I’ve been enamored with Soho’s Italian Restaurant at the Capitol Market in Charleston, West Virginia, for several years. I rarely dine out, but I manage to eat at Soho’s two or three times a year–which is saying a lot, since I so rarely go to a restaurant. My favorite dish at Soho’s is their open-face Caprese sandwich. In one meaning, Caprese indicates an inhabitant of the island of Capri, but in cooking-speak it refers to an Italian dish comprised of tomato, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.
This is how Soho’s describes their sandwich: “Fresh mozzarella, roma tomatoes, red onions, basil, with olive tapenade on fresh-baked ciabatta bread.” (They sell it for $6.95.)
Yum. We can do that! Ummm…. Can we? The star of the show here is, without a doubt, the mozzarella, which is a fresh, soft mozzarella–too soft to shred, but firm enough to slice. I’ve been wanting to recreate this cheese–and this sandwich–at home for some time. The last time I was at Soho’s, I asked the waiter if they made the mozzarella themselves. No. He told me they bought it. Hmm. I started experimenting, and for this month’s cheese challenge for New England Cheesemaking, here is my trick for creating this wonderful, soft restaurant-style cheese plus my recreation of the fabulous Caprese sandwich.
Let’s get started in sandwich order–with the bread!
For the fresh-baked ciabatta bread, you can either buy a loaf of ciabatta at a local bakery, or make your own. Ciabatta is an Italian-style soft and fabulous open-crumb bread. I make my own.
An olive tapenade is a simple olive spread made in a way similar to pesto. Think: Pesto with olives. The olives are pureed in a food processor along with garlic and herbs. Olive oil is added to a spread consistency rather than a more saucy consistency as with a pesto. If you are opposed to olives, a thick pesto would be a good substitute. You could also substitute the olives with another vegetable of your choice, such as peppers. (Pepper tapenade!)
There are many, many olive tapenade recipes on the internet. After perusing several, from complicated (Emeril!) to much more simple, I made mine using what I had available to me and the olives I already had on my pantry shelf (Kalamata). I’ve seen tapenade recipes with every kind of olive on the planet, so choose your favorite. (Don’t use olives with pimento!) If you don’t use olives, you may want to add a pinch of salt. If you use olives, they are generally salty enough without adding any more.
I chose herbs from my garden. Any Mediterranean herbs will do. You can substitute dried. (Use dried in smaller amounts.)
Adjust the quantities to suit the amount of tapenade you’re preparing.
How to make Olive Tapenade:
9-10 ounce jar of pitted olives, drained
2 cloves garlic
handful each of fresh parsley, rosemary, oregano, chives
olive oil
Puree olives, garlic, and herbs in food processor. Add olive oil a little at a time and blend to spreading consistency.
Olive tapenade stores in the fridge for a week, so you can make it ahead of time. This recipe makes over a cup of tapenade.
Try it on other sandwiches, or burgers! Use sparingly–it is salty. It pairs especially well with mozzarella.
And speaking of the show-stopper, the wonderful, soft cheese–this recipe is a twist on Ricki Carroll’s 30-Minute Mozzarella recipe in the classic Home Cheese Making. I can’t tell you that this is how the cheese served at Soho’s Italian Restaurant is actually made. (In fact, I think it’s not! Next month, I’ll demonstrate another twist on mozzarella that I believe is the real secret.) In the meantime, I can tell you that this recipe is a very easy short-cut for soft mozzarella. I created this twist on the recipe myself and it’s been tested using unpasteurized fresh raw milk from my cow as well as with pasteurized milk from the store.
This cheese is best made with farm-fresh or local milk, either slow pasteurized (at 145 degrees for 30 minutes) or used raw. If you’re using pasteurized store-bought milk, add 1/2 teaspoon calcium chloride directly to the milk when you put it in the pot. Do NOT use ultra-pasteurized milk.
