Mt Tam’s 20th Anniversary
What began with humble roots to support a then-struggling dairy community and promote the craftsmanship of handmade cheese, has matured into not only a beloved cheese company from coast to coast, but a company that is ever-reimagining the good of mindful agriculture and artisan food production. Knowing that the tastiest cheese starts with the healthiest soils, Cowgirl works with like-minded partners to, as they say, “cultivate goodness.” This mantra has surely stood the test of time as the company readies to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their signature aged cheese, Mt Tam. Named after Mt Tamalpais, which sits perched above the San Francisco Bay, Mt Tam, the cheese, is “…a smooth, creamy, elegant triple-cream encased in a snowy-white rind. It is firm yet buttery with a mellow, earthy flavor reminiscent of white mushrooms.”
This summer Cowgirl Creamery will celebrate Mt Tam’s 20th anniversary. Special events are planned to showcase Sue and Peggy’s first aged cheese, now an American icon.
Tours
For visitors to Northern California, be sure to stop by Cowgirl’s Point Reyes creamery, located at 80 Fourth St., for a tour and tasting. The tour includes information on the company, the history of this rich agricultural area, and, of course, lots of cheese. Tastings are every Friday beginning at 11 a.m. for a $5 fee. Call (415) 663-9335 to make your reservation. Space sells out quickly.
Giddy-up, Cowgirl Club
Cowgirl’s Cheese Club is a monthly cheese subscription that includes three or more artisan cheeses delivered straight to the cheese enthusiast, foodie friends or family members.
Even non-cheese connoisseurs will be delighted with the serving suggestions. All monthly shipments are hand-selected by Cowgirl cheesemongers and are available for three, six, or 12 month memberships. Be sure to take advantage of the 10 percent discount on website orders.
Where to Buy
Cowgirl Creamery cheese is available in over 500 stores in North American, including Whole Foods Markets, and on their website: http://shop.cowgirlcreamery.com.
Sidekick’s Hours of Operation
Monday thru Friday: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ferry Building Cheese Shop Hours
Monday thru Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pt Reyes Shop & Creamery Hours
Wednesday thru Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe
For those looking to create a next level grilled cheese, this is one of Cowgirl’s go-tos with great meltability and flavor thanks to the combination of cheeses. While not the exact version sold at Sidekick, it ticks off all the right boxes.
Makes 3 sandwiches
This may be the one best way to use up the cheese ends and bits in your fridge. You can make this with almost any cheese and be completely satisfied.
4 oz Fromage Blanc
4 oz Cheddar cheese, or any cheese, grated
4 oz Monterey Jack, or any cheese, grated
6 slices Levain bread
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• In a medium bowl, combine all three cheeses. Divide the cheese mixture evenly between three slices of the bread, top with the remaining three bread slices to form sandwiches, and butter the outside of the bread.
• Heat a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or any large pan with a heavy bottom over medium heat.
• Place a sandwich in the heated pan and cook until the bread touching the pan is golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the sandwich and continue to cook until the cheese is completely melted and the bottom of the sandwich is golden brown. Repeat for each sandwich and serve right away.
