Cheese, Glorious Raw Milk Goat Cheese
I am obsessed with cheese. I really am. I have been fond of cheese for as long as I can remember. I spent a very dismal year as a vegan once. I was already a vegetarian, but I thought that I was lactose intolerant (turned out I was SOY intolerant), so I stopped eating cheese. I was not a happy girl. Maybe it was that I was OD-ing on soy, but I like to think it was the lack of cheese that was messing with my brain chemistry. My brain really likes dairy fat, something I have proven to myself several times over. I mean, my ancestors do have a long history with dairy animals. Plus, if it works for The Slayer, it works for me.
(image courtesy of DARKHORSE.COM)
Speaking of Buffy, I laughed so hard during a Buffy episode one time, I almost split my side. It went something like this:
Potential Buffy Boyfriend is talking to Buffy’s Best Friend and asks her to tell him more about Buffy – what she likes, hobbies, etc,….
Buffy’s Best Friend, Willow says: “ She likes cheese… I’m not saying it’s the key to her heart, but Buffy… she likes cheese”.
I tried to find a video, but alas it was not available. I am guessing though, that even if I found the video, my readers might not laugh. It is kind of a joke, that only the cheese obsessed could get. I mean, I’d like to think that people who know me well, might say something similar if asked about my likes and dislikes.
For someone that loves cheese and trying new cheeses as much as I do, I admit to having my favorites – Brunost, Pecorino Toscano Fresco, Vermont Sharp Cheddar, all manner of raw milk cheeses, and probably my number one favorite– Goat Cheese.
The thing that I love so much about goat cheese is that it is very easy to make, and extremely versatile. You can eat it on crackers – and enjoy it with pesto on top, just as well as raw honey, put it in eggs, use it in dips, stuff it into lasagna, etc. Plus you can use the whey to make other recipes. Which totally fits into my “Waste Not Want Not” philosophy. There is just so much to love.
I love cheese so much, that I plan on getting my own goats and sheep in a few months, so that I can have fresh raw goat’s milk and sheep’s milk to make cheese from. That is what I call a commitment to cheese. I have several other cheesy plans in the works as well.
I told you I was obsessed.
Anyway, goat cheese is as easier to make than you would ever dream of. All you need is a gallon of goat’s milk (I got raw goat milk from the farmer’s market, but you can also used pasteurized from your grocery store, you can also make a half recipe), cultures and directions. The only equipment you need is a large pot, a kitchen thermometer, cheesecloth and a container to let it set in – I recommend this one.
This recipe makes about 16 oz. of fresh delicious goat cheese – all for about $6-8 which is about 3x the amount you get at the grocery store for the same price. Which is why you can afford to put it in lasagna. You know you want to.
Come to the dark side, we have cheese.
nina - April 14, 2010 at 3:32 pm
That is one glorious chunk of cheese….BTW I think you share an obsession with many others…
lisaiscooking - April 14, 2010 at 3:33 pm
That is some beautiful cheese! I think I could live and eat happily as a vegetarian, but I could never give up cheese. And, raw milk cheese is a truly wonderful thing.
Betherann - April 14, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Oh Willow…I do enjoy her character! I like goat cheese, too, although perhaps not as much as Buffy! 🙂
lo - April 14, 2010 at 3:55 pm
I am lusting after that cheese! It looks divine.
I could give up a lot of things — but cheese is NOT one of them. Must be floating around in my gene pool somewhere too 🙂
ValleyWriter - April 14, 2010 at 3:56 pm
You know, I keep thinking I really should try making my own cheese. I see the supplies every time we pick up beer making supplies. But I’m nervous, to be honest! I don’t want to screw it up – or make us sick… Maybe I’ll just have to have you show me the ropes some day (soon!) 😉
Loulou - April 14, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Actually, you don’t even need to buy cultures or rennet or anything. Just use lemon juice! It’s so easy and it only takes 2 hours.
http://chezlouloufrance.blogspot.com/2010/04/la-fete-du-fromage-homemade-chevre.html
Rosa - April 14, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I really have to try making my own cheese… I bet this one tastes fantastic!
Cheers,
Rosa
kat - April 14, 2010 at 7:26 pm
that cheese is huge! looks delicious!
James - April 14, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Wow I so want to try this. I was getting raw goats milk pangs a few weeks ago remembering the goats milk we used to get on holiday still warm from the goats. Pretty sure I can find a farmer with goats somewhere round here……
Juliana - April 14, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Wow, what a nice piece of cheese, I can have it at anytime 🙂
tasteofbeirut - April 14, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Are you really serious about getting your own goats? read and do a lot of research first is my advice; this lady who has a couple of goats talks about getting up at 2 AM because the goat is having a kid (is that what they call it) and she needs to assist in their birth; also , during rainy days, having to bring the goats inside (you can imagine the smell!!!!)
it cured me of the idea once and for all!
sophia - April 14, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Dear Leftover Queen,
after I read this post, I fell in love. With you. And Buffy. My friend has been trying to convert me into a Buffy fan, and no matter what kick-ass moves she can do, I wasn’t convinced. Until I found out she’s a fellow cheese-whore like myself!
to say I love cheese is an understatement. And my FAVORITE cheese is actually goat cheese. And you made it. From scratch. And it’s RAW.
If I wasn’t so tired and sleepy right now, I would be hyperventilating. Which is a good thing I’m not, because I would flood your comment box with lots and lots of “!!!!!!!”s.
Jan - April 15, 2010 at 2:44 am
That cheese looks delish – I couldn’t give up cheese – I love the stuff!
