MNN - Mother Nature Network

It’s time for my weekly Weight Watchers update. I lost .6 pounds this week, bringing my total lost to 14 ½ pounds. I know exactly what hindered my efforts to hit my 1 ½ - 2 pound goal each week, cheese. There was an Irish Whisky cheese at the Oscar party I attended that I could not resist, and there was cheesecake. I indulged. It happens. Still, I lost a little, and I’m heading in the right direction.

• Smitten Kitchen uses sharp cheddar to create a recipe for whole wheat version of goldfish crackers for her little one. She even has a link to a place where you can purchase a little goldfish cookie cutter.
• Madame Fromage created a Blue Cheese Manifesto this week, and implores Americans to embrace the mold and make our country The Land of Maytag.
• The FDA is looking into its regulations on cheese made from raw milk. The AP reports that stricter regulations wouldn’t just affect small artisan cheese makers. It would also affect the makers of Parmigiano-Reggiano, Gruyere and Roquefort – all are made with raw milk.
• March is a good moth for Cheese Festivals. California’s Artisan Cheese Festival is from March 25-28 in Sonoma County. The Toronto Wine and Cheese Show is from March 18-20 in Ontario. The Oregon Cheese Festival is on March 19 in Central Point.

Image: Matt Callow