I make mozzarella every week, sometimes several times a week, and shred and pack it in one-quart freezer baggies so I have all the mozzarella I need at any time for lasagna, pizza, etc, and can have plenty of cheese in the future when my cow is dried off. I’ve been thinking about the Soho’s soft mozzarella for awhile, wondering how it was made. While I was making mozzarella one day, I thought, these curds sure look like that soft mozzarella…….. This was looking at curds right out of the pot, before any microwave heating and stretching. What would happen if I stopped the process right here and made cheese from the curds with no heating and stretching? My instincts were telling me this cheese wasn’t worked with too much. It was soft cheese. The heating and stretching changes the texture of the cheese. From those thoughts, I came up with this method. If you want an easy cheese, this is the one! It slices great for sandwiches, and melts wonderfully.
Here’s my soft, sliced cheese melted in a grilled cheese sandwich:
Note: Mozzarella is a pasta filata cheese, which means a cheese in which the curds have been stretched or spun. Filata means “spun” and pasta means “paste” in reference to the cheese paste or curds. For that reason, the method I came up with is technically a curd cheese rather than a true mozzarella (because I’m not stretching it).
How to make Mozzarella Curd Cheese:
1/2 teaspoon calcium chloride (only if using store milk)
1 1/2 level teaspoons citric acid dissolved in 1/2 cup cool water
1 gallon whole milk
1/4 teaspoon lipase powder (Italase) dissolved in 1/4 cup cool water (for 20 minutes prior to using)*
1/4 teaspoon liquid rennet diluted in 1/4 cup cool, unchlorinated water
cheese salt
*Do not add lipase if using milk from the store. It will make your curds too soft.
I like to prepare my work area and get all ingredients in their dilutions lined up.
Step 1. If using store milk, add the 1/2 teaspoon calcium chloride directly to the milk when you put it in the pot. While stirring the milk constantly, add the citric acid solution.
Step 2. Begin heating the milk, continuing to stir, until it reaches 90 degrees.
Step 3. Stir in the diluted lipase. Mix thoroughly then stir in the diluted rennet with an up-and-down motion. If using raw milk, continue heating (stop stirring) the milk to 100-105. Turn off the heat and let sit for 5 minutes before transferring to a colander.
If using store-bought milk, after adding the rennet at 90, turn off the heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Check the curd. If it’s too soft, let it sit a few more minutes. Cut the curd into 1-inch squares with a knife that reaches the bottom of the pot. Place the pot back on stove and heat to 105 while stirring slowly. Take it off the heat and continue stirring slowly for 2-5 minutes before transferring to a colander.
Curd pulling away from the sides of the pot now, revealing the whey:
Note that the cheese right out of the pot already has a stretchy quality.
Here is where we are diverging from the traditional 30-Minute Mozzarella recipe entirely!
Step 4. Scoop out the curds with a slotted spoon, transferring to a colander set over a bowl (to collect the whey). As you ladle the cheese from the pot to the colander, sprinkle cheese salt in the layers of curds.
Step 5. Work with the curds as little as possible while still allowing as much whey to drain as you can.
Use a slotted spoon to just sort of lift up and move around the curd mass without disrupting it. (Don’t stir up the curds or knead them.) Within about 5-10 minutes of draining, the curd mass will become small enough that you can move it to either a small ricotta basket or a 1-2 pound cheese mold.
Put the cheese, in the mold, back in the colander to continue draining.
The ricotta basket makes a pretty imprint.
Now the cheese is ready to eat, or store in the fridge for later. (Keeps in the fridge for about a week.) Soft slice-able cheese, restaurant-style. That’s it! Easy!
On to the sandwich!
Along with some wonderful thick-sliced bread and soft slices of mozzarella, you’ll need the olive tapenade, fresh basil leaves, tomatoes, and red onions. Roma tomatoes would be best, and I’ve got some Roma plants in my garden, but they’re not making tomatoes yet so I just used a regular tomato.
Soho’s serves their sandwich on larger slices of ciabatta than this, and they serve two for the $6.95 plate. I always think it’s a bit too much, so I made mine with a smaller slice of bread and only one. The beauty of homemade is that you can make it however you want.
Spread the tapenade.
Here comes the beautiful basil.
The onion, sliced thin.
