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DCL
I've gotten well acquainted with my local dairies. While there aren't a ton of them, the quality of the cheese is pretty impressive. It's important to find dairies close to home, because this way you can have a good idea of the way that the cheese is made. A good relationship with your local dairy means that you can ask questions about whether the cows are fed hormones or antibiotics and how they are treated in general. Or you could visit the dairy and see for yourself. Of course, you also reduce the carbon footprint of your food when you buy local.
Good cheese can be a little bit more expensive in some cases but if you don't use excessive amounts in your recipes (better for your health anyway), a little goes a long way. Additionally, if you choose the right cheese for each recipe, then you'll get the best end product. For example, some cheeses are better grated on top and others are better melted within a recipe.
