Monger Musings 026
Getting serious about my cheesy continuing education!
Cheese friends, hello! We are doing it. We are trudging through February. Here on the island, we’re surrounded by high winds and over a foot of frozen, crunchy snow. Here in the USA, we’re surrounded by deplorable politicians and mostly horrifying news.
And yet, I’m encouraged to see people continuing to speak out. I’m encouraged by the people of Minnesota who are giving us the neighborism blueprint. I’m continually impressed by the power and solidarity of mutual aid efforts. Amidst all the chaos, it’s crucial to sustain our own energy and strengthen our connections.
To that end! I’m leaning hard into what energizes me and grows my network: curd-nerdery! I’ve decided that this is the year that I pursue my CCP.
Some of you may be wondering, “what is a CCP?”. CCP stands for “Certified Cheese Professional”, a designation earned by taking an exam facilitated by the American Cheese Society (ACS). From the ACS website:
The ACS Certified Cheese Professional® Exam encourages improved standards of comprehensive cheese knowledge and service, offering professionals in the cheese industry the opportunity to earn the distinguished title of ACS Certified Cheese Professional®, or ACS CCP®.
My official exam application is in! I’m already pulling together resources and study materials! I’m reaching out to fellow cheese nerds for suggestions and encouragement! I’ve always thrived in academic situations so I honestly think I’m going to enjoy this. The exam date is July 7th. Time to get cracking!
Here are a few things I’ve been ruminating on lately:
🧀 One of my cheese pals, Alexandra Jones, has created a six-part narrative audio series, Milkfed: A Podcast About Cheese, Culture, and Climate. Episode 2 is titled “History, Part 1: Cheese, Climate, and Capitalism” and I’ve listened to it twice already. Alexandra is an amazing researcher and storyteller and deftly pulls together complex topics. I’m anxiously awaiting the rest of the series!
🧀 Speaking of podcasts, this is a great round-up of cheesy pods from Cheese Professor. Podcasts are an easy way for me to keep the cheese info flowing while doing the whole daily parenting thing.
🧀 On the darker side… I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this video I saw on Instagram, which highlights the troubling linkage between milk and white supremacy. I have been following RFK’s raw milk foibles but I hadn’t realized the symbolism that milk holds to the far-right. Big yikes.
🧀 On the brighter side… Nominations for Culture Magazine’s Hot List are live! The Hot List shines a spotlight on the innovators, creators, and community builders who are shaping the future of cheese. I’m excited to nominate a few friends!
🧀 Cheese plate aficionado and snacky gal Marissa Mullen is going on tour for her new book, I’ll Bring The Apps. I’m thinking about attending the Boston gathering. Anyone else going to be there?
That’s all for now! Thanks, as always, for reading and letting me muse with you 💛
Thank you so much for the shoutout, Morgen! Glad you're enjoying!