In November we were invited to take a tour of my favorite creamery, Straus Family Creamery near Tomales Bay. Although we didn’t get to see any actual cows, the pasture was too wet, we did get to observe a family-run business and try some of their tasty experimental ice cream flavors!
I was particularly excited as I have been using Straus cream in my truffles since I started my business. It really does make a difference in the taste and texture of the ganache. Most people I talk with know of the Creamery’s ethical reputation and rich history but I’m always willing to educate them if not.
I’m very fortunate to live in a place where I have easy access to such a quality product made by artisans.
Interestingly, I often get questions about the glass bottles. Certainly an unique feature, it also serves a practical function. Glass is inert and produces no off flavors, not to mention that it recyclable and reusable. I pay a $1.50 deposit on each bottle that is refunded when I return the bottles. I’m usually buying more cream at the same time so the deposit is in constant rotation.
Please take a look at some of my pictures of our creamery tour.
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- Vintage glass milk bottles lined the conference room where we were greeted by Rich Martin, VP of Sales and Marketing, AKA our tour guide.
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- We were provided with clean suits, which included baby-blue booties.
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- Wendy from Socola Chocolates adorning the fashion of the tour.
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- Bird’s eye view of the surprisingly small facility.
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- Many metal pipes crossing every which way above our heads. These two taking raw milk from pasture to bottle.
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- Line ‘em up and ship ‘em out!
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- Each bottle is inspected before leaving the building.
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- Pasteurized not homogenized so the cream floats to the top. Made the old-fashioned way in small batches.
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- We got to see plain, vanilla and maple flavored yogurt in the process of heating and cooling. So tempting to stick a finger in the cratered surface!
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- Only four yogurts across being filmed at one time.
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- Amazing to see the yogurt go from the vats to the containers.
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- Only one guy filling the ice cream containers.
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- Today it was the Vanilla Bean ice cream.
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- Flanking Albert Straus in front of the two-story high signature red Straus milk crates. We proudly display our canvas goodie-bags.
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