Cutting the Cheese | Chickens in the Road

Feb
22

Behold! The cheese….

….has indeed….

….been cut!

And it was quite tasty! Cuts in nice, cracker-size slices or in wedges. Can also be shredded or flaked for various recipes. (The wax peels away very easily.) Tastes…..oddly like CHEDDAR. In other words, it came out perfect!

I’m quite pleased with myself.

See:
The Making of Farmhouse Cheddar
Waxing the Cheese
How to Build a Cheese Press

See All My Recipes
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It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by Anna and Robyn at January Baby. Visit her here.

NOTE that because I’m putting this post up in the middle of the day, the eligible entry continues till noon tomorrow and the winner be announced shortly after that time.

To win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is noon Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (Feb. 23). This post will be updated with the winner shortly after noon Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (Feb. 23). Return to this post to see if you won.

Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.

UPDATE 02/23/10: The winning comment number is #84, Phyllis! Email me at CITRgiveaways(at)aol.com with your full name and address for shipping!

More posts you might enjoy:

105 Responses
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2-22
12:44
pm

You should be pleased with yourself! It’s absolutely beautiful! Good job done!

I’d like the Blue Ball Canning Book

Sheryl - Runningtrails

Flag this comment
2-22
12:47
pm

Ooohhh, that looks yummy! Now you’ve given me another food project to try.

Please enter me into the Ball Blue Book giveaway. Thank you.

Cate

Flag this comment
2-22
12:52
pm

The cheese looks amazing! I would love a BBB…
~~HUGS~~

Blessings

Flag this comment
2-22
12:54
pm

The cheese looks delicious!
Please enter me for the BBB drawing!

SuseM

Flag this comment
2-22
1:01
pm

That cheese looks wonderful. I have to try this. By the way I love to can and would like to enter the Ball Blue Book contest.

Like you I visited WV every summer and spent time with my grandmother. I was born in Tucker Co. but left at age six weeks and long to go back. Thanks for your blog. I just love it.

Connie Lambert Crowl

Connie Crowl

Flag this comment
2-22
1:03
pm

YUMMY!!!!..BBB

Patty

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2-22
1:09
pm

mmmmmm! I wanna make my own cheese! BBB please!

Lauren

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2-22
1:12
pm

Love the photo of the day-we all occasionally -hopefully go off the beaten path! Good for us! BBB-hope-hope-BBB!!!

rain

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2-22
1:13
pm

that cheese looks divine!!! please put me in the drawing for the BBB

Marymac

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2-22
1:13
pm

Oh my, that cheese looks amazing! I so want to try it. BBB

Stargirl Heuser

Flag this comment
2-22
1:16
pm

Congrats on cutting the cheese! (never thought I would say that). I would love a chance to win the Canning book!

MNStacey

Flag this comment
2-22
1:17
pm

I’m going to have to make some cheese. That looks awesome!!! I’d also love to have a BBB. THANKS!

Amber

Flag this comment
2-22
1:21
pm

Love you blog have made my own face scrub thanks to you. I would love the BBB!

Brenda

Flag this comment
2-22
1:25
pm

BBB

Glenie

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2-22
1:26
pm

High Ho the Dairy O
The cheese stands alone!

BBB please

CMay

Flag this comment
2-22
1:29
pm

Bring me a sample – -PRETTY PLEASE!

Cousin Sheryl

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2-22
1:30
pm

BBB, please! Thanks.

Melanie

Flag this comment
2-22
1:31
pm

Oh Suzanne! It looks absolutely FANTASTIC! Do you have a plan to make one wheel a month? That might be too often eh? I hope it tastes as good as it looks. yuuu-uuum!

BuckeyeGirl

Flag this comment
2-22
1:32
pm

Oh, and I forgot! I’d still love to win a BBB!

BuckeyeGirl

Flag this comment
2-22
1:41
pm

Please enter me to win a BBB!

Yalan

Flag this comment
2-22
1:51
pm

Oh the cheese looks so good I love cheese so much…I would love to have the BBB Thanks so much for the recipes.This site is great..

