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On the CT cheese trail
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Cows, goats and sheep. Oh my! In my opinion, cheese in America has come a long way from the over-processed, plastic- wrapped, orange stuff. Although admittedly, the orange stuff does make one heck of a tummy-warming gooey grilled cheese sandwich on a cold New England afternoon. But, I digress. To find farm-fresh, hand-crafted artisan cheeses, look no further than New England. My top three picks this month in Connecticut, in no particular order, are: Sankow's Beaver Brook Farm in Lyme, Beltane Farm in Lebanon and Cato Corner Farm in Colchester. Whether your tastebuds prefer pasteurized or non, cow, sheep, or goat cheeses, there is something for every palate.
Off the beaten path in Lyme, CT Beaver Brook Farm is a family-owned farm that started out as a dairy farm, then relied on hay and beef cattle for its livelihood when the milk industry dwindled in New England before turning into a sheep farm in 1984. Currently, the farm is home to 600 sheep and a few handfuls of Jersey Cows. Named after the creek that runs through it, Beaver Brook Farm sells artisanal sheep and cow’s milk cheeses. In addition, you will also find yogurts, milk, gelato, fresh lamb meat and pre-made dishes in their farm store. There is also a wool shop that sells yarn and hand-made sweaters, hats and other hand-spun wool garments. The farm offers classes, sheep sheering demonstrations, hay-rides and samples. Call for schedules. Beaver Brook Farm is open daily from 9am to 4pm. For more information, visit their website at www.beaverbrookfarm.com. Located at 139 Beaver Brook Road, Lyme, CT 06371 Phone: 860-434-2843.
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Beltane Farm Tasting Room, Lebanon (credit: P. Shoesmith)
If goat cheeses are more to your liking, stop by Beltane Farm in Lebanon, CT. The farm is named after the May Day celebrations of Celtic Europe in honor of welcoming the renewed milk supply in early spring. The quaint tasting room (open in the spring and fall) boasts an iron stove where mulled cider and wine are served as you await your turn with the knowledgeable and friendly hosts. Hand-crafted pottery, local breads and goats milk soaps are also on display for sale. After tasting the sampling of cheeses available, be sure to take a tour of the farm. After wandering through a short trail in the woods, the property opens up to a picturesque pond with picnic tables. The kids will enjoy meeting the goats while your tour guide tells you about the various goat varieties (Oberhasli and La Mancha) and other animals who call the farm home. Beltane Farm offers a nice variety of farmstead and artisanal goat cheese including fresh chevre, feta and french-style cheeses. Visit their website for more information on tastings and visiting the farm: www.beltane farms.com. Beltane Farm 59 Taylor Bridge Road Lebanon, CT 06249 (860) 887-4709
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Cato Corner Farm Tasting Room (credit: P. Shoesmith)
Last, but not least, on our CT cheese trail, is Cato Corner Farm in Colchester. A small, family-owned and operated farm, Cato has made a name for itself offering dozens of hand-crafted raw-milk cow cheeses. The mother-son team that runs the farm and creates its cheeses raise forty free-range Jersey cows. Tasting are available in the tasting room weekends from 10am to 3pm. In addition to being able to purchase cheeses on-site, Cato also offers a line of fresh veal products. The kids will enjoy meeting the cows close-up and learning about our food-supply from the "source". For more information on the farm and its cheeses, visit www.catocornerfarm.com. Cato Corner Farm, LLC
178 Cato Corner Rd.
Colchester CT 06415 Phone: 860.537.3884
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