The tomatoes.
The cheese!
This open-face sandwich makes a nice, light lunch, or can also serve as a side with an entree such as grilled steak. I gotta go eat this one now, so see ya! (Don’t miss the giveaway below.)
You can get the printables for all of these recipes here:
The Bread–Ciabatta
The Spread–Olive Tapenade
The Cheese–Mozzarella Curd Cheese
The Sandwich–Soho’s Caprese Sandwich
See how to make a homemade cheese press here. The spring-loaded press I use now can be found here.
See how I made my cheese cave here.
See all my posts in Cheesemaking here.
I get my supplies here.
This is my cow.
To help you get started making cheese, New England Cheesemaking is providing a package including (value of each item in parentheses): Citric acid ($5.95), liquid rennet–animal or vegetable, your choice ($6.50), calcium chloride ($4.95), Italase–lipase powder ($6.95), basic kit mold ($5.50), and curd knife ($20.00). The total value of the package is $49.85. Note: This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. (P.S. Or at least a U.S. shipping address. You can have a friend or relative send it on to you if they have a U.S. shipping address.)
For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. ONE winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive the package. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow night (June 16). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time on Friday (June 17). Return to this post to claim your prize!
You must be registered to comment. If you’re not registered, you can register here. If you’re already registered but not logged in, go here to log in.
UPDATE 06/17/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment #73, renee on the move. Email me at [email protected] with your full name and address for shipping!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.
blabass says:
OMG!!!!! I am dying to make cheese. I’m scared (I’m not sure why I’m scared but I am) But it is on my summer to do list. I got a few of the supplies but really need this kit. I am so excited for this giveaway. Pick me please… Pretty please!!
Love your blog. It is my favorite thing to do first thing in the morning. Thank you Suzanne you continue to inspire me on a daily basis. YOU ROCK!!
On June 15, 2011 at 1:50 am
mamaraby says:
You had me at tapenade! Me, please. :0)
On June 15, 2011 at 2:48 am
mamc2 says:
Oh that looks so good…diet or no diet I gotta have one of those sandwiches!! I would also like to enter the drawing!!
On June 15, 2011 at 3:12 am
Luann says:
Please enter me…I would love to learn to make cheese.
On June 15, 2011 at 3:33 am
Leah's Mom says:
Interesting new way to use the mozz curd! I’m going to try that.
You’ll have to give it new creative name… “Stringtown Rising ___________”…. or “Suzanne’s __________”… Maybe we can come up w/ a creative name for it! :happyflower:
And…please enter me
On June 15, 2011 at 5:33 am
joeyfulnoise says:
Enter me in the drawing, please! The mozz looks lovely!
On June 15, 2011 at 5:43 am
roosterrun says:
You are making me hungry. Please enter me in the drawing. I love the cheesemaking posts.
On June 15, 2011 at 5:59 am
tea4too0 says:
That sounds so good. Now I am hungry! Please enter me. T
On June 15, 2011 at 6:02 am
judydee says:
Can’t wait to try all these recipes. I would love to win, please enter me!
On June 15, 2011 at 6:10 am
Liz Pike says:
This post made me determined to learn to make cheese even though for now I’ll have to use store-bought pasteurized (having trouble finding local milk)! But all components of this recipe will be tried this week!!! Can’t wait!!
On June 15, 2011 at 6:15 am
Liz Pike says:
(should have added, please include me in the drawing!!) And on a personal note, Suzanne your blog helps my homesickness! I’m down in NC about to start nursing school after retiring from farrier work. I’ll be down here for 2 years while I go to school before being able to return home to our farm in the Blue Ridge Mtns of southwest VA. I get so homesick, but just visiting your blog helps, & makes me determined to get my studies completed and out of the way so I can return home! I miss my mountains!!
On June 15, 2011 at 6:19 am
shannan says:
Please enter me in the drawing. This sandwich looks so yummy! I got some romas and red onions at the farmers market, going to try it this week! Thank you!
