Cheese Galore in Fennimore

by Linda Fry

IGOR , the huge fiberglass mouse standing guard at Carr Valley Cheese in Fennimore, has returned from his facelift in Sparta.

IGOR has become an icon of the town and many residents were happy to see him return. He will be 35 years old on April 7th. The date is significant. The great composer Igor Stravinsky died on April 7th, and that is why Stephan Bahl named the giant mouse IGOR.

Stephan Bahl's family has been in the cheese business since 1943. Recently Fennimore Cheese became part of Carr Valley Cheese Company. Bahl developed Bahl baby Swiss cheese. He carries cheeses made of goat, cow, and sheep's milk. Squeaky-fresh cheese curds are specialty, as are 8-year-old cheddars.

Many handcrafted artisan cheeses are available....Nannie Eye Reserve, Marisa, Cardona, Bandaged Billy, Ba Ba Blue, and Mobay, among others. Plus the Wisconsin originals...B Steve Bahl at one of the many cheese displays. rick, Swiss, Parmesan, Raclette, Gruyere, Limburger, and Chocolate Cheese.

One unusual cheese of note is Juustoleipa "HOOstah-lee-pah" or bread cheese. Originally this was a specialty cheese from Finland made from reindeer milk. It is now made of cow's milk both in Europe and in Wisconsin. What makes this white cheese different is that it is baked like bread so it has a crusty yellow top. It can be served cold or you can warm it in your oven or pop it in the microwave until it glistens.

Traditionally it is served topped with jam or honey. The Finn's like to dip it in their breakfast coffee. Bahl calls his variety fenn-uusto. Most natural cheeses taste best when served at room temperature. Let sit, covered, for 30 minutes to an hour before serving (Also note: If you need a Cheesehead hat to wear to the next Packer's Game, you can pick one up right here in Fennimore )