Another Year Of Celebration and Fun Begins

The end of each year always seems to sneak up on me - where did the year go? Didn't we just carve pumpkins for Halloween?

And yet, I'm always ready to get the new year started! From Saint Patrick's Day parties to 4th of July fireworks, each year is full of fun times just waiting to be had.

As we start 2007, Beecher's wishes you and yours a year full of good friends, warm memories, and - of course - delicious cheeses!

Kurt Beecher Dammeier
Proprietor

Another Great Year Kicks Off
With Super Bowl Fever

With 2007 well on its way, it's time to celebrate once again. No - we aren't talking about Groundhog Day, though we do hope Punxsutawney Phil sees warm weather in our future.

January ushers in an event of another sort... football bowl games culminating with the grand-daddy of them all - the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 4th!

Whether you're hosting this year's big game or taking the party to a friend's house, be sure to round out your Super Bowl spread with an assortment of artisan cheeses that everyone can root for.

For starters - and all day munching - try our pre-assembled cheese collections such as the Winter Cheese Club or our limited edition Anniversary Collection - the only way to try Beecher's yet-to-be-released and award-winning Flagship Reserve.

If you're feeling a little creative, assemble your own cheese tray by ordering some spicy No Woman, peppered Marco Polo, and our signature One-Year Aged Flagship.

As your main meal, introduce a new Super Bowl Sunday tradition. Cook up our tried and true "World's Best" Mac & Cheese. Made with our award winning, One-Year Aged Flagship and our Just Jack, "World's Best" Mac & Cheese is not just for kids.

For a dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth, top a hot apple crisp with Beecher's Honey Blank Slate - a fan favorite.

Whatever your pleasure, be sure to place your order by 8am Wednesday, January 31st, for 2-Day shipping or 8am Thursday February 1st, with overnight shipping for a delivery on Friday, February 2nd.

Producer Profile:
Mt. Townsend Creamery

Located in Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, Mt. Townsend Creamery is a relative fledgling to the artisan cheese world - and yet they're already well-known for their delicious and beautiful cheeses.

Mt. Townsend just opened its doors in March 2006 with a focus on French-style cheeses. From their camembert-style Cirrus to the soft-ripened Seastack to the semi-hard, nutty Trailhead, Mt. Townsend cheeses have already garnered a devoted following.

Like Beecher's, the Creamery believes that making excellent cheese begins with having high-quality milk. They source their milk from two dairies located just 30 miles from their cheesemaking facility. The milk has no added growth hormones and the cows feed in grassy pastures, allowing the flavors of the cheeses to fluctuate with the seasonal nuances of the land.

Mt. Townsend Creamery's cheese is available for purchase at our Beecher's Handmade Cheese store in the Pike Place Market. For more information, call (206) 956-1964.

Cheese 101 - 2007 Class Schedule

Ever wonder what the difference is between cow's and sheep's milk? Or if it's safe to eat a cheese's rind?

In our Cheese 101: Introduction to Artisan Cheese class, you'll learn all about cheese, from its history to how cheese is made, all while sampling 17 American artisan cheeses. The evening is rounded out by a fun, interactive wine and cheese pairing.

We've added three more classes to the 2007 schedule, beginning with the first class on Wednesday, January 10th, so sign up now to reserve your space!

If you don't live in the Seattle area, check out our general events calendars and find out what cheese events may be happening in your area.

2-Day Shipping Reminder

For as long as the weather permits, we will continue to offer 2-Day Shipping in addition to Standard Overnight. Depending on your ship-to destination, you'll enjoy savings from 30 to 60% of what Standard Overnight service typically costs.

Learn more ...

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

If you have a favorite recipe where artisan cheese is a key ingredient,
email your recipe to thestaff@beecherscheese.com and you may
find your recipe in the next newsletter!

Hearty Vegetable Chili

Courtesy of the Flagship Program - Pure Food Kids curricula

Serves 8 to 10

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 small yellow onions, chopped
8 garlic cloves, chopped
2 green bell peppers, roughly chopped
2 red bell peppers, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
3 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cans (15-1/4 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (15-1/4 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (28 ounces each) whole tomatoes, roughly chopped
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed
1/2 pound Beecher's Flagship cheese, grated

Heat the olive oil in a medium stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes or until the onions begin to turn translucent.

Stir in the green and red bell peppers, cooking until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper and stir until the vegetables are evenly coated in the spices.

Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Bring the vegetable mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Stir in the corn. If the chili looks to thick, add up to 1 cup of water. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as necessary.

Remove the chili from the heat. Serve hot topped with the fresh cilantro and cheese.