On June 15, 2011 at 6:31 am
jim says:
enter me please got the canning phobia under control now we need to do the same with cheese
On June 15, 2011 at 6:32 am
Nancy S. says:
Wow, that would be great! Enter me!
On June 15, 2011 at 6:42 am
wvhomecanner says:
oh I want to do this too!
dede
On June 15, 2011 at 6:49 am
Granny Trace says:
:woof: YOUR CHEESE LOOKS BEAUTIFUL.
I am now dying for grilled gourmet grilled cheese.
Granny Trace
http://www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com
On June 15, 2011 at 6:58 am
lauren says:
YUM!!! that looks so good!! enter me in the giveaway please 🙂
On June 15, 2011 at 6:59 am
Becky says:
Mozzarella is my favorite cheese. I would love to learn to make it. Please enter me in the contest.
On June 15, 2011 at 7:09 am
debg says:
I’ve just started cheesemaking and made the 30 minute mozzarella and it’s great. Would love to win this kit.
On June 15, 2011 at 7:23 am
Snapper119 says:
Enter me please. Pretty please. With cheese on top. 😉
On June 15, 2011 at 7:26 am
kelly jo kirby says:
I so want to try and make cheese for myself. Please pick me.
On June 15, 2011 at 7:37 am
bubbashome says:
would love to win a cheesemaking kit!
On June 15, 2011 at 7:52 am
Auntie Linda says:
I know what I’ll be making this weekend!! Please enter me!!
On June 15, 2011 at 7:53 am
laurie hamar says:
Please enter me, once again my tastebuds are humming early in the a.m. Thanks for the chance.
On June 15, 2011 at 7:55 am
doxie says:
I never thought to see what it was like before stretching it…sounds like a good idea if I’m in a hurry and don’t want to spend time streatching some cheese, but yet would like some fresh cheese! Thanks!
Would love to be in on the drawing for the cheesemaking goodies. 🙂
On June 15, 2011 at 7:56 am
Mamagarrett says:
Please enter me! I am on a cheesemaking spree and could use the kit! Right now I am just limping along with make do cultures and junket tablets. Your cheese looks great, and that sandwich looks absolutely yummy!
On June 15, 2011 at 7:57 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Mamagarrett–junket rennet is very weak! It’s not adequate for cheesemaking. Get some real rennet. Liquid is best (easiest!). Well worth it.
On June 15, 2011 at 7:59 am
hepkitten says:
Yay, another cheesemaking giveaway! I live in hope! 🙂
This sandwich looks absolutely delicious, by the way, and I don’t even eat tomatoes raw. lol
On June 15, 2011 at 8:02 am
debbie says:
I can’t wait to try this! Sign me up for the give-away 🙂
On June 15, 2011 at 8:03 am
Victoria says:
I would love to start making my own cheese! I have learned so much from this site. Crossing my fingers hehe
On June 15, 2011 at 8:05 am
Cheryl LeMay says:
I would love this! Please enter me.Your post made me hungry.
On June 15, 2011 at 8:07 am
prvrbs31gal says:
Oh, how I would love to try this!!! Please pick me! 🙂
On June 15, 2011 at 8:08 am
Donna says:
Yummy looking recipe, Suzanne – please count me in on the drawing!
Donna
On June 15, 2011 at 8:09 am
Leila says:
I’d love to win!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:14 am
woolymittens says:
Making my own cheese has been on my list of things to learn for years now. I’ve just been so intimidated. You make it look so easy! I’d love to win!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:14 am
Paintedpastures3 says:
I would love to win..pick me pick me 🙂
On June 15, 2011 at 8:17 am
cclear1959 says:
I can’t wait to try this. I make the quick mozz often, gotta try this. Thanks.
On June 15, 2011 at 8:18 am
rurification says:
Yum! Enter me, please! I envy you your good milk. I love making moz. However, I made three batches of moz last week with my sister and we discovered that her ‘local’ milk was ultra pasteurized even though the packaging didn’t say so. Every batch went weird. We learned a lot about ’emergency ricotta’….
