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Rise and shine, cheese fans! It's time for this month's Break My Fast curdbox. Breakfast is ready! The sun is up, and your taste buds are about to be awakened as we celebrate the most important meal of the day, with the OTHER most important meal of the day- cheese! Along with some perfectly-paired items that go hand in hand with them. Leave it to us to make your mornings even better, as we open the blinds to see what we have in store for you in this month’s box.
Meyer Lemon & Honey Chèvre by Cypress Grove
California’s Cypress Grove is a family-owned company with a rich history dating back to the 1970s. Founded by Mary Keehn, a single mother of four who began making goat cheese with her family after acquiring two goats from her neighbor. In 1983, Mary’s growing passion for cheese-making led her to start her company, which has since become one of the most well-known and award-winning cheese makers in the US, with Mary often being credited for contributing to the growth of the American goat cheese market. If you're looking for a tasty and tangy cheese, this is a must-try. Made by combining sweet alfalfa honey and delicate Meyer lemons with their fresh goat cheese, the result is bright, creamy, and sweet with a texture that is perfect for spreading on your morning toast.
Meyer Lemon & Honey Chèvre by Cypress Grove and the Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels by Pop Daddy Snacks
Foenegreek Gouda by Marieke Gouda
The creation of Wisconsin’s Marieke Gouda Co. is a result of Marieke and Rolf Penterman’s shared passion for dairy farming and handmade cheeses. This dynamic duo moved from the Netherlands to Wisconsin in 2002 to pursue their dream of starting their own dairy farm in America. However, one thing they found that they couldn’t leave behind, was their love for the cheese of their home country. So, using only the freshest raw cow's milk from their new family farm, they decided to make their own. Their dedication and hard work were rewarded, when just four months after Marieke crafted her first batch of Gouda, she captured a gold award at the US Champion Cheese Contest in 2007. This specific award-winner is aged for 2 to 4 months, allowing its flavors to mature and develop. The final product is a delicious blend of a traditional Gouda with nutty notes and a touch of maple syrup from the unique addition of Foenegreek seeds, as well as a creamy and supple texture that seamlessly complements those flavors.
Foenegreek Gouda from Marieke and the Chai Pecans by Isadore Nut Co.
1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar by Barber's
Barber’s is renowned for their exceptional cheddar, and their name is synonymous with quality and authenticity. For nearly two centuries, the family has been farming and crafting cheese at their farm in Somerset, England, and they hold the distinction of being the oldest surviving cheddar-makers in the world. The secret to their unique flavor lies in the use of traditional starter cultures. These friendly bacteria are added to the milk during the cheese-making process and play a crucial role in determining the flavor and quality of the finished product. The Smith family is the sole keeper of these last remaining traditional starter cultures, which are passed down from generation to generation. Aged for a minimum of 24 months, their 1833 Vintage Reserve boasts a creamy texture and smooth finish, with naturally occurring crystals that provide a bit of crunch and crumble. Its refined sweet notes balance out its tangy sharpness, resulting in unparalleled complexity and depth. You would be hard-pressed to find another cheddar anywhere more authentic and delicious as this.
The 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar by Barber's with the Tennessee Whipped Honey by TruBee
Chai Pecans by Isadore Nut Co.
The journey of Minnesota’s Isadore Nut Company began with the frustration of its founder, Tasya Kelen, in the limited options for clean, gluten-free, and quick snacks. She was inspired by her grandfather, Isadore, who sought out real, organic, and all-natural food choices in the 1950s when processed foods were popular. She decided to make her first batch of seasoned and spiced nuts at home and followed the path which inevitably, based on the growing popularity of her products, led to the creation of her own company. Her Chai Pecans, among other varieties, are roasted in a sweet and warming blend of spices and real maple syrup, giving them a comforting taste similar to that of a buttery ginger cookie. In addition to producing her delicious delectables, Tasya is also dedicated to her mission of reducing the 82% unemployment and under-employment rate among disabled individuals, and now over half of the employees at Isadore Nut Company are adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. So, you can feel good about indulging in a snack that not only satisfies your cravings but also supports a great cause.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels from Pop Daddy Snacks
Michigan’s own Pop Daddy is the result of the Sarafa family’s passion for popcorn. After learning about the of the harmful chemicals often found in most microwave popcorn, co-founder Mark Sarafa purchased a large popcorn machine and got to work in his basement, experimenting with different kernels and flavors. His creations quickly became a hit among his friends, family, and neighbors, and after two years of giving away his popcorn for free, Mark's family encouraged him to turn his passion into a full-time business. And so, in 2013, Pop Daddy was officially born. After eventually expanding their line of products, one of the most popular flavors in their new line was their classic Cinnamon and Sugar Pretzels. Deliciously dusted with the ideal amount of sweet and savory, it has been described as having the taste of of a churro in the shape of a pretzel, and will definitely make you believe in the power of a great snack.
Tennessee Snow Whipped Honey from TruBee
The story of TruBee Honey began ten years ago with a thoughtful gift, when co-founder Laura Kimball gave her husband Otto a beehive for Christmas. After extensively learning the ins-and outs of beekeeping, the couple's passion for it grew, and eventually they had more honey than they could imagine, leading them to sell it at farmers markets. And based on their customer’s rave reviews, eventually they took the leap to make it a business. Their Tennessee Snow Whipped Honey is a special creation, inspired by their longing for snow, that they were unable to experience in their new home near Nashville. Also called "creamed honey" or "spun honey," it is made by letting the honey crystallize and then whipping it until it is transformed it into a creamy, almost white delight. It's pure and gentle sweetness will be a welcomed addition to the start of your day.
So that's this month's box! We hope this month’s breakfast box will set an amazing tone for your day, every day. And with that, we’ll see you next time.
Did you take some photos while enjoying this box that you were thinking of adding to Instagram? Please tag us @curdbox along with our cheese and pairing partners: @cypressgrovers, @mariekegouda, @barberscheesemakers, @isadorenutco, @popdaddysnacks, and @trubeehoney. We love to see our cheese lovers enjoying their boxes!
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