Haystack Mountain Cheese Vaults: onions and cheese, ne’er the twain shall meet.

Cheeses can easily pick up odors from other foods in your fridge. In an attempt to minimize this phenomenon, we’ve created these beautiful, handmade wooden cheese vaults. They’ll help to prevent cheeses from absorbing off-flavors from other like onions, fish, and two-week-old sushi leftovers.

Our cheese vaults also make great gifts for the cheese lovers in your life, as well as an elegant way to present them with a custom cheese sampler (we’ll help you put it together).  The vaults alone are $20, or free with a purchase of $50 or more. Give us a call at (720)494-8714, or stop by the creamery to get yours today.

Haystack Mountain Cheese Valut: A great way to present and store cheeses.

Haystack Mountain Cheese Valut: A great way to present and store cheeses.

 

 

Goat cheese made with aloha…

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit  Hawaii Island Goat Dairy. Owner/cheesemaker Dick Threlfall runs his farmstead operation on the Big Island’s rainy Hamakua Coast. The experience gave me some insight into what it’s like to produce cheese in a sub-tropical climate; the very opposite of what we deal with at our creamery in Longmont.

While Hawaii has a long history of cattle ranching and cowboys (paniolos), it’s not, unsurprisingly, a major cheese-producing state. The damp climate, so conducive to lush pasture, is equally ripe for mold and bacteria of the unwanted kind. That makes it difficult for cheesemakers, who must already go to great lengths to keep their dairies, milk, equipment, and aging rooms sanitized and up to code. But for those up to the challenge, producing farmstead cheese in Hawaii is rich in rewards. Dick and his late wife Heather, respectively a retired farrier and veterinary clinic manager,  relocated from the Bay Area and launched HIGD  in late 1999.

Located on the slopes of Mauna Kea on the “wet” side of the island, the dairy is 10 acres of what was once a macadamia nut farm. The herd of 50 Nubians and Toggenburg’s forage on “high altitude” vegetation, including macadamia, ti, bamboo, and ginger leaves, supplemented by specially-formulated goat feed. The many indigenous plants and flowers perfume the milk and resulting cheese, giving it flavors that simply can’t be found on the Mainland.

When I called Dick to let him know I was on-island, he insisted I come by for a visit, and also suggested I check out his stall at the Waimea farmers market. As the trade-winds swept through the macadamia trees, Dick–an incredibly sweet, gregarious man–led me on a tour of the dairy. I was able to check out the milking parlor, kidding pens, make-room, and–the highlight–the pen where his pet pig, Otis, resides.

Below, a photo tour of the wonders of Hawaii Island Goat Dairy:

Does lounging in the shade of macadamia trees after the morning milking.

 

Dick was nice enough to share his private stash of cheese with me.

 

Comparative tasting!

 

The intern quarters.

Kids in the nursery.

Only 12 hours old.

Very lucky bucks…

Dick very carefully feeding Otis peanuts. (Otis! My man!)

Farmers market manager Jim and friend.

Some Hawaii Island Goat Dairy cheeses on display at the Waimea farmers market.

Protea flowers at the farmers market.

Amazing succulent arrangements at the market.

Speaking of succulent, the food stalls at the market are the real deal. Hello, shoyu chicken!

Haystack Mountain Cheese Tasting at KPMG Boulder

On September 13, the Boulder branch of KPMG, a global audit, tax, and advisory firm, asked Haystack Mountain to partner up on a wine and cheese presentation with Denver-based sommelier/wine consultant, Rob McKenzie.

The event was for 50 members of the KPMG community attending the Boulder Business Partner Appreciation Reception, so it was only fitting that we chose cheese accompaniments grown or produced by local farmers and food artisans. We worked closely with Bravo’s Top Chef Season 5 Winner/founder of Blackbelly Catering, Hosea Rosenberg, MM Local, and Olomomo Nut Co to find the perfect pairings. In the words of KPMG Senior Associate/Event Coordinator Michele Willett,

“By demonstrating the value of pairing specialty wine and cheese/accompaniments together, you led the guests to understand that two separate goods can equal one phenomenal effect. You created a fantastic experience for the guests.”

Haystack Mountain Queso de Mano and Blackbelly Smoked Berkshire Ham...what a marriage!

Not to toot our own horn, but the event kicked ass! Our mission with these kinds of events is to educate and entertain, and that’s precisely what unfolded on this beautiful late summer evening.

