Renae with her older sister
Renae Strouf, 2010 June Fan of the Month
Location: Rainier, OR
Submitted By: Renae Strouf
Favorite Tillamook Products: Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar 100th Anniversary Cheese Wheel Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar Smoked Medium Cheddar Vintage White Extra Sharp Cheddar Vintage White Extra Sharp Smoked Cheddar Colby Jack Baby Loaf
Random Fact: When Renae was only 15 years old, the American Poet Society published one of her poems!
Favorite Recipe Using Tillamook Cheese: Twice Baked Potatoes - Bake a few russett potatoes over a campfire for about an hour and a half. Then cut them in half, scoop out all the good stuff into a bowl, add a little pepper, some seasoning salt, chives, 1 Tbls butter, 1 Tbls milk, and mix it all up. Put the potato halves back on the foil, fill them with the mixture, and top with a generous amount of your favorite shredded Tillamook Cheese. If you're in the mood, add some bacon bits! Close the foil and place back on the rack over the fire for about 15-25 minutes. Move to your plate, and enjoy! (Note: This is Renae's special recipe; Tillamook has not tried it)
The best part about the beautiful Oregon Coast is going to the Tillamook Cheese Factory! I always save my $3.75 for my double dip waffle cone, and a small package of the Vintage White Cheddar for my boyfriend! We love going here anytime of year.
The first time my boyfriend and I went together to the Tillamook Cheese Factory was right after we became homeless. We thought what better place to go than the beach! Walking into the factory was like walking into the past for me... the memories of being a carefree 11 year old running around watching as they made the cheese that we got to taste at the end of the tour.
After scrounging around my purse, I found enough money for my ice cream. I sat there at the Cheese Factory and realized that "I'm a tough broad, we can do this." Everytime I need to get my chin up, we save back a little money and go out to Tillamook. Knowing that people can make a huge wonderful something out of hardwork, determination and a dang good recipe gives me hope that one of us will finally get a job before my income is gone. Chins up and dimples poised!
Renae with her family last Christmas
Renae with her boyfriend on her 20th birthday
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