I smuggled this sexy raw milk cheese-model home in my luggage on a trip to the French and Swiss Alps and a day trek into the Manigod valley. I was thrilled to have access to such parts of the world made possible by the impressive Cheese Journeys tour ( Cheesejourneys.com ) especially when we visited the renowned caves of Joseph Paccard and witnessed cheese aging that is at the level of art making. Basically this Reblochon wheel is wrapped in a spruce bark strap, a tree known for it's helpful bacteria that wards off harmful bacteria while also adding to the wonderful flavor of the cheese. This wheel was aged around 30 days and somehow I was able to unload a ten Swiss Francs bill I still had in my wallet; essentially this cost me $10!

Besides being absolutely addictively delicious, this is a feminist cheese! "Manigodine" translates to "the woman of Managod", a name that recognizes the tradition of women traditionally being the cheese makers in this part of France.

The creaminess of of this cheese is among what makes it so alluring, though that's also the most challenging to paint. I found this particular model, on a warm day in the studio, to resist sitting still. The paste went from bulging, drooping and to full out oozing within a short time. I had to work quickly and decide which stage of undress to capture this beautiful figure. Imagine painting a spilled fondue!

Country of Origin: France

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