Susan Axelrod for culture: the word on cheese
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about the author

Articles written by Susan Axelrod

Susan Sherrill Axelrod is a former editor of Culture. Her love affair with cheese began at age 12, when she bicycled to a gourmet shop to taste an exotic newcomer—French brie. She lives with her partner in midcoast Maine, where she enjoys a well-made cocktail, hiking with their dog, Lucy, and spending as much time as possible on the water.

The Year in Centerfolds: 2021


For each issue of culture, we choose a noteworthy and especially good-looking cheese, and then style and photograph it to capture its distinctive beauty. As we wrap up the year, were inspired to look back on the centerfolds of 2021, with gratitude once again for the creativity and skill of the cheesemakers, photographers, and stylists […]

Awards for Cathy Strange, Cabot, and More


Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Global cheese expert Cathy Strange, the vice president of specialty for Whole Foods, and Van Salmans, of the cheese marketing organization Salmans and Associates, will each receive the Wisconsin Cheese Maker Association‘s (WCMA) new Luminary Award at the 2022 Cheese Expo in April. The award “recognizes the contributions of leaders […]

In Queso You Missed It: December 19, 2021


Baby goats in the Picos de Europa mountains from the Queseria Maín Facebook page. A video that Asturian cheesemakers from Queseria Maín posted on their Facebook page showing them digging through snow to reach their Cabrales cheeses aging in a high mountain cave has made its way around the internet. Asturias, where the World Cheese […]

rogue river blue

The 12 Days of Christmas Cheese


On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me Rogue River Blue in pear eau de vie. On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me Two sweet Bijou and Rogue River Blue in pear eau de vie. On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to […]

Cheesemongers Making News


Emilia D’Albero (above), cheesemonger at Brooklyn’s Greene Grape Provisions, a CCP, and runner-up at this year’s CMI, was interviewed by InsideHook about her popular TikTok account, @punkrockparmigiano. Whether it’s breaking down a big wheel or sharing a day in the life of a New York cheesemonger, her videos are informative and fun to watch.  Feast […]

In Queso You Missed It: December 5, 2021


If you have yet to make that list and check it twice, here’s your friendly reminder that you’ve got just 21 shopping days ’til Christmas (which sounds like loads of time, but let’s be real …). Culture is happy to help you find the best gifts for the turophiles on your list (isn’t that everyone, […]

Seven Sweet-Savory Cookies To Make with Cheese


Of course today is National Cookie Day, because it’s most definitely cookie season. Even though it’s been a while since I poured a glass of milk and put a few colorfully iced, cut-out sugar cookies on a plate for Santa, I believe that homemade cookies are a holiday tradition worth keeping. I like to bake […]

A Cheese Journey in Spain


Culture editor recounts a whirlwind week in Spain, judging at the World Cheese Awards, visiting six cheesemakers, and making countless memories.

Jarred-Accompaniments-for-cheese

Cheese +: Jarred accompaniments with cheese


From preserves to chutney to jam, there’s a world of exciting pairings for easy gifting and entertaining. Just add cheese.

Jasper-Hill-Farm-Eligo

Centerfold: Eligo


Eligo is s a first for Jasper Hill Farm—a washed-rind brick made with local cow’s and goat’s milk, an ideal entry level washed-rind and an excellent melter.

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