Learning to Make Mozzarella

I have attempted the cheese making process a couple of times, neither with great success. First attempt, the cheese had great texture and absolutely ZERO flavor. So, I decided not to give up and try again. This time I got great flavor but it was kind of rubbery and didn’t really melt on the pizza. I gave up and realized I needed professional help.

Thanks to Facebook, I discovered Making the Cheese! I was excited to have a cheese making class right here in town. I couldn’t wait to figure out how to make my own delicious cheese for pizza night!

Upon arrival I was already impressed, Kathy and her husband were so organized with everything set up and ready to go. Most of the tools I already owned and the small groups made it fun to learn and nice to be hands on during the process to not only see what was happen but feel the textures and technique. We learned what products to use and the steps to take, to create “quick” and delicious mozzarella cheese.

Did you know a stainless steel pan with a thick bottom is the best choice to make cheese to avoid burning the milk? Did you know that rennet tablets will keep for a long time in the freezer? The ingredients are a bit unusual until you know what you are looking for. The process is easy when you get used to it. Stirring, temperature monitoring, cutting and finally stretching. I can’t wait to share my first independent cheese making attempt with you.

At the end of class cheese making kits were available. The kit contains all the ingredients necessary to make your first batch of cheese, just add milk! A few of the tools are included as well like the heat resistant gloves and cheese cloth. I was also able to purchase the two perforated spoons.

If you live in Phoenix and want to take your pizza nights and entertaining to the next level or just love to support small local business, check out Making the Cheese. I look forward to learning more about cheese through another class in the future.

Although we took this class in February, it took me a month to build up the courage and find the time to try to make cheese at home. I have to be honest (not humble) it was GREAT! I want to work a bit on making the cheese more moist (awful word I know but it is the one I needed, ha!) but the flavor was incredible. Perfectly salty and rich. Made a great pizza!

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