On June 15, 2011 at 8:23 am
Imperious Fig says:
I’d love a chance to win! The tapenade looks sooooo yummy! Ciabatta and mozzarella…..mmmmmmmm! I’d use a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and call it a meal.
On June 15, 2011 at 8:27 am
Miss Judy says:
I just ate…but that looks so good! Please enter me!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:35 am
mine4me says:
I am going to give this a try!!! Thank you 🙂
On June 15, 2011 at 8:36 am
momtoadiva says:
This looks YUMMY!!! Enter me in the drawing please :wave:
On June 15, 2011 at 8:38 am
gaea303 says:
Thanks for the inspiring post! I would really love to win the cheesemaking supplies AND get this mozzarella down pat!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:39 am
HeatherB says:
I’ve always wanted to try making mozzarella. Enter me please. 🙂
On June 15, 2011 at 8:40 am
tsmith says:
I would love a cheese making kit!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:42 am
joykenn says:
Beautiful sandwich! Love Caprisi sandwiches. My DH hates olives so I substitute basamic vinegar for it. Otherwise a great summer sandwich. Love to try making my own cheese.
On June 15, 2011 at 8:43 am
Hugh says:
Oh, please make ME a cheese maker! Fresh tomatoes from the garden are almost ready.
On June 15, 2011 at 8:46 am
Merryment says:
If you don’t play, you can’t win! Choose me, choose me! Because you can’t get enough cheese stuff… :cowsleep:
On June 15, 2011 at 8:47 am
maggie says:
OK, here we go again:) Please enter my name in the drawing. I would LOVE to make my own cheese. Thanks!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:49 am
kellyb says:
I want to learn to make cheese too! This would be the perfect start.
On June 15, 2011 at 8:50 am
Sarahmay says:
I want it, Thanks!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:50 am
HomesteadJen says:
I want one! And thank you for the recipes! This is one of my favorite dishes in summer, but I have never made my own.
(Accidentally posted this on the remembrance bread post. Apologies if that is confusing!)
On June 15, 2011 at 8:56 am
VaGirl2 says:
I want one. Thanks!
On June 15, 2011 at 9:02 am
tinamanley says:
The Caprese sandwich looks wonderful! I would love the cheese-making kit. Thanks!
Tina
On June 15, 2011 at 9:04 am
dgkritch says:
Yes, please!!
Here I am hungry for that sandwich at 6am.
On June 15, 2011 at 9:06 am
luvthecountry says:
Yum! I would like to win. Enter me please!
On June 15, 2011 at 9:20 am
marymac says:
I would love to win the cheese making kit!!
On June 15, 2011 at 9:23 am
TinaBell says:
I spent all summer making and eating Insalata Caprese…it was the most wonderful thing! My variation was to use mozzarella pearls and chop the tomatoes and basil, then spoon it onto lovely artisan bread. My friends really enjoyed it! I would LOVE to make my own mozzarella, please enter me in the giveaway!
On June 15, 2011 at 9:27 am
Darlene in North GA says:
This looks really tasty!
And I’d love to win this cheese-making package.
On June 15, 2011 at 9:36 am
YelloJelloBelly says:
Please enter me for the contest!
And this cheese looks awesome, thank you for such easy directions to follow!
c
On June 15, 2011 at 9:38 am
Shelly says:
Please Please entry me!!!! I have lots of milk to use!!
On June 15, 2011 at 9:43 am
MMT says:
I’ve been wanting to try cheesemaking. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks
On June 15, 2011 at 9:44 am
Em says:
Please enter me in the cheese kit drawing…I would love to make one of your delicious looking sandwiches! Thank you
On June 15, 2011 at 9:48 am
mamawolf says:
That cheese looks uber delicious. I would love to win the kit in order to make my own cheese. Thanks, Suzanne. :fairy:
On June 15, 2011 at 9:53 am
hounddoggy says:
I’d love to learn to make cheese. Yours looks lovely. mmmmm Please enter me in the give-away. Thank you!
On June 15, 2011 at 9:53 am
CasieD says:
I want to make cheese!!!
