Stefanie Angstadt, at Valley Milkhouse Creamery is in Oley, PA where she makes an array of dreamy, wonderful dairy treats. All her cheeses are named after local flowers, found in the Berks County area and as I recall, she once told me the names all come from a journal she found that belonged to her Grandfather.

I have previously painted a couple of Stefanie's cheeses, and only bought this one just as a treat to myself. I was just so in the mood for something lactic-creamy, soft and indulgent. When the cheesemonger at Dibrunos Bros Italian Market shop unwrapped this wheel, I loved seeing that beautiful rind. It is ripened with vegetable ash which gives it an earthy flavor note and an unctuous cream line beneath its bloomy blue-gray rind. I love that this half wheel of Witchgrass was perfectly ripened so the outer edges of the paste are gooey and the inner wheel is light and fluffy, almost like goat cheese. It's a clean and fresh milky flavor with a savory, mushroom finish. I confess, I am in love with this cheese.

Country of Origin: USA, Pennsylvania

Availability: sold