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Who here loves cheese and ice cream? I know I do! But I’m always reading labels and researching companies to find ones that produce their products as ethically as possible. That’s why I was excited to hear that Tillamook dairy is now available on the east coast!

A 110-year-old, farmer-owned cooperative based in Tillamook, Oregon, the company believes in real food that makes people feel good. They’re committed to the best care for their cows, reducing waste from farm to table, and nurturing future farmers through education and scholarships. 

Since the Tillamook farm co-op was established, they’ve been a West coast staple. Both my grandparents on my Mom’s side moved to Maryland from Seattle, and growing up one of my Mom’s most vivid memories of visiting family there was the Tillamook cheese. She and my grandmother would buy blocks of it to keep in their bags and snack on – a tradition that extended into my childhood, because I always knew my Mom would have squares of cheese in her purse when we would go on family trips!

Because of that tradition and the company’s values, I was delighted to get the chance to attend Tillamook’s menu takeover at The Food Market to celebrate them coming to Baltimore. Chef Chad Gauss put together an amazing five-course meal designed to highlight Tillamook cheese in every bite. To top it off, each course was complemented by wine from local Boordy Vineyards.

The evening was filled Baltimore foodie movers and shakers and cheese dishes featuring Tillamook products.

I also really enjoyed this awesome beer cheese fondue with warm pretzel sticks made by Chef Chad Gauss. I get to share the recipe here, and I can’t wait to recreate it!

Beer Cheese Fondue

8 oz. Tillamook medium cheddar, shredded

8 oz. heavy cream

4 oz. beer (Chef Chad recommends Natty Boh, because Baltimore)

Shred the cheese. Reserve. In a sauce pan, bring the heavy cream and beer to a boil. Whisk in the cheese until smooth. Be sure to keep an eye on the cream because it can over boil! Serve with soft pretzels. Voila – melty bliss!

But the fun’s not over yet – Tillamook will have exclusive specials at The Food Market from July 28 – Aug. 2 and they’re doing a menu takeover with ice cream at Ceremony Coffee Roasters from July 28 – Aug. 4! Click the links for more information on Facebook. But if you can’t make it, the good news is that you can now find Tillamook on shelves at Safeway, Giant Foods, Harris Teeter and Target – find a retailer near you on Tillamook’s Where to Buy page.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy cheese? Let me know in the comments?