That sandwich looks lovely to by the whey. lol
On June 15, 2011 at 9:55 am
xlibbax says:
I’d LOVE a cheese-making kit!
And to be adopted so I could partake in your delicious concoctions!
Thanks for all the inspiration!
On June 15, 2011 at 9:55 am
artsjoy says:
Even hubby wants to make cheese! Need to win the kit! The basil is growing like crazy…this sandwich is calling to me.
On June 15, 2011 at 9:56 am
Kathi says:
Yes, please; I DO want it!
These pictures made me crave this sandwich. YUM!
On June 15, 2011 at 10:01 am
RobynAnderson says:
Me me me! I’ve never made cheese of any kind, and I’d love to have an excuse to start doing it. 🙂
On June 15, 2011 at 10:06 am
bimmy says:
I’d like this.
On June 15, 2011 at 10:16 am
cabynfevr says:
The sandwich looks yummy….minus the olives, yuck! I was thinking maybe just pesto would work for me. My neice will be here in a few days for her annual summer visit and we always learn something new while she’s here. This year it’s sewing, we’re making aprons, soap making and cheese making would be a wonderful addition!! I would love to win!!!
On June 15, 2011 at 10:23 am
renee on the move says:
Enter me pls! Sometimes when you make “restaurant items,” don’t you think, “Wow, I could be making a fortune from this…if I could just get my family to PAY me…”
On June 15, 2011 at 10:29 am
kelliemusic says:
I would definitely love to win this. It would be so much fun for my husband and I.
On June 15, 2011 at 10:30 am
EightPondFarm says:
Please enter me for the drawing. Wonderful looking sandwich!!! I think I could eat two…
On June 15, 2011 at 10:33 am
BunnyRuth says:
The sandwish looks delicious. I have not tried mozzerella, looks easy… and pretty…. the way you described. WOuld love to have the supply kit as well!
Thanks,
Ruth in NH
On June 15, 2011 at 10:35 am
Abby's Mom says:
Now this looks like a great starter cheese for me, I would love a chance to win the kit! (Thank you so much for helping us believe that we too can do anything!)
On June 15, 2011 at 10:42 am
CarrieJ says:
I want to win the kit please. I have EVERYTHING growing in my garden to make this. I can make that bread too. I have Kalmata olives. I will be making this, this summer!!
On June 15, 2011 at 10:43 am
absinthe says:
Yes, please! I’d love to win this!
On June 15, 2011 at 10:45 am
jan n tn says:
I’m cheese stupid, but not to old to learn. Please enter me.
On June 15, 2011 at 10:49 am
Debbie says:
I am trying to learn cheese making so the starter package would be really helpful…would love to win it!
On June 15, 2011 at 10:57 am
Jennifer S says:
I would love to win!
On June 15, 2011 at 11:00 am
Glenie says:
I would love to win, I want to try making mozzarella cheese.
On June 15, 2011 at 11:00 am
lizajane says:
Please enter my name!
On June 15, 2011 at 11:12 am
bearswife says:
Totally making your ciabatta recipe today! And I’d be thrilled to win the kit. mmmmmm good!
On June 15, 2011 at 11:13 am
ndkitchen says:
this looks like a wonderful new way to make Mozzarella, I have printed it off and looking forward to trying it, and yes I would love the kit.
On June 15, 2011 at 11:16 am
september says:
I am a cheeseaholic. A piece of cheese wins over chocolate, any day. I would LOVE this kit. Your recipes are just my style.
On June 15, 2011 at 11:18 am
mygirls01 says:
enter me please!! I really want to win one of these! :sun:
On June 15, 2011 at 11:23 am
farmkat says:
I would LOVE winning this cheese making package.
Thank you for offering.
and thank you for all your cheese-making tips.
On June 15, 2011 at 11:34 am
LaChienne says:
That sounds so wonderful! Please enter my name!
On June 15, 2011 at 11:35 am
siegreich says:
This is a great post with all the info anyone needs. Now I need that kit! Put me in for it!
On June 15, 2011 at 11:39 am
pmilholl2 says:
Please enter me in the cheese making giveaway!!! I would love to try my hand at making my own cheese! Thank you!