Jennifer Ream

Flag this comment
2-22
1:53
pm

I would love a copy of the BBB. Thank you.

Linda G

Flag this comment
2-22
1:57
pm

I don’t think I will ever do my own cheese, at least not one, that requires waxing. I do have a recipe for Labneh balls in line here and will make them soon.
I’d like to be entered to win the BBB

Pat

Flag this comment
2-22
1:58
pm

Oh my, that looks so good!!! Definitely need to do this!! Too many things to do and try!

Would love the BBB!! Thank you January Baby for sponsoring!

CindyP

Flag this comment
2-22
2:14
pm

That cheese looks delicious! A BBB (and a bite of that cheese) for me please. k

Kelley

Flag this comment
2-22
2:19
pm

I am seriously thinking it is about time to give this a try. I love the idea of making my own cheese. Heaven knows we eat enough of it at our house that making it would be perfect.

Suzanne

Flag this comment
2-22
2:33
pm

It looks delicious! And after reading yesterday’s post, now I’m wanting to try making yeast. Next thing you know, you’ll have us growing cane and making our own sugar!

Brenda (Prairie Daisy Handspun)

Flag this comment
2-22
2:58
pm

I want that CHEESE!!!! It’s gorgeous! Way to go, Suzanne! You’re my farmer HERO! BBB!!

Heather from KY

Flag this comment
2-22
3:05
pm

May I just say I’m so totally jealous and impressed with your cheese making ability! You are amazing! Already have the BB canning book,just wanted post my congrats to you on making the perfect cheese!

Deb Martin-Webster

Flag this comment
2-22
3:13
pm

The cheese looks delish.

BBB

Shirley

Flag this comment
2-22
3:16
pm

Rather than wasting some (ok, a lot) of my harvest this year, I’d love the Blue Ball Canning book! Congrats on the cheese!

Sarah

Flag this comment
2-22
3:30
pm

Ok who is “cutting the cheese”?? hahaaaa Good job Susan!!! Count me in .. I NEED a BBB!!

Mary Tullila

Flag this comment
2-22
3:36
pm

Yay! for the cheese ! Yay for Suzanne’s homesteadin’ skills

But my daughter wants to know if all cheese wax is red. She’d like hers in blue, please.

I’d be happy if I could just have a taste, no matter what color it came waxed in.

BBB entry, please.

lavenderblue

Flag this comment
2-22
3:38
pm

lavenderblue–you can get cheese wax in red, yellow, and black. I haven’t seen any in blue….

Suzanne McMinn

Flag this comment
2-22
3:45
pm

I’d rather win a round of that cheese, but if that’s not an option, please enter me in the BBB contest.

Cheryl Shaver

Flag this comment
2-22
3:51
pm

Suzanne, You never cease to amaze me. The cheese looks divine! As a canner, I would love the BBB.

mochah

Flag this comment
2-22
4:13
pm

That cheese looks so good. I wish there was a way I could have a taste. I would like a BBB. Thank you.

G-Mama

Flag this comment
2-22
4:15
pm

Looks delicious!

Estella

Flag this comment
2-22
4:23
pm

Hi,
what an inspiration you are on a daily basis!
Suzanne, you make all of this farm stuff sound so easy a new countryfied girl could do it!

Sign me up for the Ball Blue Book please, and if I am blessed enough to win, could you please include some of your energy too?

Not sure when we will get our 3 girls milked, they don’t seem to appreciate the idea…must be my technique…or lack of!

Karen W

Flag this comment
2-22
4:29
pm

please enter me in the drawing BBB

Kimberly

Flag this comment
2-22
4:49
pm

That cheese certainly looks delicious. Well done, Suzanne! I’m going to go get a snack of cheese and crackers now. The power of suggestion….
I’d love to be entered in the BBB drawing. Thanks Anna and Robyn!

kerri

Flag this comment
2-22
4:49
pm

That cheese looks so tasty! Please enter me in the BBB. Thanks

MMT

Flag this comment
2-22
4:50
pm

I’d love to win the book!

