Cheese & Ice Cream: Tillamook In Charlotte, NC

What’s up, y’all! 

Y’all. It’s been a BUSY summer. If you keep up with me on social media, you know I’ve been all over the country with Cantu events, Melissa Chanel gigs, and (much needed) family vacations. I know it’s been a minute, but I finally think I have my mojo back. Even though I wasn’t able to create as much content as I wanted while traveling, I’ve kept my mind busy with ideas on how to elevate my content and keep the big, fresh ideas coming for my Mel’s Mob. I know, I know, I’ve been all over the place. BUT, ya girl’s back. 

As tired as I was last night, I wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to step out for a super fun event with Tillamook. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve been obsessed with them lately. As I get in the kitchen more, I’m always looking for new dishes and ingredients to try. Tillamook produces the yummiest cheeses and ice creams. They’re an 110-year-old brand based in Tillamook, Oregon, and their products rose to popularity from all the tourists who visit the popular destination. I’m super excited for the opportunity to work with them–not even kidding, it’s some of the best cheese and ice cream I’ve ever tasted (and yep, I’ve said this before working with them!).

 Now, let’s get into the event. 

I and a few Charlotte influencers traveled to Hello, Salior to celebrate Tillamook’s big announcement–it’s finally available in Charlotte, NC! Y’all, they had chef-led stations with all types of recipes that everyone loved! My favorites were the cheese dips and tomato pies, and the smoked mac and cheese with Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar and Tillamook Mozzarella. My. FAVE! When I tell you that Chef Elliott Moss of Buxton Hall Barbecue brought out my country girl roots, I mean it. The Hog and Mac and Cheese was to die for. Don’t believe me? Check it out. 

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I literally could not stop eating. I may or may not have gained a couple pounds, and I regret nothing. The entire event was incredible; the Tillamook team had the music playing, drinks flowing, and had all of us mixing and mingling until the very end. We ended the night with ice cream, of course! I’ve never been a fan before, but the Mudslide was to LIVE FOR. It’s literally creamy, dreamy deliciousness in a cup. 

Are you hungry yet? 

Of course I have to leave you all with a little something. Check out this recipe that has two of my favorite things: cheese and seafood! Chef Joe’s amazing Cheesy Crab Dip uses Tillamook Cheese and is the perfect dish to make at home. 

Alright, let’s grab our aprons and get to cooking!

Joe Kindred’s Cheesy Crab Dip 

Recipe by Joe Kindred

Ingredients

1 Pound Lump Crab Meat

1.5 pound Cream Cheese, Room Temp

1 TBSP Tarragon, chopped

2 TBSP Parsley, chopped

1/3 cup Meyer Lemon Juice

1 TSP Smoked Paprika

1 TBSP Salt

2 TSP Ground Black Pepper

1/2 Cup Sour Cream

1 Cup Tillamook Medium Cheddar Shreds

2 Cups Diced Roasted Red Peppers

2 TBSP  Texas Pete Hot Sauce

1 TSP Worcestershire

1 TSP  Soy Sauce

1 Cup Crushed butter crackers

1. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment start mixing the cream cheese on low speed. Mix 2-3 minutes or until cream cheese is smooth and soft
2. Add the tarragon, parsley, meyer lemon juice (you can use normal lemon juice), smoked paprika, salt, pepper, sour cream, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and soy sauce
3. Strain any excess liquid off of the roasted red peppers (you can roast your own, but canned work just as well)
4. Add the peppers and cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mix
5. Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in the crab meat into it using a rubber spatula
6. Place mixture into an ovenproof baking dish and bake at 350 degrees until the mixture is hot throughout and bubbly on the edges (about 8-10 minutes depending on your dish. It may take longer)
7. Cover the crab dip with the crushed crackers and bake for an additional 4 minutes
8. Serve with crackers or sliced veggies

If you’re trying it at home, bookmark this blog post and pop back in to let me know how you love it. The most important ingredient is the Tillamook Cheese, of course, but the ice cream for dessert is close second! Shop now and find out where to purchase Tillamook here in Charlotte. 

Until Next Time,