Want to host a gathering that’s  fun, interactive, educational, entertaining, and flat-out delicious? We’ll come to your home, office, restaurant, or farm to create a special experience. Give us a shout at 720-494-8714 or email John at john@haystackgoatcheese.com for more info.


Keepin’ it Goaty in Santa Fe

Welcome to Haystack Mountain’s new blog. We’ll be providing weekly updates on what we’re up to, in addition to related information on all things cheesey and goaty. You’ll find seasonal recipes for our cheese, as well.

I’m Laurel Miller, the company’s new Communications Coordinator; my job is to serve as a liaison between the cheese room and consumers, to promote our line of cheeses.  I’ll also be providing continuing education and other outreach for industry professionals.

I just returned from a business trip to Santa Fe, and while I’ve been there many times, it was my first visit since the Railyard and permanent Farmers Market Pavilion had opened. This renovated arts district is located at Paseo de Peralta and Guadalupe, and features a variety of events, galleries, restaurants, and an expanded, year-round Saturday farmers market. Over 150 farmers showed up (it’s chile season, after all), and I geeked out on how many of them were selling goat milk, cheese, and beauty-related products such as soap and lotion. New Mexicans clearly love their goats as much as we do.

As a culinary educator, of particular interest to me was Camino de Paz, a  Montessori School and Farm located in Espanola. They operate a goat dairy and sell the raw milk (which is legal in New Mexico) and several varieties of fresh chevre at the market.

To quote Maria Montessori from the school’s brochure, “Work on the land is an introduction both to nature and to civilization and gives a limitless field for scientific and historic studies.” Not only are these young students (grades 7-9) learning responsibility and how to work as a team, they’re also gaining hands-on farming and dairy experience, and an education in marketing; math skills; microbiology; chemistry, and art. The high quality of the milk and cheese were just a bonus.

If you happen to make it down to Santa Fe, I highly recommend a visit to the farmers market. With an emphasis on regional cuisine, the sights, sounds, smells, and samples (shishito and padron peppers fried in garlic and olive oil; roasted Big Jim chilies; sagebrush honey; Dixon apples; peaches, the aforementioned goat cheeses…) make it one of the nation’s most outstanding markets. If a road trip isn’t on your itinerary, don’t fret. Our Green Chile Jack and Green Chile Chevre will do right by any dish, from posole or quesadillas to burgers and salads.

Murray’s Cheese: Cave-Aged Haystack Peak and Tremblay Honey

Click here for more information about Murry’s Cave-Aged Haystack Peak and Tremblay Honey. It’s not your average goat cheese!

American Beauties

How to pair wines with artisan cheeses, by Bill St. John, Special to Tribune Newspapers. Click here to read the full article.

A Sampling of Flavorful Colorado-made Goat Cheeses

By Lesli J. Neilson, The Salt Lake Tribune. Click here to read the full article.

A Cheese Movement

Read the full write-up in the New York Times.

Original Haystack Mountain Goat Cheesecake

Crust:
A traditional graham cracker crust. Combine these ingredients and press into 9″ springform pan:
1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
4 Tbsp. melted butter
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until crust sets up.

Filling:
Cream in mixer until fluffy:
12 oz Haystack Goat Cheese (Chèvre Spread or Boulder Chèvre)
12 oz Cream Cheese
3 cups dairy sour cream
1 1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
zest of 2 lemons, minced
juice of 2 lemons
zest of 1 orange, minced
juice of 1 orange

Pour gently into pre-baked crust and bake at 275 degrees for 2 hours until puffed and cooked in center. Let cool entirely before removing from pan. Refrigerate prior to serving. Can be served plain or with fresh berries or fruit.

Pasta, Goat Cheese and Herbed Zucchini

3 zucchini cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 large garlic glove, minced
2 tsp. Mixed chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano and marjoram
1 Tbsp. virgin olive oil
6 ounces pasta noodles, your choice
2 ounces Haystack Mountain Goat Cheese

Toss together the first 4 ingredients and set aside in large bowl. Cook pasta in boiling water then drain, reserving approximately 1/4 cup of cooking liquid. Toss pasta and extra cooking liquid with veggie and herb mixture. Add cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Makes a flavorful and quick meal.

