At the 2008 World Championship Cheese Contest, several Wisconsin artisan cheeses gained international recognition for their high-quality and superior flavors. Congratulations to the following cheeses and their cheesemakers:

Cheddar, Aged One to Two Years
Award: Best of Class
Company: Maple Leaf Cheese
Co-op Name: Roger Larson
Location: Monroe, WI
Score: 99.75

Provolone, Aged
Award: Best of Class
Company: Burnett Dairy Cooperative
Name: Steven Tollers
Location: Grantsburg, WI
Score: 99.25

Award: Second Award
Company: Burnett Dairy Cooperative
Name: Earl Wilson
Location: Grantsburg, WI
Score: 98.80

Smear Ripened Hard Cheeses
Award: Best of Class
Company: Roth Kase USA Ltd.
Name: Team Roth Kase USA
Location: Monroe, WI
Score: 99.40

Pepper Flavored ‘American’ Style Cheeses (Cheddar, Colby, Jack)
Award: Third Award
Company: Burnett Dairy Cooperative
Name: Rob Stellrecht
Location: Grantsburg, WI
Score: 99.05

Open Class Semi-soft Cheeses
Award: Second Award
Company: Roth Kase USA Ltd.
Name: Team Roth Kase USA
Location: Monroe, WI
Score: 99.50

To celebrate, here’s an artisan blends recipe that will make a delicious accompaniment with any meal: Fabulous Focaccia Bread.