From the Dairy Princess

Were you aware that dairying in the United States is older than the nation itself? Surprised? Well, in 1661, the first dairy cows were brought to Jamestown by the English to help put an end to the terrifying starvation that was in the colonies. As we all know, the use of cattle grew (everyone could see the benefits of having their own dairy products). It grew so much that later, as the pioneers moved westward, nearly every covered wagon had its own family cow (I guess they thought that could have been quite the trip to the grocery store!).

However, today modern dairy farmers have quite different herds than those of the American settler. Scientific advances in dairy technology, management, and animal health care make the cows we have today healthier and more productive, allowing the farmer today to work successfully with herds numbering from 40 to several thousand. Talk about a difference!

But even with all these scientific advances there is still a lot of the pioneer in today's farmers. They still wake up earlier than a lot of us go to bed! They still keep fighting for all those traditions and culture the world slowly loses its grip on. And, these men and women will keep pioneering a path that will benefit us all.

So, this June is "Dairy Month." Please join us in celebrating the heritage, tradition, and pioneering spirit of the farmer by using all the healthy real seal milk products!

Chilled Cannoli Cookies
with Ricotta, Chocolate, and Chopped Pistachios

1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (about 4 ounces)

1/4 cup ricotta cheese (about 2 ounces)

2 1/2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)

2 tablespoons chocolate (1 ounce), chopped fine

1 tablespoon shelled pistachios, chopped fine

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons grated orange rind

3/4 cups heavy cream (about 6 ounces),

whipped to soft peaks

48 chocolate or vanilla wafer cookies

In a large bowl, whip mascarpone cheese and ricotta cheeses and sugar with a mixer until smooth. Stir in chocolate, pistachios, vanilla, and orange rind. Fold in whipped cream.

Place 1 heaping tablespoon of mixture on half the cookies and top with a second cookie. Lightly push cookies together until filling comes to edges. Stack cookie sandwiches and wrap tightly in foil. Refrigerate several hours or over night. Than take them out and enjoy!