NoSaint Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 Just got back from the farmers market. Does $5.99/lb. for asparagus sound a bit steep? Asparagus is heavy. I feel like I got taken. And for you cheese makers ... Is there a good reference book that you use? Sounds like a lot of fun. I did a free class that was like an hour long then some basic recipes off websites. Most of the non-aged cheeses are pretty simple to start off (all the ones mentioned so far here). I imagine youtube has some quick starter lessons to help see the process once before doing it from a recipe. I know that helps me. I've got some milk heating now for one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 I did a free class that was like an hour long then some basic recipes off websites. Most of the non-aged cheeses are pretty simple to start off (all the ones mentioned so far here). I imagine youtube has some quick starter lessons to help see the process once before doing it from a recipe. I know that helps me. I've got some milk heating now for one Thanks, man. Are rennet tablets available in grocery stores? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 (edited) Thanks, man. Are rennet tablets available in grocery stores? I order of amazon but I imagine that there's a pretty good chance that a good grocery store would carry something for you. The cheese chef posted doesn't even need rennet. Edited May 25, 2013 by NoSaint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 Cool, thanks again. Think I'll add this to the growing list of hobbies! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 (edited) Cool, thanks again. Think I'll add this to the growing list of hobbies! No prob. Chef is clearly far ahead of me on this but I dabble a little. Of all the random hobbies this board could share..... Really can find anything on here... which is surprising since its not a huuuge group of regulars (especially off season) Edited May 25, 2013 by NoSaint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 No...we were the paying $3 for what amounted to a half pound but a normal bunch in the store seems to be about a half pound...so it seems fine to me Just got back from the farmers market. Does $5.99/lb. for asparagus sound a bit steep? Asparagus is heavy. I feel like I got taken. And for you cheese makers ... Is there a good reference book that you use? Sounds like a lot of fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mead107 Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 $5.99 sounds high unless it is organic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 If you buy a lot at the market, get a Versa Cart... http://www.versacart.us/ The ex had one, and we would get stopped all the time by people carrying multiple bags asking where they could get one of their own. At one point we even considered buying a bunch and selling them at the market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 I did a free class that was like an hour long then some basic recipes off websites. Most of the non-aged cheeses are pretty simple to start off (all the ones mentioned so far here). I imagine youtube has some quick starter lessons to help see the process once before doing it from a recipe. I know that helps me. I've got some milk heating now for one Found this site. Thoughts? http://www.cheesemaking.com/store/p/167-Ricki-s-Basic-Cheese-Making-Kit.html Also, for aging, where do you do it? It says a normal fridge is too cold bu about 10 degrees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim in Anchorage Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 Just got back from the farmers market. Does $5.99/lb. for asparagus sound a bit steep? Asparagus is heavy. I feel like I got taken. And for you cheese makers ... Is there a good reference book that you use? Sounds like a lot of fun. I have never seen it higher then 3.99 lb here, and I won't buy it at that price. I wait till it goes on sale for 1.99 which it often will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 Found this site. Thoughts? http://www.cheesemaking.com/store/p/167-Ricki-s-Basic-Cheese-Making-Kit.html Also, for aging, where do you do it? It says a normal fridge is too cold bu about 10 degrees. I just do the quick ones - no aging. Unfortunately with a small apartment, I'm pretty limited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef Jim Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Cool, thanks again. Think I'll add this to the growing list of hobbies! I use liquid rennet. It's a heck of a lot easier. I get most of my cheese supplies here. http://www.thegrape.net/browse.cfm/cheese-making/2,1373.html Found this site. Thoughts? http://www.cheesemak...Making-Kit.html Also, for aging, where do you do it? It says a normal fridge is too cold bu about 10 degrees. I use the same box that I posted about up thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mead107 Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 My brother just made a cheese press for his daughter who is into making cheese. She has become very good at it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef Jim Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 (edited) My brother just made a cheese press for his daughter who is into making cheese. She has become very good at it. I have not yet done the cheese press thing. I'm working into blues...talk about chemistry. The only thing is most of the recipes for blue cheese call for 6 months of aging. I a patient person but not that patient. For those of you looking for books on cheese making here are the three I use: http://www.artisanch...kingathome.com/ This one is fantastic! http://www.amazon.co...e/dp/1580174647 http://www.amazon.co...n/dp/1592531970 The last two are very similar and I've had better luck with the one by Ricki Carroll Also if you're really in to cheese (eating, not necessarily making) subscribe to this magazine. Yes a magazine devoted entirely to cheese. Even has a cheese centerfold. It's a quarterly mag. I love it! If you have a local cheese shop and most places do now these days the best thing is to pop in and ask questions. Buy the wine first and show them what you have and ask what cheese you should buy to go with it. Keep in mind good cheese is very expensive, over $25 a pound, but there are some great ones being made around the country. So !@#$ you France!! http://www.culturecheesemag.com/ Oh and while I'm at it I might as well give you the books I use for sausages and smoking. http://www.amazon.com/Charcuterie-Craft-Salting-Smoking-Curing/dp/0393058298/ref=cm_lmf_tit_9 http://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Spice-Cooking-Real-Barbecue/dp/1558322620 This is good with lots of recipes but it's also an entertaining read. Smoked pork ribs today. Edited May 26, 2013 by Chef Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowgirlsFan Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Just got back from the farmers market. Does $5.99/lb. for asparagus sound a bit steep? Asparagus is heavy. I feel like I got taken. And for you cheese makers ... Is there a good reference book that you use? Sounds like a lot of fun. Asparagus is selling from $3.75-$3.95 at the local Kroger. $2.00 difference is high but at least you know it is fresh and you are helping a good farmer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted June 15, 2013 Share Posted June 15, 2013 garlic scapes(?), vienna beans, zucchini, mushroom mix, cherries and a local hard cyser(Crabby Granny, made with crab apples and granny smiths) were my haul today....but before i went there, i put my pepper and tomatoes and herbs in 3 gallon containers...2 of each: Trinidad Moruga, Trinidad Moruga, Bhut Jolokia Ghost, 7-pot, and 1 each Nippon Taka and Wild Brazil...gonna be a scorching hot harvest....i hope! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted June 16, 2013 Share Posted June 16, 2013 Got some asparagus at the supermarket for $1.98/LB. yesterday. I'm gonna hit the farmers market again next Saturday, but I don't think I can justify the ridiculous mark ups. We'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef Jim Posted June 16, 2013 Share Posted June 16, 2013 Got some asparagus at the supermarket for $1.98/LB. yesterday. I'm gonna hit the farmers market again next Saturday, but I don't think I can justify the ridiculous mark ups. We'll see. Ridiculous mark ups at a farmer's market? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted June 16, 2013 Share Posted June 16, 2013 Got some asparagus at the supermarket for $1.98/LB. yesterday. I'm gonna hit the farmers market again next Saturday, but I don't think I can justify the ridiculous mark ups. We'll see. Typically not a real thing. One bad deal doesn't mean a bigger trend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted June 16, 2013 Share Posted June 16, 2013 Ridiculous mark ups at a farmer's market? I know it's not the norm, but the prices are at least double, and sometimes triple, the prices at the supermarket. It's never been like this in years past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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