Jennifer

Flag this comment
2-22
5:25
pm

The cheese looks delicious! I wish I was brave enough to try making my own. Maybe this will give me the courage to try. (BBB)

Debbie in Memphis

Flag this comment
2-22
6:04
pm

Suzanne, first off those cheese pictures make me hungry! When I logged onto google reader today this post didn’t appear and I wouldn’t have noticed it if it hadn’t been for facebook. Is there a way I can make everything you post appear on my reader? Thanks!

LisaAJB

Flag this comment
2-22
6:14
pm

I just shared this post and your other cheese making posts with my hubby, and he’s agreed to make me a cheese press this weekend! The cheese looks yummy.
(BBB)
~Jenny~

Jenny

Flag this comment
2-22
6:22
pm

Is there anything you CAN’T do? Super bread, homemade yeast, and that gorgeous round of cheese! Not to mention all the other talents you have…you are one amazing gal!! I’m so glad I came upon your site last Fall. You’ve been a real source of inspiration to me ever since. Thank you, Suzanne! I look forward to visiting with you each day. Have a great evening. (BBB)

NorthCountryGIrl

Flag this comment
2-22
6:26
pm

Nice looking wheel of cheese. Now you need to make yourself some homemade mac and cheese. You’d pay a fortune for white cheddar in the store!

BBB please.

Darlene in North Georgia

Flag this comment
2-22
6:27
pm

I think you should write a new series of books–SUZANNE-SUPERWOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

mommafox

Flag this comment
2-22
6:43
pm

OH-OH-My one track mind forgot Please enter me in the draw for the BBB.

mommafox

Flag this comment
2-22
6:57
pm

Love the title to the post – teehee – nothing like a flatulance reference to get my inner child giggling. BBB please. Tammy

Tammy

Flag this comment
2-22
7:20
pm

Suzanne, I love reading your blog and using your wonderful recipes and ideas. When I was a kid we had milk cows and made our own farm cheese, butter, yogart and etc. I haven’t been able to convince my hubby that we need a milk cow, he grew up milking cows also, and doesn’t care to relive those days Anyway, thanks for all the great inspiration and please enter me in the BBB giveaway.

LeAnn

Flag this comment
2-22
7:34
pm

The Cheese looks great! I wish I had the motivation to do stuff like that. I do some canning and already have the book and have found it to be quite useful. Your winner will love it!

Sandy

Flag this comment
2-22
7:41
pm

That cheese wheel looks so yummy. You all are eating mighty fine at your house! (BBB)

Grace in CA

Grace Reynolds

Flag this comment
2-22
7:47
pm

Let’s have a party–I’ll make the crackers and you bring the cheese. BBB

Marcia

Flag this comment
2-22
7:52
pm

That cheese looks heavenly. Please enter me in the draw for the BBB.

Cheryl S.

Flag this comment
2-22
7:52
pm

The cheese looks divine! I must try this. BBB please. Thanks, Anne

Anne

Flag this comment
2-22
8:17
pm

The cheese looks yummy!!! Wish I could taste it! (BBB)

Marla

Flag this comment
2-22
8:24
pm

It’s picture perfect, and you say it also tastes fabulous? I won’t be making cheese – just wish I could beam over to your farm, go up on the deck (I promise not to step on the Crooked Little Hen), knock on your door and buy some of yours! If I’m lucky, you’ll invite me in and offer me some cheese and crackers.

Nancy in Iowa

Flag this comment
2-22
8:31
pm

That cheese looks great!! I just don’t know if Im ready to try that yet. Im still working on the other recipes from here.

Really need a bbb.

Connie Trippett

Flag this comment
2-22
8:50
pm

That cheese looks so good…almost looks creamy. Like a cheesecake. Now, got to get dh to make a press for me…but since he already has a 23 page honey-do list I don’t know where to fit this in.
I, too, own a BBB, it’s wonderful.

