Redhead Creamery - Unique gem

I can’t wait to go back! The Redhead Creamery near Brooten is warm and welcoming. When you meet Alise, you will remember meeting her: Huge smile, red hair and a warm laugh.
It was Alise who had the vision for the Redhead creamery. After three years they are still growing and developing. She grew up on the dairy farm, in which the creamery now stands.
What is so interesting is that everything happens on the farm. They grow there own alfalfa and corn, make silage, feed their cows, harvest their own milk and within 24 hours the cheese is made. Her family, including her parents and sisters, have help her achieve her dreams!
Redhead Creamery cheese is sold right there on the farm and is sold in specialty stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa. Last time I was in Minneapolis, I saw it at Byerlys.  I smiled and thought to myself, I’ve been there and have met her!
They have many cheeses to choose from - Lucky Linda-aged cheddar (after mom),  little Lucy brie (after daughter), North Fork Whiskey Washed Munster, garlic cheddar cheese and a mistake cheese they call Betise.  They have more cheeses in the works.
They like to keep changing things up to keep people coming back. Its not just a place to stop and buy cheese, its a great place to hang out, try some cheese, sip on wine or beer, and take a tour of the farm.
I tried most of the cheeses; even had the cheese curds pan fried. I enjoyed them all with a nice red wine. What could be better? We sat and snacked on cheese and sipped our wine while watching Alise, Linda and Maggie all work together as they were getting ready for a private party of 28. The tables were each going to be set with a generous cheese board for appetizers (of course). They were patting down rib-eye steaks, and talking about the chocolate lava cake they were serving for dessert.
I could only hope a blizzard would pop out of nowhere and we would have to stay for dinner.
It is a gem, totally unique. Spring is here, so take a drive and do something out of the ordinary. Hours are Friday and Saturday 12-4 p.m., with tours on Saturday staring at noon. Check out their website for spring and summer hours.  It is just south of Sauk Centre off of U.S. Highway 94, or just 9 miles north of Brooten....
 
For more on this story (including two great recipes!), and to keep up on all the latest news, pick up a copy of this week's  Swift County Monitor-News.
Don't want to miss future recipes, new, sports and more? Subscribe to our print edition or our PDF internet edition. Call 320-843-4111 and you can get all the local news and sports delivered to you!
 
Pictured: Alise Sjostrom started the Redhead Creamery and runs it along with her sister Maggie Jennissen.