The Cheese Immersion began with a comprehensive day of hands-on cheese education at Emmi Roth USA’s creamery and Culinary Education Center in Monroe, Wisconsin. After a Cheesemaking 101 class in the creamery, participants enjoyed workshops and sessions in which they worked alongside Emmi Roth USA corporate chefs to learn about cheese curing, culinary functionality, cutting and handling. 

Following the Emmi Roth USA experience, participants toured six other creameries throughout the state, enjoyed local cuisine and visited the legendary Dane Country Farmers’ Market in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. 

"This experience was truly amazing," said participant Michelle Reyes of Le Cordon Bleu Miami. "Our hosts put together an unforgettable experience where we tasted, learned, ate, drank, laughed and then learned more. This trip re-ignited my inner cheesemaker, which has been an aspiration of mine for many years, and I truly couldn't be more grateful to have been a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience."

“We were honored to host this wonderful group of instructors and students,” said Linda Duwve, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Emmi Roth USA. “This experience afforded us the opportunity to share our passion for cheese and our expertise not only for how our products are crafted, but how they can be used to help elevate recipes and dining experiences. We hope that by hosting this hands-on, culinary education program we are inspiring the next generation of culinary professionals.”

Participating instructors included Tyler White, University of Tennessee - Pellissippi State Culinary Institute; Michelle Reyes, Le Cordon Bleu Miami; and Chris Sowa, Culinary Institute of Michigan. Student participants included Brent Waldrop, University of Tennessee - Pellissippi State Culinary Institute; Ana Lilia Jimenez, Le Cordon Bleu Miami; and Mike Kenat, Culinary Institute of Michigan. 

Emmi Roth USA and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board partnered with the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ) to promote the learning opportunity.

For details on additional cheese learning opportunities for culinary instructors and students, visit Emmi Roth’s Cheese 4 Chefs Facebook page.