There’s Something About Dairy
There’s something about dairy that is just oh-so irresistible. From savory blocks of cheese to crunchy baked cheese to creamy milk to sweet cheesecake, dairy products are versatile, delicious, and one of my favorite food groups!
Here are a few dairy products I’ve been crushing on lately:
Jarlsberg Cheese
Characterized by its mild, nutty taste, Jarlsberg is a semi-soft cheese that pairs well with fruit, nuts, and even dark chocolate. It is a mix of gouda and Swiss but the recipe itself is a well-kept secret developed in Norway in 1956. Besides the delicious taste and the pleasant texture of this cheese, the other beauty of it is that it’s lactose-free and gluten-free. According to the brand’s website, “When cheese is made, the whey is separated from the milk, so we are left with what is called curd. Since most of the lactose follows the whey, little is left in the curd. During the ripening process, the small amount of lactose that remains is eaten by lactic acid bacteria. The lactic acid bacteria produce enzymes that are involved in cheese ripening. In a fully matured cheese, there is therefore no lactose left at all, just lots of great taste.”
Jarlsberg comes in Original, Lite, and Special Reserve. Available in the deli section of most major supermarkets and at Costco and Walmart. Learn more about Jarlsberg Cheese.
ParmCrisps
Speaking of lactose … ParmCrisps are another product that are generally safe for people who are lactose intolerant. This is because they are made of Parmesan cheese, which, like gouda and Swiss, is an extremely low lactose cheese (0-2.1% lactose range). What exactly are ParmCrisps? Basically what they sound like … crisps made of Parmesan cheese. They’re like crackers, but grain-free and made entirely of 100% Parmesan cheese (and seasonings). They’re keto friendly, naturally gluten-free, grain-free, contain 0 carbs, and are protein-packed. Eat them on their own, eat them with a dip or spread, or crush them and put them on salads, use as breading, and so much more. See ParmCrisps recipes here.
ParmCrisps are available in Original, Jalapeño, Sesame, Pizza, Cheddar, Sour Cream & Onion, Everything, Italian Herb, Basil Pesto, Rosemary, and Prosciutto. Try ParmCrisps.
Summerhill Dairy Goat Milk
Goat milk ranks higher in popularity than cow’s milk in most countries, except the U.S. Because goats are smaller and take less feed and land than a cow, and can produce about a 1.5 gallons of milk per day, they provide a more accessible way for families to consume dairy. I say it’s high time the U.S. jump on the goat milk train! It contains lower levels of and a different type of casein and less lactose, meaning it’s easier to digest for people with these intolerances. It’s mild and creamy and goes perfectly in coffee, cereal, or any recipe that calls for milk. Summerhill Dairy is a brand of goat milk that contains no antibiotics, is free of artificial growth hormones, is naturally homogenized, and is pasteurized but not ultra-pasteurized (ultra-pasteurization kills even the good stuff in milk). It’s also family-owned and Certified Humane.
Learn more about Summerhill Dairy Goat Milk.
Gem City Fine Foods Cheesecake
I saved dessert for last, of course! The cheesecakes from Gem City Fine Foods are fantastic! Luscious, decadent, rich, creamy … they hit all the marks for perfect cheesecake. They are Certified Gluten-Free and are made in a certified gluten-free and nut-free facility. Gem City uses the highest-quality ingredients, including synthetic-hormone-free dairy ingredients and cage-free eggs. They offer a Triple Berry Streusel Cheesecake, Pumpkin Cheesecake, a Cheesecake Fruit Sampler which contains a 4-pack of individual-sized Berry Streusel and Lemon Zest cheesecakes, and a Chocolate Cheesecake Sampler which contains a 4-pack of individual-sized Mocha and Chocolate Caramel cheesecakes. (Mocha pictured above.)
Buy Gem City cheesecakes.