I’ve said it before but I really must get into cheese making!!
jan - April 15, 2010 at 8:04 am
What timing, just took Ricki Carroll’s (aka The Cheese Queen) cheese making 101 course this past weekend, it was awesome, highly recommend it for all cheese obsessed!
you need the 30 minute mozzarella to go in that lasagna as well : )
Toontz - April 15, 2010 at 8:29 am
Looks good, Jenn. I am going to have to try it, I love goat cheese. I could only find pasteurized milk so far, but I haven’t had time to really explore. I am sure I can find raw milk somewhere!
Alta - April 15, 2010 at 8:43 am
Aside from the fact that you now have that song from Oliver stuck in my head (Food, glorious food…), I am in love with your photo of the big hunk of cheese. I would love to have goats and sheep as well, just for cheese-making. Yum. If only I could convince the rest of my family to truly enjoy coming to the dark side…(my husband in particular is hesitant to stray away from cheddar, American, mozzarella…) then I’d be SO sold on this. I might just have to make half-recipes and hoard it all for myself!
kat - April 15, 2010 at 10:13 am
We’ve been so surprised at how easy it is to make cheese. I’m jealous of your future sheep & goats!
peter - April 15, 2010 at 11:20 am
Goat’s milk is available here as well and I think I’ll jump in on your cheesy new passion…HERE! HERE!
Bob - April 15, 2010 at 12:45 pm
… yes. Yes I want to put it in lasagna. Awesome.
Stella - April 15, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Hey, this looks so good. Were you able to get it tart tasting? I made cheese one time and though it was rich and delicious, it lacked the aged tart flavor of many nice cheeses.
I hope you go through with getting your own goats and sheep. This is the life to me! I’m trying to see if I can have chickens in my area without causing an uproar…
Núria - April 15, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Ha, ha, ha… so amazing that you talk about vampires too!!!! I’m shocked, what a coincidence :D.
However, talking about cheese I’m totally opposite to you… I’m afraid I don’t like cheese! I know this might sound like a sin to you; I would love to like it… but it just doesn’t work. Maybe in my next life ;D
Making your own cheese it’s a fantastic idea though!
5 Star Foodie - April 15, 2010 at 3:44 pm
It looks and sounds incredible – I really have to try making cheeses at home!
Ben - April 15, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Being cheese obsessed is a good thing! And I do remember that Buffy episode, I love it! That is probably my favorite show ever after watching all the seasons in a period of 2 months. I must find some goat milk and make some goat cheese. Hmm I can’t wait!
Cynthia - April 15, 2010 at 9:31 pm
I’m lactose intolerant and for a while friends have been telling me to use goat milk and goat cheese, I’ve tried them but it didn’t help, I still have to take medication to digest dairy. However, since I’ve tried the goat cheese I have to say, I really like it. It is so darn expensive here.
You’re awesome, making your own cheese. You go girl!
DebinHawaii - April 16, 2010 at 4:36 am
Although I am off of most all dairy for asthma and allergies, I do make an occasional exception for a bit of cheese now and then–especially goat cheese which is one of my favorites too. This looks delicious! 😉
Emily - April 16, 2010 at 11:36 am
Who doesn’t love cheese???
Julie M. - April 16, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Mmmmm….. I love love love goat cheese!! I’ll definitely have to try this out.
Patricia Eddy - April 16, 2010 at 4:44 pm
I LOVE CHEESE! I love Buffy too. With all of the working out we’re doing lately, cheese is a must in our diet. It’s our luxurious protein before dinner. We’ve been wainting to make our own goat cheese soon too. Thanks for posting and great pics!
Jenny @ Nourished Kitchen - April 16, 2010 at 6:34 pm
I LOVE cheese. I think it is one of the most extraordinarily beautiful foods. So varied in flavor. One of my favorite treats is fresh goat cheese, warmed just a little bit in a skillet, sprinkled with walnuts and drizzles with honey. It’s my favorite dessert. We have a goat cheesemaker who comes to market and every so often he’ll bring a fresh, young goat milk cheddar or blue goat cheese of his own creation and share it. Due to ridiculous laws, he can’t actually *sell* it, but I accept it anytime he brings it.
Bren - April 16, 2010 at 9:11 pm
I have such a love/hate relationship w/cheese. It’s so pathetic. I’ll get on it for months at a time and then ditch it like no ones business. But, cheese like this makes me want to eat nada but queso!! Wowzers, looks good JEN! Thank goodness I’m not lactose intolerant!
Peter G @ Souvlaki For The Soul - April 17, 2010 at 9:41 am
LOL! I love this post! I’m a cheese lover but probably not on the obsessed side. You make it look so easy Jenn! Can’t wait to see what you come up with when you get your goats and sheep…look forward to it!
sippitysup - April 17, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I never expected you to quote Buffy, well Willow (who’s much cooler anyway). Welcome to my world. GREG
Angela@spinachtiger - April 18, 2010 at 12:39 pm
I am such a fan of sheep’s cheese, more than goat. I can’t wait to see what you end up doing with goats and sheep.
The Good Cook - April 27, 2010 at 1:15 pm
I like cheese so much I started making my own. Seriously. Cheese. It’s not just for breakfast anymore.
Fueling for Fitness - May 12, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I love this post because I love cheese and Buffy. In fact, I watched the very episode you referenced a few weeks ago (I re-watch the entire series once or twice a year… yes… it’s true – at least I use it as background music but still, Joss Whedon is a genius).
Oh, and yeah, if it were healthy to eat cheese all day and all night, I would be a happy camper.
-Alison