June 24: 2011: National Dairy Month Continues

1. More rain in the forecst and it seems like it will rain until the cows come home. Wait, it is National Dairy Month.

2. Instead of boring you with all sorts of facts about things such as the daily U.S. consumption of cheese, the Federal government’s Food Pyramid, osteoporosis or building strong bones, instead, here are some fun dairy-related things you can actually do. (Oh, and if you are interested in those other things, then check out the National Dairy Council’s website.) LINK - http://www.nationaldairycouncil.org/Pages/Home.aspx
 
First, did you know that you can have your own catered Make Your Own Sundae party? Ben and Jerry’s (LINK - http://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/catering/) offers this service. They will set it up, scoop it up, and clean it up. Just let them know when, where and how many, and they’ll accommodate any size picnic, party, meeting or gathering. A nearby Ben & Jerry’s location that caters is in West Hartford, so be sure to check them out. (LINK - http://www.gatheringguide.com/event_directory/ct_connecticut/vendor_caterers_catering_51025.html.)
 
3. How does an ice cream/pizza party and a wagon ride sound? And how would you like to be surrounded by roaming bison when you do it? If that sounds fun, then Creamery Brook Bison in Brooklyn, Connecticut may be worth a visit tomorrow at 2 p.m. If you can’t make it Saturday, then consider a private group tour where you can see the bison and other animals, make ice cream and butter and even enjoy a healthy buffalo burger. A variety of tours are available, along with special events, a shop and more. Call Creamery Brook Bison at 860-779-0837 for more information and pricing, or visit them on the web. (LINK - http://www.creamerybrookbison.net/home.html)
 
4. Connecticut may have a Wine Trail, but as far as a Cheese Trail goes, there isn’t anything official just yet. If you’re a cheese connoisseur, then check out this Middletown Patch article, (LINK - ) which lists some of Connecticut’s best cheese shops. Still hankering for some Asiago, Chevre or Feta? The following nearby establishments may just have what you’re looking for:
 

• Beech Tree Ranch in Bloomfield (LINK - http://beechtreeranch.com/)
• Cato Corner in Colchester (LINK - http://www.catocornerfarm.com/)
• Fish Family Farm in Bolton - (LINK - http://www.ctmuseumquest.com/?page_id=7965)
• Sweet Pea Cheese in North Granby (LINK - http://www.sweetpeacheese.com/Default.aspx)
• Griffin Farmstead in East Granby - (LINK - http://www.griffinfarmstead.com/Griffin_Farmstead/Welcome.html)
• Foxfire Farm in Mansfield Center - (LINK - http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farm.php?farm=2819)

5. "Eat healthy. I did not drink enough milk when I was young. I do now.'"
- New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, a spokesman for the NFL's Fuel Up to Play 60 program, while addressing students in Vernon this month.