Wine and cheese a market treat

TARAGO River Cheese is one of Gippsland’s real success stories and Cardinia Ranges Farmers’ Market is presenting a cheese and local wine experience at the March market on Saturday 14 March at Pakenham Racecourse, Racecourse Road, Pakenham from 8.30am until noon.
Tarago River cheese factory is in Neerim South and is operated by two local dairy farm and cheese-making families. Friesian cows milk and goats milk are made into more than 11 specialist cheeses.
Goat cheeses have gained a strong following as have the wonderful blue vein cheeses, especially the Shadows of Blue farmhouse cheese which is very creamy at the moment.
Jacinta and Adrian Milkins have built up a regular following of cheese enthusiasts at the farmers’ market and will be teaming up with Cannibal Creek Vineyard at the market to explain about matching wines with cheeses.
“The new farmers’ market web page www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/farmersmarket features Tarago River Cheese recipes that are delicious,” said farmers’ market co-ordinator Suzzi Carter-Madej.
“Salad greens are always a good match with cheeses and a new stallholder at the March market is Coolibah Herbs specialising in fresh cut salad greens, including mixed lettuce, spicy roquette and spinach.”
The April Cardinia Ranges Farmers’ Market on 11 April will feature a local Apple and Chestnut Celebration.
“This is a whole family event that will have truckloads of fresh local apples for sale and delicious sweet roasted chestnuts to nibble on,” Suzzi said.
“Apple enthusiasts will be able to see many old varieties of apples and learn about what trees would be best to grow in their backyards.
“Special treats for the children will be Lizzy Lizards stall where they can get up close to lots of wonderful creatures, meet Aussi Apple and join in the chestnut family races.”
Cardinia Ranges Farmers’ Market car park sponsorship program is supporting Bayles Primary School this Saturday.