Another California Original

Dairy Foods, June, 2001 by Donna Berry

Sonoma Cheese Factory offers four varieties of teleme

California is quickly becoming synonymous with cheese.

It's the second-largest cheese-producing state in the nation. The number of cheeses produced by California's more than 50 cheesemakers has increased from about 70 in 1995 to more than 130 varieties and styles. What also distinguishes California from other cheesemakingstates is the number of cheeses that have originated in California and the many that still remain exclusive to California cheesemakers.

And how appropriate that it all started in the state's wine country with Jack from Monterey. After all, cheese and wine is one of the most perfect pairings. Now, Sonoma, that quaint town just north of San Francisco with a village square lined with shops and the Sonoma Cheese Factory is manufacturing teleme.

First made in San Francisco's North Beach district in the 1920's, teleme is a close cousin of Taleggio, a whole milk cheese traditionally from the Taleggio Valley in Lombardo, Italy. Some describe it as a creamy Monterey Jack. "We've made teleme in limited amounts during the past 20 years and it's become a local favorite," says David Viviani, president of Sonoma Cheese Factory, Sonoma, Calif. "Because of its growing popularity, we're now offering Sonoma Teleme more widely and in four popular favorites: Original, Mediterranean, Hot Pepper and Roasted Garlic & Herb."

Teleme is a soft, spreadable cheese that can be used like cream cheese on bagels and crackers or as a base for dips and hors d'oeuvres. But more likely, consumers who buy a flavored teleme are using it in one of the many recipes that Sonoma Cheese Factory suggests. This includes being stirred into side dishes such as polenta and risotto or as a filling in stuffed chicken breasts.

Sonoma Teleme comes in a 7.5 oz rectangular plastic container within a cardboard sleeve. One 1-oz serving contains 90 calories and 7 g fat, which is about one third less than cream cheese. It has a 120-day shelflife from the date of manufacture. The four-variety line of Sonoma Teleme officially debuted just in time for Easter brunch (April 15) this year. It currently is available throughout the West coast and the company plans to take it national.