[Homesteadingfamily] Re: Question for our cheese makers

Hi Sheila:I have been making cheeses from cows milk and a few from goats
milk, when I can get it, for about 6 years. I have only made soft
cheeses from the goats milk, but Colby, Baby Swiss, Cheddar and
Farmhouse from cow's milk. I have the "Bacteria Linens" (this puts the
traditional red rind on the cheese) to make Muenster this spring, but
have not attempted that one yet.
First, I'd suggest to buy every cheese making book that you can afford,
from the cheapest to the most expensive (the most expensive one I have
is about $75) and the cheapest is about $5. You will learn secrets and
hints from each one. I did this, then found my own techniques that work
in MY kitchen with MY equipment. I gleaned a bit of knowledge form each
book, then formed my own recipes...as I could get hardly any consistent
results with any of their ideas. But, the info you will learn is
invaluable!
The most important things throughout it all, is sanitation and good,
fresh milk! All items used must be sterilized just before use and I
always use my mornings milk, after it has chilled overnight, for hard
cheeses. I also have cream wax to seal the wheels, then paraffin wax to
seal for aging.
This is more complicated for hard cheeses, but start with soft cheese
first, then find your way. The problem is trouble shooting...there is no
one to call and ask what happened???? lolol Not everyone today, is
interested in making cheeses..at least not in my neck of the woods!!
lolol
A good cheap first book is "Goats Produce, Too!" by Mary Jane Toth.
These recipes are user friendly and easy to make with goat or cows milk.
I picked the Jersey cow breed for the richest milk and the smoothest
cheeses.....man, are they good! I wish you the best in this endeavor and
will try to help you all I can from this distance. Here are a few
resources that I use: HOEGGERS, in Fayetteville, GA, CAPRINE SUPPLY,
GLENGARRY DAIRY, in Canada and few others if you need them. Hope this
helps you.~deb

-- In Homesteadingfamily@yahoogroups.com, "gotyaguessin" <qplazm@...>
wrote:
>
> Good evening.....ok so I've decided cheese making is going to be one
of my top priorities after the first of the year so I'm starting to look
for resources for supplies, recipes, etc.
>
> Therefore, thought I'd ask the folks here, who have experience, for
their input - favorite cheese presses, recipes, supply lists etc.
>
> ANY help and encouragement would be most appreciated.
>
> Sheila
>

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