Belly Up: Cheese-tastic sampling

We live in a state where a good block of colby or cheddar is easy to find, but with so many artisan, gourmet, and milk-blend options out there, stretching your cheese wings can be prohibitively expensive. So be thankful for cheese samplings, which cost little more than the gas it takes to get to the Willy Street Co-op or Fromagination. On Thursday, June 25, at 3 p.m., Willy Street Co-op will feature Mt. Sterling Co-op Creamery, a goat’s milk cheese producer from eastern Wisconsin that creates innovative amalgams like country jack with black olives and balsamic vinegar, and smoked cheddar made of raw goat’s milk. Make a return trip to Willy Street on Saturday at 2 p.m. to try Hidden Springs Cheese’s light, full-flavored sheep’s milk cheese spreads in flavors like fresh basil, honey and lavender, and extra-virgin olive oil and sea salt. If you’re already heading to the Dane County Farmers' Market on Saturday, you can swipe free samples at Fromagination between 9 a.m. and noon. Then head to the Willy Street Co-op to taste award-winning cheeses from Monroe’s Roth Käse, which will bring its creamy gouda and a very smelly (but delicious) limburger.

Fatsometer: 6. The samples may be free, but just try to leave without a couple blocks of your favorites. Then try not to eat them all in one sitting.