say, "cheese!"

After we had success giving Josiah some Kilgus Farmstead milk, I had a hunch that natural, organic cheese would also work for him.  So today, we headed out to the Ropp Jersey Cheese store just outside of town.  This is one of those special places where we even know the owners.  I knew from past experience that we could try free samples and find out before even buying if the cheese would work for Josiah.  He tried the cheddar curds and some Cojack cheese, delighting in every bite...and no reactions.  We headed outdoors to pet some calves, a turkey, and some goats, and also watched through the window where they make the cheese.  Then back in to grab a few varieties along with a package of antibiotic-free and hormone-free ground beef.  What a fun shopping experience, and we look forward to many more.  I can hardly wait to make pizza and calzones with real cheese for everyone this week! 

Does it cost more to shop this way?  Yes, if you are making the switch from the cheapest store brands, although not a lot.  But it will save us money over what we were spending on milk substitutes.  It is a good feeling, too, to support our local farmers.  Their hard work and services mean a lot to us!