On June 15, 2011 at 11:41 am
CrystalGB says:
Looks delicious. Please count me in the drawing. I would love to make cheese. 🙂
On June 15, 2011 at 11:42 am
oneoldgoat says:
Yum! Coount me in!
Beth oneoldgoat
On June 15, 2011 at 11:43 am
AmyCook in WI says:
I want some Mozz…please enter me in the giveaway!!!
On June 15, 2011 at 11:52 am
schmiedlin says:
Please enter me.
On June 15, 2011 at 11:56 am
Halfpint says:
I have been dying to try making cheese! And now I am dying to make that sandwich!
On June 15, 2011 at 11:58 am
Hlhohnholz says:
I want a cheese kit! Homemade mozzarella, are you kidding me??? Heaven on earth……
On June 15, 2011 at 12:01 pm
KLabmom says:
This sandwich looks so yummy! Add me for the drawing please :happyflower:
On June 15, 2011 at 12:13 pm
chillywilly says:
As I was reading your post I was mentally calculating how soon I could get my hands on the supplies to make this cheese ’cause I WANT SOME RIGHT NOW ! Please sign me up for the giveaway !
On June 15, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Dorothy_S says:
I would love to start making cheese, please enter me :clover:
On June 15, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Dirtroad Delilah says:
Oh lovely! I grew up on fresh milk and am doing odd jobs to save for a Jersey of my very own. I would love to make cheese with my children and this kit would be a great start, so please enter me! Thanks.
On June 15, 2011 at 12:21 pm
Rosemeri says:
Please include me in the giveaway. I love your cheese making and I would like to try it myself. Thanks,
On June 15, 2011 at 12:40 pm
sallykadle says:
I need to get a cow. And then a goat. And THEN I’ll need the cheesemaking kit! 😎 Can you make mozzarella with goat’s milk?
On June 15, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Sally, yes, you can make mozzarella with goat milk.
On June 15, 2011 at 12:54 pm
woadtoad says:
Totally interested! Count me in!
I think this is absolutely awesome. I am staying at my mother’s house, temporarily, and I think we shall totally have to try this cheese 🙂
PS: EVIL tactics. I had avoided creating an account for your site, because I didn’t want to have one more thing that I needed to log in for, but then you go and do this and I just HAD to! 🙂
On June 15, 2011 at 12:54 pm
prayingpup says:
I want to make that sandwich! Please enter me!
On June 15, 2011 at 1:03 pm
farmgirl722 says:
I would love to begin cheesemaking. Please enter me!
On June 15, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Journey11 says:
Oh, that looks so good, I can almost taste it! :hungry: Count me in for the drawing, thanks!
On June 15, 2011 at 1:57 pm
pamplemousse says:
I saw that cheese and thought “CAKE!” but it’s better than cake because it’s cheese! Gosh, and it’s one beautiful cheese too. I love the imprint on the top. Is that from a container? You mentioned a ricotta basket? Interesting…
I would like to make my own cheese. 😀 Can I have a cheese-making kit?
On June 15, 2011 at 1:59 pm
PrettyCoy says:
This is a great giveaway, I’d love one!
On June 15, 2011 at 2:00 pm
hershiesgirl says:
Rounding up all the needed “stuff” and learning what it does, and why you need it, is the *only* thing keeping me from jumping into cheesemaking. 🙂 I would love to win this!
On June 15, 2011 at 2:49 pm
cindyinohio says:
I FINALLY went and bought my own BBB but I sure would love to win the cheesemaking supplies!
On June 15, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Nadeanne says:
I would love to make cheese!!
On June 15, 2011 at 3:39 pm
CarrieSpins says:
I love mozzarella! The sandwich looks so good. Please enter me!
On June 15, 2011 at 3:50 pm
YayaOrchid says:
I am so grateful for your helpful posts on everything, especially cheese making. I would love a chance to win this kit, I could really get into cheese making with this giveaway! Thanks for sharing! :sheep:
On June 15, 2011 at 3:59 pm
jennfsulaw says:
That looks delicious! I would love to win the starter kit!
