Nestled in the deep southern band of Iowa farmland, just a stones throw from the Missouri border, is Classic Provision's newest Iowan dairy producer, Milton Creamery LLC. The small plant, located in Milton Iowa, and proudly owned and operated by the Rufus Musser family, produces two new artisan cheeses: Prairie Breeze and Prairie Rose.
Some of you may have had the opportunity to meet Rufus and Jane Musser at the CPI Food Show in September and you no doubt caught the wave of enthusiasm and passion they share about their business and family. God, family, and traditional ways are extremely important to this community based project and those guiding principles are reflected every step of the way for the Mussers.
The milk for Prairie Rose and Breeze is produced on 5 small Amish family farms which are all located within 10 miles of the Milton Creamery facility. In typical Amish tradition, herds are small and chores often include the whole family since the cows are milked by hand. No rBST is used, the cows are allowed to graze on pasture in season and are cared for on an individual basis. Rufus is especially proud of the cows, and if you run in to him doing a demo at your local food co op or Lund's and Byerly's store he'll guide you to an easel full of photos of his favorites “girls” which he calls out by name. He'll show you photos of his son Galen up to his elbows in curd. Rufus will explain to you that Galen is now in charge of production for the artisan cheeses since he shows a greater talent for it and is fiercely protective of the recipes and aging process.
The Musser's dedication to tradition and community comes out in the flavor texture and aroma of the cheeses they produce. Prairie Breeze is a sweet continental cheddar style cheese and was the belle of the ball at the CPI Food Show for many of our customers. It is aged a minimum of four months and has a crumbly texture and pleasant sharpness. Its price point makes it one of the most versatile cheeses we've added to our product list this year, going from the cheese case to the chef's table with ease.
Prairie Rose is considered Milton Creamery's premier cheese and for good reason. It is a washed rind Alpine style cheese that dazzles from the second you get a whiff of its gorgeous nutty aroma. Cutting in to a wheel reveals eyes that glisten and sometimes contain a salty tear (poetic but true). Aged for a minimum of 90 days the texture is velvety and complex and the flavor evolves and lingers forever on the palate, finishing with a deep aroma of hay and grass.
Look for the simple gold and black windmill label proudly displayed in your favorite Twin Cities cheese case and know that with your purchase you are supporting a local creamery dedicated to community, cooperation and simple tradition.