In April of 2022 I took a trip to Portugal with a best friend. I was, as I always am, in love with European cafe culture. The relaxed atmosphere, the simplicity of the experience, and the quality of the food all stood out to me. It was a juxtaposition to the “hot honey’s” of America (don’t get me wrong, I’ve got a couple in my pantry and use them often).

On a day off from the tour parts of our trip, we took a ferry to an island, explored that small city, and then ferried back to Lisboa. Walking along the shoreline we grabbed a late lunch from a stand - the options were cheese, cheese and salami, or cheese and ham. Sitting listening to the people and the water, absolutely devouring that cheese sandwich sold me. It was a joyful moment.

I came back to Crested Butte after that trip and quit my job in corporate marketing and started dreaming up Joyful Rind. I hope you join me in celebrating all of your joyful moments with cheese. PS: I’m the great granddaughter of a dairy farmer, so of course I found something dairy related!