Basil Alfredo Pasta

2 c. heavy cream
1 c. coarsely chopped basil
1 tsp. salt
9 oz. fresh spinach fettuccine
8 oz. plain chèvre
1/2 c. diced, seeded fresh plum tomatoes
1/2 c. chiffonade of fresh basil
freshly ground pepper to taste

Bring the cream to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes until thick. Add chopped basil and cook 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the salt and fettuccine. Cook at a rolling boil until tender. While pasta is cooking, add half the chèvre to the basil sauce. Return the pan to low heat, stir, and heat through. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl. Drain the pasta. Add to the sauce and toss lightly. Top with the remaining chèvre, tomatoes, chiffonade of basil and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Goat Cheese and Leek Galette

from Jason McHugh at Cooking School of the Rockies

Serves 4 – 6

For the Tart Shell:
6 oz. all-purpose flour
3 oz. cold butter, cut into small pieces
pinch of salt
ice cold water as needed, approximately 1/4+ cup

For the Galette:
3 leeks, whites cleaned and sliced, green trimmed and reserved
2 tablespoons butter
2 bay leaves
8 oz. Haystack Mountain Spreadable Chèvre or Ricotta
1 teaspoon ground coriander seed
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, stemmed and chopped

Place the flour, butter and salt in a food processor and pulse. Add 1/2 of the water and pulse several times. Check the consistency. If necessary, add more water as directed but not enough so the dough is wet. Remove the dough, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour.

Sweat leeks in butter in a covered pan over low heat for 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and add the bay leaf and sweat fro 20 more minutes until the leeks are quite soft. Remove the leeks from the pan and cool slightly. Remove the bay leaf and add the cheese, coriander and thyme. Mix well. Adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface until quite thin. Mound the leek and cheese mixture in the center and flatten slightly. Enclose the leek and cheese mixture up in the dough starting on one side and working around the dough clockwise. The leek and cheese mixture should be visible in the center of the dough. Chill the galette for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the galette on a sheet pan and bake for 35-45 minutes. Remove from the oven, cool slightly, slice and serve.

Rosemary Potatoes and Goat Cheese

10 cups cubed baking potatoes
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary or 2 tsp. dried rosemary
3 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
5 garlic cloves
3/4 cups crumbled Boulder Chèvre

Preheat oven to 400°. Combine first 7 ingredients in a plastic bag, turning well to coat. Arrange potato on a large jelly roll pan coated with oil or cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 45 minutes until brown. Place in a large bowl toss with goat cheese. Serve immediately. 8 servings.

Spinach with Chèvre Sauce

3 – 10 oz. packages fresh spinach, washed and stemmed
1/2 cup whipping cream
3 oz. Haystack Mountain Chèvre
1 large shallot, minced
1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/4 tsp. grated nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
1/3 c. crouton or course bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 250°. Bring 2 inches of water to boil in a large pot. Add spinach. Cook until just wilted. Remove spinach from the water, drain and squeeze out excess liquid reserving 1/2 c. cooking liquid. Place spinach on an oven proof plate, cover and put it in the oven to keep warm.

Sauce:
In a skillet sauté shallots, add cream, 1/2 c. cooking liquid, and lemon peel. Heat over medium heat until reduced to about 2/3 cup. Stir in goat cheese until combined with the hot sauce. Season to taste. Pour sauce over warm spinach and sprinkle with croutons. Serve immediately.

Tomato and Goat Cheese

3 cups peeled, diced ripe tomatoes
3 roasted red peppers, peeled, seeded, cored and diced
3 cups 1/2 inch bread cubes, toasted or grilled (use plain or flavored baguette)
1/2-cup basil leaves
1/4 cup shaved fresh garlic
3 Tbsp. minced anchovy or anchovy paste
1/2 cup virgin olive oil
1/4 cup sherry wine vinegar
4-6 ounces Haystack Mountain Boulder Chèvre
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Let marinate for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs such as tarragon or chives and drizzle with olive oil. Toss and serve immediately.

Goat Cheese stuffed Chicken Breasts with Salsa Verde

from Jason McHugh at Cooking School of the Rockies

For the Salsa Verde:
6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, stemmed and chopped
3 tablespoons basil, stemmed and chopped
1 tablespoon tarragon, stemmed and chopped
2 tablespoons capers, chopped
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
optional 2-3 anchovies, minced

For the Chicken Breasts:
4 chicken breasts, skin removed
1/2 cup Haystack Mountain Smoked Chèvre
1/2 cup Haystack Mountain Goat Ricotta
2 red peppers, roasted, peeled and minced
4 scallions, minced
olive oil
salt and pepper

Make the Salsa Verde the night before serving or several hours before serving by mixing the ingredients together.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly pound the breasts at the thickest part. Grate or crumble the cheeses together and add the red pepper and scallions. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.

