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Local Voices

Basic Cheesemaking Classes

Would you like to learn to make simple soft cheeses at home? Now you can! Artisan cheesemaker and organic farmer Carol Lake has recently moved to Westchester County and has brought her business, "Simplecheesemaking.com" with her. In the Beginner Soft Cheesemaking Class, you will learn to make the remarkably simple and tasty yogurt cheese called labneh, a quick, easy and economical farmhouse ricotta, the versatile pressed cheese from India called paneer, and a delicious lemon and honey dessert cheese (great for stuffing french toast, or for filling crepes!). 

All of these can be easily replicated in your own home kitchen, with simple, inexpensive ingredients and equipment! After you taste your first batch of fresh cheese, you’ll never feel the same way about store-bought.

Learn all about raw milk vs pasteurized, what type of equipment you will need, the best ingredients to use and where to buy them and how to safely make, season and store your own artisan cheese. 

Classes are held at your home, or can be held at local event centers, libraries, etc. There is a minimum of 4 people needed to hold a class, but I can teach larger groups (20+) as well. The fee structure is different for nonprofit groups and larger groups. Nonprofit groups often use my classes as fundraisers.

The beginner class generally takes about 3 hours from start to finish. No special equipment is needed, and, although a stove and running water is certainly helpful, I can teach the class in a room without them as well.

Class fee: $50 per person 
(includes all supplies for the class, plus cheese tastings!)
Please contact me, Carol Lake, at 603/831-2630, or email me at carol@simplecheesemaking.com. Check out the website at www.simplecheesemaking.com for other class ideas as well!

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