Meet the Larks Meadow Farms‘ Cheesemaker, Kendall Sean Russell.  A simple and sweet man who found a way to make a living doing what he loves most.  And after tasting his cheese, I know its more than just a hobby, he is a gifted crafter of cheese.  I also heard a bit about the journey he went on to get where he is today.


Sean was was in corporate America pining to start something of his own all the while, he explored cheese-making in his home kitchen.  He fell in love with a woman, who upon knowing his love for cheese decided to  surprise him with a cheese wheel wedding cake.  The adventure of getting the cheese wheels from the local farm, Beehive Cheese, sparked their passion for farming and artisan cheese.  Inspired, along with a few family members, they started their own farm and Sean eventually quit his corporate job and became the cheese-maker.  Now he spends countless hours hand pressing cheese, which very few people still do these days, but it is a labor of love. His attitude for work reminds me of Cristiano Creminelli who specializes in artisan salami, both of which look forward to their work and are proud of what they are bringing to the local and national food scene.

His cheeses are not pasteurized and he uses high quality milk (he now owns the cows from which the milk comes), which are the two most important things in making a delicious cheese. And you can count on quality cheese from Larks Meadow.  In Sean’s pursuit of fine cheese, he threw out more than forty thousand dollars worth of cheese last year because it wasn’t good enough.  He said, “Bad news travels around the world before good news gets out of bed,” and it simply wasn’t worth the risk.

I sampled three of their cheeses and honestly enjoyed every bite of each one.

Leland-(name meaning meadowland) is the creamiest of the three cheeses. It has an earthy rind and hints of the flowers and grasses that the sheep grazed.

Helena-(named from the feed they use for their sheep- Helena Feed) is similar to a peasant cheese of Europe that is actually a highly coveted Spanish cheese.  It has hints of hay and grass but has a perfect balance of sweetness.

Dulcinea-(named from the character of Man of La Mancha who had an ugly appearance but beautiful inside) is a harder cheese and had floral notes to the flavor.  It was my favorite of the three and had a more complex taste that changed with every bite as you got closer to the rind.

As you can tell, there is genuine heart and passion behind the crafting of this cheese, even the names are chosen with careful thought.  If you’re interested in trying some Larks Meadow Farm Cheese, visit Tony Caputo’s, Liberty Height’s Fresh, or Harmons.

Oh, and you don’t think you like fine cheese?  My husband thought the same thing.  But when he ate this cheese, he was converted.  You must try this cheese.

Larks Meadow Farms
Larks Meadow Farms Blog

A few weekend credits for you:
I’m smitten by these tiny little robots.  One would look perfect on my desk I think.
These printed jars would fulfill me jar obsession, at least for a little while.
Beautiful handmade bags make me want to go on an exotic trip. Thailand, Croatia…just dreaming!
Have I ever told you of my collection for lovely notebooks and journals?
Still trying to figure out exactly what this site is, but I like it.  This victorian cast iron cafe table would look perfect in our breakfast nook.
Hope you all have a wonderful and restoring weekend!
-Becky

Rediscovering genuine community around chopping blocks and dinner tables.