launched a new Grate. Pair. Share. online consumer magazine that explores all things cheese with an emphasis on cooking and entertaining. Featuring seasonal recipes, pairing ideas and exceptional photography as well as top food bloggers and cheese experts, the free magazine is an engaging and practical resource for home cooks and cheese enthusiasts alike.

“We know home cooks can never have enough recipes, whether for everyday meals or elegant entertaining, and we also know nothing can define a dish like cheese,” said Heather Porter Engwall, WMMB’s director of national product communications. “Grate. Pair. Share. presents readers with a beautiful, interactive experience and lots of great ideas for cooking and entertaining with Wisconsin Cheese.”

The inaugural winter 2013 issue features a cozy dinner party with recipes from the bloggers at Not Without Salt, Baked Bree, Whipped and FamilyStyle Food. Readers will also find “Cheese Plates for Every Palate,” a feature that includes perfect pairings for holiday parties; show-stealing side dishes; 14 new dairy dip recipes and DIY holiday desserts from FoodieCrush that the kids can help decorate.

Grate. Pair. Share. will be published bi-annually; each issue will include free downloadable and printable content such as recipes and party favors.