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If you’ve ever enjoyed a whimsical Shel Silverstein poem, you might be surprised to find that one of his delightful verses has inspired a delicious cheese. Meet Melinda Mae, a hand-crafted delight from Mystic Cheese Co. that perfectly encapsulates the playful spirit of Silverstein’s work while delivering an unforgettable taste experience. This Robiola-style cheese is as enchanting as the poem it’s named after.
The Inspiration Behind the Cheese
Named after a poem about a little girl with an extraordinary appetite, Melinda Mae is a tribute to imagination and persistence. Silverstein’s poem goes:
“Have you heard of tiny Melinda Mae,
Who ate a monstrous whale?
She thought she could,
She said she would,
So she started in right at the tail.”
This playful narrative captures the essence of dreaming big and finishing what you start, themes that resonate with today’s audience. In an age where creativity is encouraged and challenges are faced head-on, Melinda Mae serves as a delicious reminder to embrace ambition.
I came across Melinda Mae while searching for a unique gift for my sister, who’s always had a soft spot for Shel Silverstein’s poems, and of course, loves cheese. This cheese, with its playful inspiration and rich flavors, seemed like the perfect way to blend our shared nostalgia of reading 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' with a touch of indulgence.
From Poem to Palate
Brian Civitello, the mastermind behind Mystic Cheese Co., has crafted this exceptional cheese, reflecting the journey he took to bring it to life. According to Cheese Notes, Brian shared, “Melinda Mae is a Shel Silverstein poem about finishing what you start. This is my first aged cheese from my own company, and it took me 15 years of professional development and entrepreneurship to get here. I’m very proud of it and finishing the task at hand.”
The name Mystic Cheese Co. pays homage to Mystic, Connecticut, a historic seaport and former whaling town, where whales are more than just marine giants—they are a part of the local identity.
Tasting Notes
Melinda Mae presents itself with a stunning, snowy-white rind, with a soft, pillowy interior. Each bite reveals a silky, gooey texture that is both bright and buttery, offering a hint of white button mushrooms that lingers on the palate. It’s a cheese that perfectly balances the richness of cultured butter and sour cream with a refreshing tang that keeps you coming back for more.
Whether you’re smearing it on crusty bread with a dollop of jam, layering it into a fancy grilled cheese, or indulging straight from the paper in front of the fridge, Melinda Mae is pure deliciousness in every form.
As you savor this delightful cheese, let the spirit of tiny Melinda Mae inspire you to tackle your own challenges—one delicious bite at a time. Who knows, you might just feel like you can take on a whale yourself!