Cheese Lovers Fast Facts

If you're looking for a delicious,nutritious snack for your Superbowl party, cheese is the perfect choice.  There are over 300 different cheeses in the United States and 2000 in the world that can be classified into eight categories.  Midwest Dairy provides these cheese facts:

• It takes 10 pounds of milk to make 1 pound of cheese.
• The dairy food group is the top source of dietary calcium in the American diet.
• Cheese is the No.2 source of dietary calcium for Americans.
• Cheese is more than just calcium; it also provides high-quality protein needed to help stay healthy.
• Cheese accounts for only 9 percent of the total fat and 16 percent of the saturated fat in the U.S. diet.
• Natural cheeses such as Cheddar,Colby,Monterey Jack,mozzarella, and Swiss contain minimal amounts of lactose. 
• Most dairy foods are gluten free. Natural cheeses are gluten-free and in the case of cheeses that have added flavors or are processed, check the food label's ingredient list to make sure ingredients sourced from wheat,barley,or rye aren't added.

Information about cheese varieties,nutrition information, and recipes can be found at http://www.midwestdairy.com/ or http://www.ilovecheese.com/. Regardless of which team wins the game, we can all enjoy our favorite cheese!!

Razorback Dairy Snack

Today's the big game all Razorback fans have been waiting for--Arkansas at the Cotton Bowl!  Even if you aren't sharing the Arkansas excitement, you might still enjoy a nutritious dip recipe for your next party.  Thanks to Missouri Dairymom Shannon Squibb for sharing her family's  favorite  snack recipe.

Cashew Chicken Dip 

Ingredients 

1 1/2 cups Greek style plain nonfat yogurt

1 (12.5 oz)can white chicken,packed in water

     (97%f fat free),drained

1 cup water chestnuts,chopped

1/2 cup roasted and unsalted cashews,chopped

4 green onion,chopped(about1/4 cup)

2 teaspoons soy sauce,low sodium

Preparation

In a decorative bowl, mix together all ingredients,saving 2 tablespoons of cashews and 1 tablespoon of green onions. Top with remaining cashews and green onions for garnish. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with raw vegetables (like carrot sticks,cucumber slices,pea pods and red pepper slices) or whole wheat crackers.

You can find other delicious and nutritious recipes at http://www.dairymakessense.com/.

                                                               Go Hogs Go!!!!!