Ringing in the New Year

So many exciting things to look forward to this year: we're expanding into more Farmers Markets, planning another Slice of Sonoma cheese and wine pairing party, creating inspired monthly recipes designed to deliver tantalizing new ways to incorporate cheese into your cooking, and continuing to bring the spirit of Sonoma to you here in San Diego.

Beginning the week of January 19th, you'll be able to find Spring Hill Cheese at two new local Farmers Markets:

Carlsbad Village Farmers Market – Wednesdays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Roosevelt St. between Grand Ave and Carlsbad Village Drive

La Mesa Village Certified Farmers’ Market – Fridays, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: 8300 block of Allison Ave East of Spring Street



January Recipe of the Month: Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredient list:

4 tablespoons Spring Hill Jersey Butter (unsalted)
1 cup (1/4-inch) diced onion
3- to 3 1/2-pound butternut squash, peeled, halved, seeds and strings discarded, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
6 cups chicken broth
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground tumeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup Spring Hill Quark (plain)
1/2 cup grated Spring Hill Dry Jack or Old World Portuguese Cheese

Directions:
Heat the jersey butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until bubbling rapidly. Add the coriander, cumin, tumeric, cayenne and saute lightly, 1-2 minutes. You'll experience a fragrant toasting aroma. Add the onion and saute until soft, about 10 minutes.

Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Simmer for several minutes. Stir in the squash, then simmer gently to let the flavors meld, about 25 minutes. Add the cream and stir slowly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and puree the soup in a blender until smooth. Return the soup to the pan and reheat gently. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Ladle the soup into bowls (soup should be very hot at this point). Stir fresh quark with a spoon until creamy, and add a dollop of fresh quark and 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice to the center of each bowl, stirring clockwise, 4-5 brisk strokes.

Enjoy, there'll be more to come soon!

Rachel & Anthony
'Slice of Sonoma'

Oh, and, as always, we love hearing from you!