Making Homemade Cheese

By Pat Kerr
Published on October 5, 2010
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Aged to perfection, this homemade cheese is worth showing off to friends.
Aged to perfection, this homemade cheese is worth showing off to friends.
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Cutting the curds allows the whey to rise.
Cutting the curds allows the whey to rise.
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Dried commercial starter can be ripened to add value and to simply make more cheese.
Dried commercial starter can be ripened to add value and to simply make more cheese.
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Draining the whey off the curds so the curds can settle.
Draining the whey off the curds so the curds can settle.
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Once on the drying rack, the cheese is turned every 12 hours for three days as the rind forms.
Once on the drying rack, the cheese is turned every 12 hours for three days as the rind forms.
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Turning the cheese in the press encourages even drying.
Turning the cheese in the press encourages even drying.
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Salt and optional flavors are added before pressing.
Salt and optional flavors are added before pressing.

Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s in grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, or just a few crumbles on your favorite soup, cheese satisfies and fills a very particular niche in our appetites. And your taste buds will tell you the best cheese is still made fresh on the farm – or in your own kitchen. Not only is making homemade cheese fun, but artisan cheeses’ flavors are highly individualized, and they are the center of attention whether served at a country-style wine and cheese party or on a sandwich at lunchtime. 

SIDEBAR:Homemade Cheddar Cheese Recipe

Cleanliness is key

Before you even think about that delicious block of sharp cheddar cheese, clean every tool and every surface you will use in the cheese-making process. Ensure there is no soap residue or disinfectant. I even boil stainless steel pots and utensils for 20 minutes. Although boiling isn’t essential, cleanliness is crucial when it comes to making cheese; leave no doubt your surfaces and tools are clean.

Dr. Arthur Hill from the food science department at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, says, “Sterilization is not required. Sanitize is better. Clean as if you are handling a vulnerable product like poultry.” You can also use a microwave for plastic containers, chlorine bleach, or a dishwasher on hot cycle. 

To pasteurize or not

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