From the Cheese Portraits series.

I was blessed to get gifted a generous bounty of wonderful cheese from Boxcarr Handmade Cheese, in North Carolina. Sam and Austin, brother and sister team that opened Boxcarr a little while back, have been among the friendliest and warmest of the cheese world to me. Sure, it's true, I cant help but like them more every time I have any of their brilliant cheeses!

Sam confided with me that "Rudi" was a very special goat. At Boxcarr, they really get close to their animals. An indication that they treat them like family seems obvious when you see how they name many of their cheeses after beloved goats. "Rudi's Robiola" is a mixed milk cheese and is especially beautiful because they coat the square wheels with annatto and wash them for a week. The bloomy white velvety covering covers most of the annatto, creating an attractive pattern. The real beauty though, is in the flavor.

I had to be concise, and paint swiftly because the well ripened wheels were gooey from the start. The cheese paste started slumping and oozing immediately. Trust me, it was ideal for eating and for prompting a painter to not be too fussy. I can say now, I am in love with Rosie, Rocket and Rudi and wonder which member of the herd is next!

Origin: North Carolina, USA

Availability: sold