Stuff each breast with 1/4 of the cheese mixture. Roll the chicken breast up, folding in the excess meat around the cheese. Lightly oil a baking sheet and place the breasts, seam side down, on the pan. Brush with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Bake the breasts for 20-30 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove from the oven, slice thinly on the bias and serve with Salsa Verde.

Chicken Breasts baked with Goat Cheese in Puff Pastry

4 chicken half-breasts, skinned and boned
5 ounces Haystack Mountain Chèvre Spread with Herb and Garlic
4 thin slices ham
1 package (17.5 oz.) frozen puff pastry
1 beaten egg

Unfold both pieces of pastry and roll one sheet out into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Cut in half; repeat with the second sheet. You will have four rectangles, each approximately 7 x 10 inches. Spread one quarter of the cheese in the middle of each pastry sheet. Place a ham slice on each. Generously sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper (and other seasonings, as desired) then place chicken breasts on top of the cheese and ham. Depending upon the size and shape of the chicken breasts, you may have to trim away some of the pastry. Press and flute the long ends, enclosing the chicken in a tight envelope. Brush with beaten egg. Place envelopes seam side down on a lightly greased baking sheet. Oven bake at 425° until pastry is browned or about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

Squash Blossoms and Goat Cheese

12 squash blossoms from Urban Herbs & Edible flowers
8 ounces Haystack Mountain Goat Cheese
assorted chopped fresh herbs (such as chive, garlic chive, basil, thyme, oregano, etc.)
salt and pepper to taste
1 egg beaten with 2 Tbsp. water
flour for dipping
olive oil for sautéing

Mix herbs and cheese. Thin with a little milk if necessary to make a spreadable consistency. Wash the blossoms and tear them in half lengthwise. Carefully, spread the blossoms with the cheese mixture and fold back over to seal the blossom. Dip in egg, and then flour. Drop into hot oil and sauté for 3 minutes on each side. Serve immediately.

Blue Corn Enchiladas with Goat Cheese

Sauce:
1/2 white onion, minced
1/2 green bell pepper, minced
3 stalks celery, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 c. drained crushed tomatoes (canned)
2 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 bay leaf
cayenne pepper

In a heavy kettle, sauté vegetables in olive oil over moderate heat until soft. Add tomatoes, cumin, sugar, paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Add cayenne to desired taste. Allow to simmer, covered, for 20 minutes and discard bay leaf.

Filling:
1/2 c. thinly sliced onion
1 small red bell pepper, sliced thin
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced thin
3/4 c. peanut or vegetable oil
eight 6″ or 7″ blue corn tortillas
1/4 lb. Haystack Mountain Goat Cheese
1 lb. Monterey Jack Cheese, grated

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the vegetables in 1/4 c. olive oil until soft. Transfer with slotted spoon to paper towels and drain. Add the remaining oil to the skillet and cook the tortillas, one at a time, 5 seconds on each side. Drain on a paper towel. Fill tortillas, one at time, first with vegetables, then with 1 Tbsp. crumbled goat cheese and 2 Tbsp. grated Monterey Jack cheese. Roll up the tortilla. Place in a baking dish just large enough to hold eight enchiladas. Spoon sauce over the enchiladas, and sprinkle with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Bake in preheated 350° oven until cheese is melted and bubbling. Serves 4.

Butternut Squash Soup

2 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1″ chunks
3 cups water
2 medium onions, chopped
1 large sweet red pepper, seeded and finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely copped or pressed
3 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
A pinch (to taste) ground chili pepper
4 oz. Haystack Mountain Goat Cheese
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Combine butternut squash and 3 cups water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover, and simmer 10 minutes or until squash is tender. Drain, reserving cooking liquid; set both aside.

Sauté chopped onion, garlic, and sweet red pepper in oil in a Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over medium heat stirring constantly until tender. Add cumin and the next five spices, stirring well.

Combine half the butternut squash and half the cooked onion mixture with half the reserved liquid in an electric blender or food processor, blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Repeat this procedure with the remaining squash and liquid and onion mixture; return ingredients to the soup pot.

Add orange juice, lemon or lime juice and ground red chili pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thoroughly heated.

Crumble the goat cheese into a separate dish and toss with fresh chopped cilantro. Finish each serving of soup with the goat cheese and cilantro mixture. Enjoy!