Writer James Norton and photographer Becca Dilley have written a book documenting the graduates of the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker program. It was published by the University of Wisconsin Press Nov. 25, 2009. The husband and wife team has been touring in support of the book since mid-November, and are now working on a new book about Minnesota sandwiches for the Minnesota Historical Society.
The master cheesemaker program is cosponsored by the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Dairy Research and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Inaugurated in 1994, it educates, certifies, and showcases licensed cheesemakers who excel in their field. The program promotes collaboration between cheesemakers, and offers them opportunities to meet accomplished cheesemakers from other parts of the country and Europe.
Our goal was to put a human face on this remarkable program, educate and entertain readers with Wisconsin’s diverse and photogenic array of cheeses, and document a vital part of the state’s cultural heritage. We’ve used the process of writing the book as an opportunity to explore the food history, ethnic heritage, and haute cuisine potential of some of the state’s finest dairy offerings.
In the process of researching the book, we logged more than 7,600 miles on Wisconsin highways and back roads, visiting 35 cheese plants and interviewing 43 individual cheesemakers. We hesitate to estimate how many pounds of cheese we consumed.
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Hi–
I’m executive director of the Historic Cheesemaking Center in Monroe, WI. I was not aware you were working on this book. If we can be of any assistance, since we have an extensive museum of cheesemaking history and artifacts, please feel free to contact OR better yet, come see us.
regards!!!
Hello James and Becca,
I was so excited to hear about the book your are making. A friend and I started Wisconsin Specialty Cheeses, LLC to help get the word out about the great taste and love put into Wisconsin cheeses.
Wisconsin Specialty Cheeses, LLC started in November 2007. We have had several cheese club orders and are looking into expanding our business.
Would we be able to make your book available to purchase online on our website. Let me know what you think of this prospect.
Thank you for your wonderful website! I can’t wait to get my hands on your book. Please provide order information when it is available.
Julie Chosa
Wisconsin Specialty Cheeses, LLC
Hello Becca!
I knew someday this would happen and I am so very excited to see/read this book. I have been wondering if you vision came to reality for the past few years and now I know in November I can actually see it! Can I taste it too…?
Well done!
p.s. Always love your wedding photography!
Becca,
Stumbled upon your website and can’t wait to see the book! Not sure if you remember, but we were at West High School together many years ago! Ironically, I have since moved to California, but recently connected with my Wisconsin roots by making my own cheese. I can’t wait to see the book when published. Good luck to you!
Best,
Abby