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Vanessa was an online editorial intern at culture. She grew up in New Hampshire enjoying her mother’s glorious cooking, which ignited a zeal for tasty cuisine. A stint at a specialty food and wine store only elevated this desire, specifically for cheese and any of its fermented accompaniments. When not attempting to bolster her cheese knowledge, she escaped to coastal Maine or locked herself in her bedroom to read Game of Thrones.
Tools of the Trade: The Cheese Vat
The first U.S. cheese factory opened in New York in 1851. Cheese factories relieved farmers from the burden of small-scale cheesemaking, a complicated and labor-intensive process. Small farms began selling their milk to local cheese factories rather than making their own cheese, which proved far more lucrative for the farmer. In terms of ownership, factories […]
Tools of the Trade: The Cheese Box
The cheese box, a tool originally designed for transporting cheeses in branded containers, found additional uses in the aging room of some cheesemakers. Cheese wheels are often aged on a rack and to ensure even aging, the cheeses are turned everyday at the start of the aging process. Because large wheels of cheese can be […]
Tools of the Trade: The Cheese Hoop
Commercial farm cheesemaking was introduced to the Northeast in the 1840s and 1850s. The process of cheesemaking was altered slightly due to more efficient equipment, though many traditional tools continued to be used. As demand increased, farmers began to build separate “cheese houses” to store their more advanced equipment. Commercial cheesemaking often occurred in a […]
Tools of the Trade: The Curd Knife
Cheddar was (and still is) one of the most popular types of cheese in early cheesemaking. In the nineteenth century, it was especially common for the dairywoman to make cheddar for her family on the subsistence farm. To do so, she would heat milk on the stove to a temperature of 82 to 86°F. Rennet, […]
Tools of the Trade: The Cheese Press
In 19th century New England cheesemaking, women were in charge of cheese production. Early female settlers brought back their knowledge from the Old World and carried on the tradition of making cheese, mostly in small batches for their family. Cheesemaking on the farm was no child’s play; it was a precise, difficult process. The woman […]
Pasta Al Forno with Pumpkin and Pancetta
This dish also features little chunks of pumpkin throughout and a pumpkin puree cream sauce. Delectable!
Whipped Cauliflower with Crème Fraîche
Searching for a healthy holiday alternative to mashed potatoes? We’ve got you covered
Cheese For a Crowd: How Much Should You Buy?
Serving cheese for a crowd? Here’s how to build the cheese plate
A Delicious Way to Serve Butter
Looking for a simple way to delight guests? Try sprinkling smoked salt on butter
