Hello, my name is Jeanne and I am a cheeseaholic.
I came to this conclusion after opening my fridge this morning and inexplicably finding a case of Raspberry Bellavitano. An entire case – as in 12 pounds of Raspberry Bellavitano wedges, neatly packaged in beautiful labels.
There was a note attached from my husband that said: “Did you order this? I’m guessing yes. If so, you owe Ken $69.20.”
Turns out yes, yes I did order the cheese. I just can’t entirely remember why.
Here’s the thing: I can’t help it, I love cheese. I especially love really good cheese, and I really, really love getting really good cheese for a deal. A friend of mine was visiting the Sartoi cheese plant in Antigo last week and asked me at our weekly Rotary meeting if he could pick me up some cheese. I vaguely remember telling him. “Sure.” He said the best deal was to buy it by the case, so I told him to pick me up a case of Raspberry Bellavitano — one of the best new cheeses on the market right now for introducing consumers to artisan cheeses. It’s sweet, mild, yet has a little kick of flavor. It’s one of those great tipping point cheeses — if I can get somebody to taste and love Raspberry Bellavitano, there’s a good chance they will eventually try bigger, bolder cheeses and perhaps eventually even someday order a Limburger sandwich on rye at Baumgartners with me in Monroe.
This is what I tell myself, anyway. I can dream.
Turns out a case of Raspberry Bellavitano may not actually last that long. I’ve already given 1/2 pound wedges to two of my neighbors who were out watering their lawns this morning and gave a couple of chunks to my bug guy, Bernie, who shows up at 6 a.m. four times a year to kill the spiders in my basement. He was super happy. And so was I. Only 10 pounds left to go! Raspberry Bellavitano, anyone?
No shame in being a cheeseaholic!
I've never tried (or even seen) Raspberry Bellavitano… would be happy to take some of it off your hands if I could. š
(First time commenter, long time reader, by the way… love the site! I always learn something new about cheese when I read your blog. Keep up the great work!)
Actually, this is one of the best cheeses I've tried in a long time.
It was great eaten by itself. Even better on spring greens with fresh raspberries. And I even contemplated making up a great little smoked maple turkey panino with it… but, alas, it was all gone!
I'll gladly take some if possible š I've never tried Raspberry Bellavitano before. It's ok to be a cheeseaholic. May I call you your Royal Cheeseness!?!
I've never heard of it or tried it. I'm going to have to keep an eye out!
My friend Tina just introduced me to your blog. Since I'm a cheese freak, from Antigo originally and a Rotarian, this was quite a mind-blowing post. Sure I'll take some too; I'm certainly familiar with Antigo cheese but not this one.
This is my favorite cheese and I was more than happy to take a couple of pounds of you hands! š