Did you know that Tillamook Cheese doesn’t contain mold inhibitors?

To keep your Tillamook Cheese tasting great and mold free, always store it in the fridge. To prolong the life of your loaf, follow these tips:

•    Keep your cheese in its original package.
•    Wash your hands before handling.
•    Avoid touching the cheese that you plan on putting back in the fridge.
•    When slicing your loaf, pull the wrapper back and cut off the desired amount of cheese.
•    Tightly fold the original wrapper back over the end.
•    Press foil or plastic wrap over the end of your cheese and place it in an airtight, sealed plastic bag.
•    Place your cheese in the coldest section of the fridge (less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit).

Sometimes even when you follow these tips cheese will still mold. I suggest cutting off about ¼ inch past the mold and enjoy the rest of the loaf of cheese.

By Jennifer

Breakfast in bed is romantic. Valentine’s Day is romantic. A combination of the two for your favorite loved one… super romantic! There is something incredible about the combination of almond, orange, and cherry that makes Tillamook Cherry Almond Scones taste so amazing. Add a pat of  Tillamook Butter and some orange marmalade to the side of your plate, and serve with Tillamook Yogurt… breakfast in bed is served! You could even add a rose to the tray for a bit more romance. Happy Valentine’s Day!   

Cherry Almond SconesIngredients:         
2 cups all purpose flour        
2 teaspoons baking powder        
¾ teaspoon salt        
¼ cup sugar        
½ cup Tillamook® Unsalted Butter, chilled and cut into ½ inch pieces      ¼ cup dried cherries, chopped        
¼ cup almonds, coarsely chopped        
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest        
¾ cup whole milk        
¼ teaspoon almond extract        

Directions:         
Preheat oven to 450°         
         
In large bowl sift together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.  Add butter pieces and work with fingertips or cut with a pastry knife until mixture resembles very coarse meal.  Stir in cherries, almonds and orange peel.  Make a well in the center and pour in milk and almond extract.  With a rubber spatula, quickly blend ingredients into soft, slightly wet dough.               
Turn dough onto a well-floured work surface.  Lightly sprinkle dough with flour.  Pat into a 7-inch circle.  Cut into 8 wedges.         
      
Place wedges 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet.  Bake 12-14 minutes until lightly browned.         
Serve warm from the oven.         
         
Makes 8 scones

Photo courtesy of Jessica.Tam

By Jennifer

I’m definitely in the mood for chocolate this month. The thought of Valentine’s Day makes me want something sweet! This recipe for Tillamook Ultimate Chocolate Cake used to be on the back of the Tillamook Butter box. It was really popular, and when we changed the recipe on the box to a different recipe, many people sent me requests asking for this particular recipe. It’s amazing – rich, creamy, perfect!

Here’s a little tip: You may want to dust the cake with confectioner’s sugar while it’s still warm. It melts a bit and tastes so very good! Share with your Valentine… or eat it all yourself!

Tillamook Ultimate Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:
12 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
¾ cup Tillamook® Salted Butter, plus 2 teaspoons to grease pan
¾ cup sugar
5 eggs, yolks and whites separated
⅓ cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Confectioners’ sugar
Prepared Whipped cream

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. Butter a 9-inch round cake pan.  Line bottom with parchment paper, butter paper and sides of pan.

Melt chocolate, butter, and sugar in a large double boiler placed over simmering water. Stir until smooth. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Let cool 10 minutes.

Beat yolks until blended. Whisk into chocolate mixture until smooth. Combine flour and cinnamon; whisk into chocolate mixture until blended.

Beat whites until stiff peaks form. Stir one third of whites into chocolate mixture to lighten. Gently fold in remaining whites until completely blended.

Pour batter into pan and bake 25 min.

Cool pan on wire rack. Turn cake out onto a plate. Dust with confectioner’s sugar. Cut and serve with whipped cream.

Serves 10

By Jennifer

Who doesn’t love Macaroni & Cheese? I have collected my favorite 10, and believe me this was hard to only share 10 (I can share more later). Some recipes are very easy and some are more challenging. So whether you are a starter or seasoned chef there is something here for everyone. Enjoy!

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By Jennifer