Gianaclis Caldwell - Mastering Cheesemaking

Gianaclis Caldwell is the author of a modern classic on cheese production, Mastering Artisan Cheesemaking from Chelsea Green Publishing, and her new book to help get anyone started, Mastering Basic Cheesemaking from New Society Publishers.

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These books and her expertise form the basis for our conversation today about animal cheeses, whether you start with goat, sheep, or cow milk. I dive in with all my questions about starting supplies; expected yields; soft versus hard cheeses; the different types of cheese; and an exploration of rennet, including three types to look for and one to avoid. As Gianaclis joined me previously for Holistic Goat Care, we begin with a brief overview of her background and then get cheesy.

Find out more about her and her books at gianacliscaldwell.com.

As you heard during this conversation, I’m really inspired by people like Gianaclis that take these ideas that at first seem so complex, and break down the mystery into easy steps we can follow. Sure, we might make mistakes or have some failures, but we can take what we learn and try again. Using what she shares with us, we can start with a $4 gallon of store-bought commercial cow milk and make our first pound of cheese. If we want, then we can seek out grass-fed organic or raw milk, try sheep or goat milk, and see how that changes what we get. But if we don’t want to, we never have to. We can keep using that same grocery store jug while still getting something better than store-bought. Though I haven’t made my own cheese yet, as my children look at me with that “Dad? Really?” look every time I bring it up, I feel comfortable and confident that when we do get to it, we’ll wind up with not only some great cheese but also a fond memory.

Those experiences are the ones we need to create the world we want to live in, and so I encourage each of you to keep playing, in the kitchen, in the garden, field, and forest, to find those moments that speak to you, add to your set of skills, and help you to be who you are called to. If there is any way I can help you on that journey, get in touch by leaving a comment below.

Resources
Gianaclis Caldwell
Pholia Farm Dairy
Mastering Basic Cheesemaking (New Society Publishers)
Mastering Artisan Cheesemaking (Chelsea Green Publishing)
American Cheese Society - Vern Caldwell
Holistic Goat Care (Chelsea Green)