Yesterday when my Greenling box arrived, it had a little surprise, which they randomly throw in every now and then. Among the turnips, beets and kale was a small container of Three Happy Cows caramel milk spread, or as it's commonly known in these parts (because it rolls off the tongue better) dulce de leche.
I questioned two things: 1) How do they know if those cows are really happy? And, 2) How did they know I dreamed of having a dessert in my vegetable box? Mind readers, they are.
So after dinner with the family, which never fails to be a fulfilling, yet exhausting, hour, I sliced the big organic apple that came with the dulce de leche and laid it out on a plate, making something resembling a flower and thinking I'd share it with the others. I tried some myself first and quickly decided I wouldn't be sharing -- these are in fact extremely happy cows. I grew up in a house with four siblings and had no choice by to employ my "hide-the-good-food" tactics I'd honed in childhood.
The beauty in Three Happy Cows dulce de leche is in its simplicity. There are two lone ingredients: organic milk and pure cane sugar, both of which are carefully minded over moderate heat for hours. This spread is smooth, and the flavor is robust. I honestly think the cows must eat cinnamon and vanilla.
The Diaz family owns and operates Three Happy Cows and in addition to the caramel milk spread, produces drinkable yogurt, frozen fruit yogurt bars and Greek style yogurt. The home of the happy cows is County Line Farms in Earth, Texas, where they wander pastures and nosh on grass all day.
Three Happy Cows is sold at Urban Acres, Central Market, Market Street, Eatzi's and Natural Grocers.