Sassy Cow Creamery

In an ideal world, the owners of Izzy’s Ice Cream Café, Jeff Sommers and Lara Hammel, say their ice cream would be derived from milk produced by cows at a dairy all their own. Instead, though, they’ve settled on the next best thing. 

Last year, Sommers and Hammel decided to turn to a Columbus, Wis.-based dairy for the mixture of milk, eggs and sugar that serves as the building block for each of the more than 125 flavors they make at their St. Paul shop annually. The move came after a decade of relying on large wholesalers who simultaneously supplied ice cream giants such as Dairy Queen and Culvers, and was prompted by a desire to support a regional, family farm. 

Although Wisconsin has an abundance of fabulous local foods to enjoy, it is—of course—most recognized for its cheese (it has been nicknamed The Dairy State, after all). It should come as no surprise then that there is an entire weekend dedicated to the well-loved dairy product every year. 

The 2nd annual Wisconsin Cheese Originals’ Festival celebrates Wisconsin cheese on the weekend of November 5th in downtown Madison. Jeanne Carpenter, Executive Director of Wisconsin Cheese Originals, says that the event “really has become the premier destination for foodies and cheese enthusiasts around the country who want to meet Wisconsin cheesemakers and taste new artisan cheeses. It’s a pretty unique event.” The festival is not for the casual cheese eater. No-no, my friends, this is one cheese-intensive weekend!