In 2021 alone, the United States produced over six million metric tons of manufactured cheese. The U.S. was second to Europe with over ten million tons of cheese. With staggering numbers like these, you might wonder how much of those six million tons you consumed in your household alone.
As an avid cheese eater, consider making your cheese at home. Put on your chef hat and read on for a five-tip guide to cheese making to get started.
1. Plan and Prepare
Like learning any new skill or hobby, you plan and prepare accordingly. Take this cheese making advice to ensure you don’t forget supplies or steps in the process.
Research and make your list of supplies such as pots, stainless steel utensils, a thermometer, and cheesecloths. Other supplies you need to have on standby are un-chlorinated (or distilled) water and rennet.
2. Cleanliness Is Vital
Among the top of the list of cheese making tips is cleanliness. Cleaning your supplies is just as important as choosing the right products to use to make your cheese.
Even if you’re eager to start, it’s crucial to pause and start by sanitizing the surfaces and equipment you will be using in the process. Make sure to wash your hands before you begin, as well.
3. Choose Your Milk and Culture
Now you’re getting to the fun part, making cheese! Different types of cheese require various milk and cultures, and finding the right products sets you on the right foot.
If you want the best cheesy result, you should use the best cheese making milk. Store-bought homogenized milk should work, but it’s ideal to use non-homogenized milk.
Next, you need your culture. Save yourself some headache and purchase a standard cheese starter culture to make your first batch. You can follow the easy instructions on the package to ensure a smooth integration of the culture into the milk.
4. Use Pro Methods
As you learn how to make cheese, tap into the methods of the professionals. Use strategies like the clean break or the stirring methods.
The clean break method tests the curd you have made to ensure it has sat for the appropriate amount of time. This method can be tricky, but a simple way to do it is to cut into the curd. If the curd holds the knife mark, your cheese is on the right track.
The stirring method is how the pros stir the ingredients of the milk. Try stirring from the bottom of the pot to the top without swirling around in a circular motion. The proper stirring method distributes your ingredients evenly.
5. Experiment
Remember, you’re not going to become a cheese making professional overnight. Be patient and keep experimenting!
Once you’ve gotten one cheese down, try something more challenging. Watch your skills and cravings grow as you learn to make new types of cheeses on your own.
Cheese Making Tips to Up-Level Your Culinary Skills
Are you already salivating thinking about the blocks of homemade cheese in your refrigerator? Create a new hobby for your repertoire and learn the art of cheese making. Your next charcuterie board might be the best yet.
Continue to up-level your culinary abilities by trying new recipes or methods. Head to the Cooking tab to find more tips and resources to enjoy your kitchen more.
Gourmets Food 