I am completely self-taught in the kitchen. I have never taken a cooking class but I do use books–lots of different books. I live in Oregon and recently learned how to make cheese.
Then I bought books by Ricki Carroll and Mary Karlin to learn how to improve upon my cheese making. Then…I read Suzanne’s blog–cheese making for a year. That became my inspiration. Every two weeks I get fresh raw milk, two gallons. With the milk, I make cheese and no-knead bread (using the whey). Sometimes my cheese turns out great! And sometimes it doesn’t. I have not become disciplined at keeping notes. I forget to grab my notebook and my camera. But that does not stop me.
Right now, I am working on perfecting soft cheeses–mascarpone, creme fraiche, fromage blanc, queso fresco, yogurt, and kefir. I am working on a cheese press and a small refrigerator for my cheese cave.
This summer I intend to start tackling more complex cheeses. I thought cheese making was some scary thing, but once I started I realized the scary was in my not knowing how to. There is still much trial and error but it is the journey not the destination. I love the challenge and the creation.
Art for some is drawing a picture or painting a landscape. Art for me is creating something with food. I always knew I was artistic. Now I’ve found my medium–cheese! What’s yours?
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CindyP says:
Great post, copgrll! Keep up with the cheese creating, it’s looking wonderful 🙂
I’m an artist of too many things. And so many more I want to learn!
On March 21, 2012 at 10:02 am
murphala says:
I love seeing other people’s cheese! I’m just teaching myself this too, so I can relate. Keep sharing your triumphs and failures! And of course tips and tricks you learn.
My medium? Like Cindy, too many to list. But in a culinary sense, bread makes me happy. You know, you have to have something to go with that cheese!
On March 21, 2012 at 10:45 am
joeyfulnoise says:
I can’t even draw a circle with a compass, but I can cook. So, perhaps in that way I can consider myself artistic. Thanks for that realization!
On March 21, 2012 at 11:56 am
CindyS says:
Copgrrl — thanx for the post! This is something I plan to do … someday. After reading your posting, I’m thinking I should move “someday” closer to the present!! I can certainly understand not grabbing your camera. I get too involved in a project to stop and take pictures!! Until I remember later that I needed pictures for some reason!
On March 22, 2012 at 12:42 am
Jan says:
Hi Copgrrl! I too have been afraid to try making cheese but your post is very inspiring. I have neighbors who have a goat farm and know of a source for raw milk so I have no excuses! Now to find rennet… Like the others I have so many interests, too many to list but my favorite is fabric. Love wool. So many things you can do with it, hooked rugs, penny rugs, braided rugs… thanks for the post!
On March 22, 2012 at 11:17 pm
copgrrl says:
Pursue your passions no matter what they are. Today I am making creme fraiche and I made fresh butter. For cheese making supplies, go to cheesemaking.com
There you can find all your supplies, rennet, calcium chloride, everything.
I love this journey and cannot wait to see where I will stop next! Bread and cheese, can there be anything better
On March 22, 2012 at 11:22 pm