Valerie

Flag this comment
2-22
8:58
pm

Oh dear, two posts… I almost missed this one. Cheese… My goal!

BBB entry please!

Happy farming,

Kelly

MrsC

Flag this comment
2-22
9:02
pm

The cheese looks wonderful….wish you could send us all a taste!!! Ooooh, maybe a future drawing for a Wheel of Cheese!

I’d love to be in the drawing for the BBB!

Thanks!

Sandra in SC

Flag this comment
2-22
9:37
pm

Mmmmmm…..cheese……mmmmm……BBB. WANT. BOTH.

Molly

Flag this comment
2-22
9:56
pm

I think one of the things that I love most about your blog is that you make me feel inspired to do things I would normally never have the confidence to do. I make (and use) over a gallon of yogurt a week! It never even occurred to me that it was possible to do at home. You’re saving me boat loads of money. I don’t know of any place that you can get a gallon of organic yogurt for $6.00.

I’m totally going to try this cheese making thing. I’m going to start with either the fresh mozzarella or the ricotta.

BBB

JustAnotherJenny

Flag this comment
2-22
10:13
pm

It’s whiter and creamier than I thought it would be…yummy! BBB

Nancy

Flag this comment
2-22
10:22
pm

The cheese looks so yummy! Which I was there to help you figure out what to do with it.
BBB please!

Laura B. in Greenwood, IN

Flag this comment
2-22
10:51
pm

I have to ask. What makes Cheddar cheese yellow?

Lynda Dunham-Watkins

Flag this comment
2-22
11:00
pm

I am so glad your cheddar tastes like cheddar!!! That is some beautiful cheese you have there….I think you have out done yourself!!!! Fine job!! and oh – BBB me!

farmershae

Flag this comment
2-22
11:01
pm

Lynda, the regular cheddar recipe (which takes longer to age) actually calls for cheese coloring.

Suzanne McMinn

Flag this comment
2-22
11:03
pm

BBB book please. That cheese looks like it came out perfect. Wish I could eat some right now for dinner!

Michele Messier

Flag this comment
2-22
11:27
pm

That is the most beautiful wheel of cheese. BBB please Chives

chives

Flag this comment
2-22
11:29
pm

Congratulations! I am on a cheese making mission too.

Janice

Flag this comment
2-22
11:43
pm

Here is a website that has alot of different flours and grains… especially if you are gluten intolerant.
http://www.bobsredmill.com/

BBB

smiledarlin

Flag this comment
2-23
12:55
am

Congratulations on cutting the cheese!!! It’s beautiful!

BBB!

KentuckyFarmGirl

Flag this comment
2-23
12:56
am

wow! another blue book day!

What beautiful cheese. Wish I was there to try a bit, along with a crispy slice of apple!

Tobey

Flag this comment
2-23
3:04
am

Oh! you should be pleased. That looks wonderful! We saw a cheese making demo in Holland and I’ve wanted to make cheese since then! Watching you do this via your wonderful blog, I might just be persuaded!

Julie Wriston

Flag this comment
2-23
3:17
am

BBB please

Thunja

Flag this comment
2-23
5:50
am

That looks Yum!! I’m going to have to make one of those. I have already done the soft goat cheese but haven’t tried a hard cheese. Thanks for making it so easy!

carsek

Flag this comment
2-23
6:48
am

It is so tempting to try making cheese after I saw how nice yours turned out. Very good and its looks pretty too.

BBB please!!!

Diane

Flag this comment
2-23
6:56
am

Hooray! I can almost taste it from here!

Johanna

Flag this comment
2-23
7:17
am

Oooooo that cheese looks good! Hopefully one day I will be able to tackle that project. BBB Please!!!!!!

Amy Price

Flag this comment
2-23
8:08
am

Your cheese looks fab, I’m so glad it turned out right. I’ve been pretty initmidated by all the ‘stuff’ you need for hard cheese making but I think I’ll go back and read through your posts and see if I have the courage to try it now I’ve seen yours. Looks delish what’s the texture like?

