7705. Try chocolate cheese

 Janis splurged on us for the cookie exchange and gave each us a chunk of chocolate cheese. We sampled some at the cookie exchange but I saved mine to share on Christmas. 

Chocolate cheese is not cheese dipped in chocolate. It is a a creamy blend of cocoa and usually cheddar mixed with nuts. It is soft and can be spreadable. A little can go a long ways. 

When I had it at the cookie exchange, it was fresh. I thought it tasted pretty good. I was excited to share it with my family.

On Christmas, it was not as good as I remembered. It was gritty and too chocolate. Maybe it was the wine I had at the cookie exchange enhanced the taste of the chocolate cheese. That would make sense. It didn't really go good on my cracker.'

I am torn on the chocolate cheese. I think if it's fresh and not 2 weeks old, it is probably better. I think it does pair good with a tart wine.

So the jury is still out on chocolate cheese. I am have to try some fresh again before I write it off completely. I would still recommend trying some when you get the chance. It is definitely unique. 

Checking out the Christmas Skating Spectacular

 As we were driving around the Valley checking out the Christmas Lights, we went through Downtown Neenah and parked for a few minutes by the Plaza. We wanted to watch the skaters. It turns out there was an ice show going on .

The Fox Valley Figure Skating Club was putting on a free show at the ice rink at the Plaza. It was free and open to the public and started at 6:30. We got there around 7:30 and was able to catch the tail end of the show. 

Sitting in the back seat I didn't have a great view of watching through the gate especially at the far end of the rink. We did occasionally catch a glimpse of the skaters. 

Some were pairs and some were single skaters. They all skated about 2-3 minute short program. Some had fun costumes. Others wore skating costumes.

From what we saw it was a great program. I wish we could have seen the whole program and not from the inside of the car.

If they do it again next year, hopefully I find out about it before we stumble upon it. It looks like a fun Christmas activity with fun beverages and some skating. The hubby probably would roll his eyes. Maybe you will be able to check it out next year too 

25 in 2025 -- Try a New Coffee Shop -- Mud Creek Coffee

 I have driven by Mud Creek Coffee numerous times and finally decided I need to try it. Heather and I tried to stop on the way to see sunflowers but it was closed for Labor Day weekend. I tried to stop a couple of times on the way to Saukville a couple of times after that but never had enough time. Finally Stacy and I decided to visit Mud Creek Coffee for breakfast during cookie baking weekend.

Mud Creek Coffee is located in Sherwood on Highway 114. It is open 6-3 Monday-Friday and 7-3 Saturdays and 8-3 on Sundays. You stop in or go through drive thru. 

We opted to dine in. They have several tables and booths. 

Looking at the menu for breakfast, I was tempted to try a breakfast bowl but since the eggs were premade and I couldn't get them well done. I don't like runny or soft eggs. It's a texture thing. I just ended up getting a bagel. Stacy said her sandwich was good and didn't even realize the eggs were pre-made. The sandwiches looked very good.

I got peppermint hot chocolate. I was disappointed. It was watery. It was not rich and creamy that I was expecting. Maybe they are not just hot chocolate people. I was disappointed but there are other drinks I would like try I'm not about to give up on Mud Creek. Stacy said the coffee was good. 

Mud Creek Coffee is a popular place in Sherwood. I will stop again and try the chai. If you are in the Sherwood area (or even High Cliff), grab your coffee at Mud Creek. 

A Very Neenah Christmas Market

 Neenah decided to have a Christmas Market this year. It was downtown next to the Plaza. I wanted to go check it out. Since Danielle bailed on me when we were going to see the live Mannequins, I dragged Stacy downtown to check it out. 

 The Very Neenah Christmas Market was open the first weekend in December -- 12/5 5-8, 12/6 10-8, and 12/7 10-3. Parking and the market was both free to attend. It was sponsor by Galloway and aptly named Galloway Christmas Village.

Galloway Christmas Village was not large by any means. I have a feeling it may continue to expand over the years. It had about a dozen, wooden huts with local artisans displaying their wares. It felt like a true Christmas market. 

Instead of mulled wine, you could get eggnog (not surprising since it was sponsored by Galloway) for $5 a glass or $30 for a glass and a homemade mug. No Christmas market is complete without the unique mug to that market. 

We didn't stay long because I really didn't need to buy anything. I just wanted to look. Next year if they have it again, I will be prepared to buy something... maybe for the saran wrap game or hold of on a present until after the market. 

Stacy was afraid to check out Christmas markets this year after spending last year at German Christmas markets for fear she would be disappointed. She said this one was worth it.

Hopefully they continue the market next year. It is a great way to get people downtown and it is a great family event.