Daphne Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 After muttering about cheese making a couple of years ago, and then getting some sort of cheese-related food poisoning last winter which put me off completely, on Friday I made some goat cheese I'd bought myself a kit from Ascotts and made the soft cheese which is very easy. Even so I managed to end up with a vat of warmed milk which refused to clot properly, so I wasted a lot and got a spasm in my back from hauling the pot from A to B. But in the end I did get 3 very pretty soft white cheeses (a round, a pyramid and a heart) which taste/have the texture of a goaty phylly. I sent everyone out and tested it on my own for Saturday lunch and then we had some after going out to a Bonfire on Saturday evening with a small glass of something! People came back for seconds so I am pretty chuffed Ideally I wanted a crumbly young goat cheese so I'm going to try again with a better guidebook - the one supplied is useless. It has fired me up to also make a semi-hard cow's milk cheese which is more complicated and which requires more waiting for it to mature, but I'm guessing if you manage to nail it then it can be really satisfying. In France, they sometimes serve a mild soft cheese with honey for dessert....thats also on the cards with some of my honey harvest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 It's very rewarding isn't it! It would be lovely with baked figs and honey - figs are wonderful at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ygerna Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I made a soft cheese last year. It was not a success I may take a look at the kits from Ascots if you think they are worth a go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted November 16, 2010 Author Share Posted November 16, 2010 It cost about £25 plus P&P and you still have to buy your own milk! I can't honestly say I think its worth the money, but on the other hand it made it very easy for my first time, especially using an all in one rennet/culture. Now I know more, I could have done things 'on the cheap' - some of the kit could be replaced by other things you have in the kitchen for a start (slotted spoon, thermometer and cheese mat - although they all have to be scaldable) and to make a soft cheese you don't need the muslin. However, its given me the impetus to carry on and do more exotic things so I have to say it was money well spent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ygerna Posted November 17, 2010 Share Posted November 17, 2010 It cost about £25 plus P&P and you still have to buy your own milk! I can't honestly say I think its worth the money, but on the other hand it made it very easy for my first time, especially using an all in one rennet/culture. Now I know more, I could have done things 'on the cheap' - some of the kit could be replaced by other things you have in the kitchen for a start (slotted spoon, thermometer and cheese mat - although they all have to be scaldable) and to make a soft cheese you don't need the muslin. However, its given me the impetus to carry on and do more exotic things so I have to say it was money well spent. Thanks. I think I'll add one to my 'I'd really, REALLY love one of these for Christmas' list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