Love to be entered for the BBB too as well please!

Ruthdigs - Exeter, UK

Flag this comment
2-23
8:11
am

WOW!! I love cheeeeese!!! That looks scrumptious.
I would love a copy of the BBB.

Phyllis

Flag this comment
2-23
8:31
am

Oh yum that cheese looks so good! I can’t wait to make some myself!

BBB please!

nikki

Flag this comment
2-23
8:32
am

Congrats on the cheese! BBB please.

Amanda

Flag this comment
2-23
8:42
am

Congrats! And also yum.
BBB please.

Nikki

Flag this comment
2-23
8:49
am

I can’t wait until I’m making cheese with my own fresh goat milk. Maybe I’ll try some farm house cheddar with store bought milk so I can see how the flavor compares.

(BBB) please!

Heidi533

Flag this comment
2-23
8:54
am

I will one day try to make cheese. It looks lovely. I would love to have the BBB.

Thanks

carol bellamy

Flag this comment
2-23
8:56
am

I’m approaching retirement, and your projects are so inspiring!

BBB please.

Nancy

Nancy

Flag this comment
2-23
8:57
am

Mmmmm…..I can’t wait to do this…but I have to.

BBB please!

Emily

Flag this comment
2-23
9:17
am

BBB please enter me

Sharon Hacker

Flag this comment
2-23
9:29
am

Oh Cheese! Maybe someday. BBB please

Sally

Flag this comment
2-23
9:49
am

DH will be making me the press as soon as he gets home. It’s not like we don’t have the parts, already laying around here! Yours looks so good that we can almost taste it through our screens. GREAT JOB♥♥♥love cheese♥♥♥

jan-n-tn

Flag this comment
2-23
10:04
am

Hide the beer from that Crooked Little Hen and her Beau, or you’ll have empty cans as well as (chicken) butts all over your porch! BBB please

dorothy

Flag this comment
2-23
10:08
am

The cheese looks delicious. Maybe I will be brave enough to try making my own cheese someday. I would love to win the BBB.

Melinda

Flag this comment
2-23
10:14
am

Yay! Congratulations on another successful project!

Deborah R

Flag this comment
2-23
10:22
am

This is the year I’m going to can everything! Enter me in the drawing, please!

vande2

Flag this comment
2-23
10:55
am

Lovely cheese. BBB Please.

anne

Flag this comment
2-23
12:01
pm

great job please enter me in the contest

katie

Flag this comment
2-23
12:09
pm

Your cheese looks wonderful-=-I think that I will try making goat cheese first then the hard cheese. I love all your receipes!

mafong

mafong

Flag this comment
2-24
1:50
am

MMMMMM MMMMM MMMMM I’m having cheddar envy. That’s one beautiful hunk a cheese. I can’t believe I missed this post for two whole days and only found it by accident right before I turned my computer off for the night. No how the heck am I gonna get to sleep with visions of cheese and crackers, open face toasted cheese sandwiches, no no cheese fondue, or mac and cheese. It really turned out spectacular. ENJOY!

nuge

Flag this comment
2-24
9:36
am

Suzanne You are now given the title of THE BIG CHEESE! I took a cheese making class last summer and according to the instructor….taught my Ricki herself…This is the ultimate kudos.
Congratulations….you are so amazing.

Angela P

Flag this comment
2-24
7:04
pm

Hi Suzanne: I’m hoping you get all incoming. This was just in the NY Times and I thought you’d be interested in the knead/no knead question.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/24/dining/24curious.html

I made my first grandmother bread over the holidays and I KNOW I didn’t knead it for 10-15 minutes.

M.

Molly

Flag this comment
2-25
12:52
pm

Hope it doesn’t matter that my comment isn’t so much about your teriffic cheese-making adventure. I have made your ‘hamburger helper’ recipe several times already and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m hoping that you might try to come up with a recipe for a swiss steak similar to McCormick’s Bag ‘n Season product.

RosieJo

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