07/14/2003 7:27 PM -0700

Today I got one of the most prized gifts anyone could ever receive on the rez.... a block of commodity cheese! OK, maybe it's not the MOST prized gift, but you have to admit it does rank amongst the top for its versatility alone. It is the number one ingredient for most rez dishes: Puts the Indian right into those Indian Tacos.... Chili dogs... not the same without commodity cheese. Enchiladas, Tuna Casserole, Macaroni & Cheese, Scalloped Potatoes, Grilled Cheese, Baloney Sandwich, Refried Beans.... gotta have commodity cheese. And what about those dreaded powdered eggs? Can't kill em without commodity cheese....

And not only is it a nutritious food source, but it is also a hot trade item as well for reservation and urban Indians alike. While other items in the Indian Bartering System come and go, depending on current trends, commodity cheese has been known to retain its legitimate value over the years. With a block of cheese you can get a good hair cut.... a tank of gas.... a case of booze..... your lawn mowed..... a full set of teeth when you have ten Lakotas lined up in a row (ha ha, just kidding).... But list goes on. Probably the only thing you CAN'T do when you have a block in your possession is pawn it, but even that remains questionable.