N SONOMA County, California, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, East Friesian Milk Sheep roam rolling hills year-round at Bellwether Farms. Bellwether Farms is committed to crafting the finest cheeses using environmentally friendly farming practices. Their cheeses are used by some of the best restaurants across the country, and have been featured in gourmet food magazines such as Martha Stewart, Sunset Magazine, Williams Sonoma and Fine Cooking.

In 1986, Cindy Callahan, founder of Bellwether Farms, embraced a new entrepreneurial career - the life of a sheep dairy farmer! Her son, Liam, joined her, dedicating his life to the learning and creation process of cheese making using traditional farming methods. Liam's wife, Diana, joined Bellwether Farms as well. This local family affair allows Andronico's to share with you products that give meaning to cutting the carbon footprint. Buying local means that the environ- mental impact associated with transport costs is reduced. And, buying local means that the foods you purchase are at the peak of freshness.

The East Friesian sheep that reside at Bellwether Farms are among the best milk-producing sheep in the world, and they are never injected with hormones. East Friesian Milk Sheep come from East Friesland, Germany. The highly specialized German East Friesian Milk Sheep is the best known and most important of the Friesian breeds. Tall, with long, pointy ears, Bellwether Farms East Friesian sheep roam the Northern California pasture leisurely in mild temperatures and coastal fog. The mild temperatures are ideal for dairy production, and the region is lauded for producing the richest and sweetest milk in the land.

The milk used for Bellwether Farms' cow's milk products comes from a nearby dairy, where Jersey cows provide rich milk that is high in fat and protein content, resulting in exceptional cheese production. The small, honey-brown and genial Jersey cows feed on grasses that are supplemented with alfalfa and grains, and the cows are never treated with hormones.

Bellwether Farms is serious about their cheeses, and they have received national recognition for their stellar products. Their Creme Fraiche, a fresh cheese, was awarded blue ribbons in the cultured products division at the American Cheese Society national contest in 2002, 2003 and 2004. In 2000 and 2001 it earned a second place ribbon.

Creme Fraiche is a classic, French-style cultured cream that is velvety rich in texture, with a slightly tangy, nutty flavor. Spoon Bellwether Farms wonderfully rich Creme Fraiche over this season's blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. The smooth texture and slightly tart taste of Creme Fraiche mixed with sweet, textured berries is a complementary combination that is simply amazing in your mouth.

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