Cheesemaking Class
Last night I took a cheesemaking class through Kittery Adult Education. (Check out the awesome variety of classes that they offer via the link if you're local)
We made mozzarella and ricotta, and we discussed how to make chevre, yogurt and the different uses for your leftover whey. For example, did you know that whey can make great pizza crust and English muffin bread? Or that it can be used as a soup base in place of stock?
My favorite part was kneading the mozzarella. When the curds are separated it feels a bit like you're trying to press bits of tofu together, and then magically it just comes together. Shiny and smooth and ready to be eaten!
We sampled the cheese that we made along with some chevre that one of the instructors brought in. It was all delicious - I definitely think I've caught the cheesemaking bug.
If you're interested in cheesemaking, I urge you to check the following links out. It's a very simple process, and a $25 investment in supplies, plus the cost of your milk, can make up to 30lbs of fresh mozzarella and ricotta. I'll be ordering from Ricki Carroll, of New England Cheesemaking, who was the "cheese queen" featured in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Many thanks (and hellos, if the two of you are reading this) go out to Debra and Lenore from Seacoast Eat Local for putting together a fun, informative class!
Online Resources
New England Cheesemaking
Leeners
Dairy Connection
Glengarry Cheesemaking and Dairy Supply
Lehman's
If you try out cheesemaking - let me know!
Today I'm thankful for having opportunity to learn a new skill. Everyday provides a new opportunity to learn, and that is such a gift! What are you thankful for today?
Labels: food, local, out and about, resources
posted by Geek+Nerd at 9:37 AM
9 Comments:
no way! i was going to take that class but, of course because of the travel time, couldn't. ;) but i did take the 'wild edibles' walk and met the cheese instructors there. i had researched books at the end of summer and ordered one of carroll's before i left but it didn't arrive before take-off. anyway, i'm still living in someone else's space so my autumnal cheese-making plans are back burner. sigh. enjoy!
You live in the best place ever!
Awesome! I've been wanting to make cheese ever since I read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. I loved looking at your pictures. Wonder if I can find a cheesemaking class here...
That looks so fun! I really want to try making cheese. I'm going to have to find out if there's a place around here.
I have had kind of a poopy week: wisdom tooth coming in, confusing/sort of worrying visit to another doctor today. I am thankful for this blog and how it makes me take much more notice of the simple, everyday things in life - instead of letting them pass me by.
We were so glad you could join us, Sarah -- Thanks for posting such great pix of the process!
I'm not a big fan of cheese, but I'd love to make yogurt. I think I have a very unhealthy obsession with it. And it seems magical.....milk and bacteria. WOAH!
That sounds so fun!
You made cheeses. You're a legend!!!!
Post a Comment
<< Home