Cheese sampling in Potsdam

The Potsdam Food Co-op's Cheese of the Month for April will be offered during their 2nd Thursday Sampling on April 12th. From 3:30 - 5:30 pm you will have the opportunity to sample Smoked Alpola; a locally made smoked Raclette-Style Artisan Cheese. Smoked Alpola is a semi-hard swiss-style cheese made with raw milk from the herd of Holstein and Jersey cows on the Meier farm in Fort Covington, NY. All cows are rBST and antibiotic free. The Meier family immigrated from Switzerland to Canada in 1989 and moved to northern NY about a decade later. Smoked Alpola has a delightfully mild smoky flavor. The Meiers recommend pouring melted Smoked Alpola over cooked potatoes or a slice of bread, adding spices if desired, and topping it with grilled bacon, ham, mushrooms, or onion rings. Pair Smoked Alpola with light white wines or a fruity red wine such as Pinot Noir. Beer lovers would enjoy a light low-hops brew or a more robust Belgian pale ale. Kirsch or other fruity beverages will also also work with this raclette-style cheese. Suggestions: Use Smoked Alpola in any recipe that calls for melted cheese; burgers, quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, or fondues. Serve over potatoes or alongside cured meats, mushrooms, and onions. Scrape melted Smoked Alpola onto a plate with boiled potatoes, pickles, pickled onions, and cured meats for a "melt and pour" version of fondue! The Potsdam Food Co-op & Carriage House Bakery and Deli is located at 24 Elm St. and is open daily from 8am to 7pm. It is a member-owned cooperative grocery store (although membership is not required) where everyone is welcome to shop and anyone is welcome to join. For more information please visit www.potsdamcoop.com or call 315-265-4630.