The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station Sales Store located on Mississippi State University”s campus offers several ways to help with the gift list, as well as the Christmas feast — with cheese and other holiday specialties.
“We have limited quantities of Edam and vallagret, so we encourage people to hurry up and submit their holiday orders,” said Deborah Huffman, MAFES Sales Store manager. “We still have plenty of cheddar and other items for sale.”
The fresh dairy products produced by the MAFES Research Support Unit Dairy Manufacturing Plant and sold at the MAFES Sales Store can fit in any holiday menu, she said.
“The cheeses can be used for cheese, cracker and fruit platters during the holidays,” Huffman said. “We sell buttermilk and whole milk that can be used to make the most delicious pound cake and cornbread. There are 15 flavors of ice cream available, many of which are perfect for serving with holiday desserts.”
Huffman suggested making a holiday appetizer by hollowing out a round of vallagret and filling it with preserves and pecans, then heating it in the oven at 250 degrees for seven to eight minutes. The warm cheese, preserves and nuts can be easily sliced and spread on butter cookies and crackers.
The MAFES Sales Store also has a large selection of meat products such as beef tenderloins, T-bone steaks, ribeyes, pork tenderloins and cooked Boston butts.
“Our lemon and teriyaki marinated pork tenderloins also make a quick and filling meal.”
The MAFES dairy manufacturing plant will remain open for tours through the second week of December.
“Tours are a lot of fun for families,” Huffman said. “It is an easy way to entertain children and teach them something new.”
Hours and orders
The “cheese store” is located near The Junction on the MSU campus, across from Dorman Hall. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The store accept holiday orders until Dec. 14, and pick-ups can be scheduled until Dec. 18.
To place an order, visit http://www.msucheese.com, or call 662-325-2338. To schedule a tour of the dairy manufacturing plant, call Patricia Nettles at 662-325-4248.
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