JUNE IS NATIONAL DAIRY MONTH
DRINK MILK? EAT ICE CREAM?
June is a stunning month here at the farm. The wildflower meadow is bursting with color, the animals are spending their days in the sunny pastures, and every weekend is filled with live music and delicious local food. In our farm store, you'll find coolers filled with everything you need for a warm weather treat - fresh milk for milkshakes, pints of ice cream, yogurt and kefir for your smoothies...
Okay, dairy might be kind of on our minds right now. It's National Dairy Month, and we want to give our local dairy farmers a little love. Although it first started all the way back in the 1930s to encourage people to drink more milk, National Dairy Month has turned into a fun way to learn more about the farms that bring these products to you.
Ice Cream and Cream Cheese and Milk, Oh MY!
Every Tuesday, the fridge in our store is filled with fresh deliveries from local dairy farmers. If you're a regular, you'll probably recognize the glass jars of goodies from Huckins. Owned and operated by the Huckins family since 1906, Huckins Farm brings us raw, A2 products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and heavy cream. They process their own products and sell directly to their customers, allowing them to be fully involved in every part of production. They're also dedicated to sustainable farming practices, keeping their land thriving through rotational grazing and reseeding.
For pasteurized dairy, we have milk and half-and-half from Contoocook Creamery, a small business started by the fifth-generation Bohanan Farm. We've also got grass-fed butter, tubs of sheep's milk yogurt, and shelves of different cheddar, brie, feta - the list goes on!
And of course, it wouldn't be summer without a pint or two of super premium Walpole ice cream. Fun fact: ice cream is graded based on the quality of the ingredients, the milk fat content, and the amount of overrun (air) in the final product. Walpole is graded as super premium because it has a low amount of overrun and a higher amount of milk fat. In other words, it's super creamy.
Ways to Enjoy Fresh Dairy
Make a smoothie with kefir or yogurt and your favorite fruits
Fix a parfait with yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola
Make strawberry fool by combining mashed strawberries, whipped cream, vanilla and a little powdered sugar
Create a charcuterie board with a sampling of cheeses and salami
Bring back your glass jars and bottles for a discount on your next purchase!
TRY THIS: BRIE & BACON GRILLED CHEESE
Put dairy front and center with a spiced up version of a classic grilled cheese.
Ingredients:
Brie*
Bacon*
Fresh bread*
Butter*
Red pepper jelly (sub blackberry jam for a sweeter option)*
*Available at the farm store
Cook the bacon. Spread some butter on the outside of the bread and a thin layer of jam on the inside. Add your cheese and bacon and cook over medium-low heat until brown and crispy. If you're feeling it, add arugula for an extra pop of flavor and freshness.
Share With Us!
We love to see what you're making! Share your culinary creations with us on Instagram or Facebook @vernonfamilyfarm.
READY TO VISIT?
We can’t wait to meet you! If it’s your first time shopping at the farm store, mention this blog post to receive 5% off your first purchase. And before you come maybe check out our first blog post where the Vernon family shares their fave farm store products!
Blog post by: Tegan Watson, VFF farm store employee
