I was thrilled and excited to accept an invitation from Real California Milk to attend an event at The Cooking House in PJ along with other bloggers and influencers. The purpose of the event, which was held on May 5, 2023 from 11 am to 1 pm, was to enlighten us about the use of various types of cheeses from California in cooking. In the cook-off mini competition held on that day, fellow blogger Zahira Hanafi and I partnered up for our first time to create our own special cheese platter using Real California Milk cheeses. Despite not getting any placement, I definitely had so much fun in the event.
Pick Products with Real California Milk Seal
The event was organised by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the largest agricultural marketing organisation in California, to educate Malaysian consumers about their high-quality cheeses bearing the Real California Milk seal. The CMAB portfolio includes a large variety of dairy products, including far more than just cheese, milk, butter, yogurt, and ice cream.
To my surprise, the cheese industry is steadily growing in Malaysia. There are more cheese-containing food items available now, and the market is home to a growing number of cheese varieties. Malaysia’s cheese market is currently worth RM1.094 billion and is projected to increase yearly by 7.52% from 2023 to 2027 (CAGR).
Variety and Adaptability of California Cheeses
I find the availability of California cheeses like Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, and Monterrey Jacks for Malaysians to eat is a blessing. There are also blue cheese, smoked cheese, and organic cheeses from California that are all marked with the seal “Real California Milk” for those who prefer artisanal cheeses.
More Malaysians are beginning to recognise the quality of California dairy goods like cheeses and ice creams that bear the Real California Milk seal, according to Eddie Saw, the CMAB’s Malaysia Country Representative. You can eat the cheeses plain at any time of the day because they are so delicious. Cheeses are now being used in cooking by many Malaysians.
Different cheeses offer their own unique quality and function – which open up a whole world of culinary possibilities via a wide selection of cheesy indulgence. It is important to note that cheeses that carry the Real California Milk offers are authentic natural cheese. Our cheeses use 100% real milk from cows in California and have won awards in the United States as well as abroad.
enthused Eddie Saw, Malaysia Country Representative for CMAB
With more than 30 years of experience in the culinary and hospitality industries, Certified Executive Chef Barbara Alexander developed four delectable recipes using Real California Cheese: Blue Cheese Chips, Korean Cheese Dogs, Iced Coffee Cheesecake Cream Puffs, and Buffalo Chicken & Blue Cheese Pizza. These chef-developed recipes, according to Chef Barbara, are simple to prepare, very popular with Asians, and perfect for serving at family gatherings and quick meals.
One ounce of natural cheese, such as Cheddar, Jack, or Mozzarella, contains approximately 20% of a person’s recommended daily calcium intake. Those who are lactose-sensitive, or lactose-intolerant can still enjoy cheese if they eat natural hard (aged) or soft-ripened varieties, which contain little or no lactose.
said Certified Executive Chef Barbara Alexander
Cook-off Mini Competition Among Foodies
As I mentioned earlier, the cook-off session featuring 20 lifestyle and food influencers from Malaysia was held to share the quality of California dairy products and cheeses, particularly those bearing the “Real California Milk” seal. Everyone put on our chef hats and created our own cheese platters using a variety of Real California cheeses and other foods and ingredients. To add on the excitement, we had only one hour to do so! Our creations were evaluated based on presentation and creativity, which highlighted the adaptability, delectability, and simplicity of each recipe. I personally find cooking with cheese is so interesting as these California cheeses are really versatile with endless culinary possibilities.
Well done to all fellow foodies and my heartiest congratulations go to all the winners:
First: bebelancikmin & shamieraosment
Second: penaberkala & mawardiyunus
Third: sunshinekelly2988 & foodmsia
Sustainable Cheese Production in California’s Dairy Industry
The USA is the largest producer of cow’s milk in the world, with California ranking first for milk production and second for cheese production. Using only California milk, about 50 cheesemakers create more than 250 different types and styles of cheese.
California dairy producers take seriously their responsibility to provide for the safety, comfort, and health of their cows. The quest for a cleaner, more sustainable future has led to California becoming home to many of the most cutting-edge, technologically sophisticated, and effective dairy operations in the world, with best practises for herd comfort and care. In terms of sustainable dairy farming methods, California leads the nation.
For information and recipes, visit:
Official website: www.realcaliforniamilk.com
FaceBook: Real Cheese Malaysia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realcalifmilk/
@dixonthum 