Happy National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month!

The month of April is known throughout America as a time to enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches. Some people like to create variations, adding tuna, vegetables, meat, or special sauces, but my personal favorite is the classic melted cheese between two slices of toasted bread that is buttered on the outside. I usually switch up the type of cheese, though. With over 2000 variations of cheese in the world, there are so many to choose from. However , only the best are made with Real California Milk, so be sure to look for the Real California Milk and Real California Cheese seals. Pepper jack and Cheddar are my favorite types of cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich...mmmm sounds so good!

When I was in high school, I competed in Dairy Quiz Bowl, which is similar to knowledge quiz bowls that you are familiar with only competitors are tested on their knowledge of the dairy industry and dairy products. I consider myself to be a "dairy knowledge dork" and know quite a few random facts. Here are some bits of trivia about cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches:

• The winner of the World Grilled Cheese Eating Championship consumed 34.5 grilled cheese sandwiches.
• People who are lactose intolerant are still able to consume most cheeses, as the lactose is broken down during the fermentation process.
• A giant wheel of cheese, weighing over one thousand pounds, was given to Queen Victoria as a wedding present.
• It takes ten pounds of milk to make one pound of cheese.
• Mozzarella beat out Cheddar to be the most popular type of cheese (and California is the country's largest producer of Mozzarella cheese!).
• An online casino paid $28,000 dollars for a half-eaten grilled cheese that showed an image of the Virgin Mary.
• The exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich is unknown, but similar recipes appeared in Ancient Roman textbooks.
• Cheese can help prevent tooth decay or dental cavities.

On a different note, this will be my last blog as District Three First Alternate Dairy Princess as my reign is coming to an end. On April 10^th, we will be crowning a lovely new Dairy Princess to represent Sonoma, Marin, Mendocino, Lake, and Solano counties. The new Princess and her alternates will serve as ambassadors to the California Dairy Industry in Northern California. They will have the rewarding job of educating consumers, young and old, about the dairy industry, promoting dairy products, and being a positive presence for dairy producers at local events.

This upcoming year will be an adjustment without my Dairy Princess duties; however, I have plenty to keep me busy. I am a member of the Cal Poly Dairy Cattle Evaluation Team, which requires a lot of travel and time. In the middle of May, we will be headed to Utah! I am busy preparing and very excited for the International FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Scotland this June. I was also recently crowned California's Holstein Princess and will represent California's legacy of the Holstein dairy cattle breed. Oh, and then of course I have my Agriculture Communications and Dairy Science studies at Cal Poly, SLO.

While I am sad to be ending this experience that has truly been once in a lifetime, I know that promoting the dairy industry is not a job that ends once I trade in my crown and sash for my barn boots. As a member of the dairy community, I will continue to strive to bridge the gap between producers and consumers.

I wish the new group of girls best of luck on their journey as District Three Dairy Princesses. I hope you enjoy your year as much as I have.

For the last time, your 2009-2010 District Three First Alternate Dairy Princess,

Mandy