Thank you for all the great recipes!
On June 15, 2011 at 4:26 pm
ibnsgirl says:
Yes! Please enter me into the drawing! Thank you!
I’m already seeing visions of mozzarella!
On June 15, 2011 at 4:29 pm
GrammieEarth says:
How much fun would it be to try to make cheese with my DIL??
Please add us to the draw.
If we win, I will remember to take pics and post a “first attempt” on Farm Bell 🙂
Pam
On June 15, 2011 at 4:31 pm
AutumpneReyn says:
Please enter me for the drawing! Thank you!! :sheep:
On June 15, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Badgerdance says:
Oh, that looks so good, and I have some fresh herbs ready to go. Now if only I had a cheese kit to make mozza!
Enter me in the contest, please!
On June 15, 2011 at 4:41 pm
gerryvoland says:
Please pick me! We eat a lot of cheese and would love to make some of my own!
On June 15, 2011 at 5:07 pm
banana says:
I would love to win the kit, please enter me!
On June 15, 2011 at 5:09 pm
tami says:
I would love to win !!!!Please enter me in the drawing.
On June 15, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Debbiesuer says:
Hi Suzanne, Please enter me in the contest for the cheesemaking kit.
Thanks,
Debbie from Colorado
On June 15, 2011 at 5:27 pm
jenncheese says:
oh my! i would love to win! definitely looks like a delicious cheese to make!
On June 15, 2011 at 5:28 pm
DebrafromMD says:
That sandwich looks wonderful. I need to make my own mozzarella and try it.
On June 15, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Beecie says:
Hope this is my lucky time! Sign me up!!
On June 15, 2011 at 6:22 pm
UlrikeDG says:
I’m in. :moo:
On June 15, 2011 at 7:25 pm
mafong says:
I would love to learn how to make cheese. Please enter me in the drawing.
On June 15, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Athena says:
Looks so soft and delicious, I would like to try making this cheese. Thanks for entering me in the drawing.
On June 15, 2011 at 7:54 pm
lavenderblue says:
I’ve already promised myself that I will live off of mozzarella and tomatoes this summer. It would be really cool if I could make my own mozzarella. And those olives look wonderful. But I forgot to plant basil!!! There should still be time up north, right?
Please enter me in the contest. Thanks!
On June 15, 2011 at 7:59 pm
Old WV Broad says:
Should I be the lucky one, I’m asking you to send it to my daughter in Maryland, so she will stop drooling! You’d t hink that at thirty-something, I would not have to be a-worryin’ about her droolin’!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:19 pm
charlie says:
You’ve got me drooling. Would love to win so can make some and have one of those sandwiches.
On June 15, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Meg@Little Bit of Life says:
Found my way here from the Moosletter and I love your site! I would also love this kit! I’ve been wanting to make cheese for awhile and just haven’t had the chance to get started yet. This would be great! 🙂
On June 15, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Sandra in SC says:
Please enter my name in the drawing!!! Thanks much! This cheese and the sandwich sound wonderful!!!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:32 pm
LisaAJB says:
I want it! Thanks!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:45 pm
masmith25 says:
Mmm….sounds delicious. Please enter me in the drawing!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:48 pm
farmershae says:
That looks awesome. We’ve been eating a *smoked* mozzerella here from Trader Joe’s. It’s nice and soft like this one. Maybe it’s time to smoke some cheese?? :happyfeet: I’d love to win the swag!
On June 15, 2011 at 8:50 pm
wbender says:
I’ve been milking my first ever goat for a couple of weeks now and have LOTS of milk to start using. We can’t keep up with it! It is high time I started making some cheese!! Please enter me in this giveaway, I could really use it! :happyfeet:
On June 15, 2011 at 9:09 pm
Sheila Z says:
Oh yeah, I want me some cheese makings!
On June 15, 2011 at 9:43 pm
Valerie says:
What a yummy post. Please put me in the contest, I would love to make your cheese!
On June 15, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Lana says:
I would love to win this kit, and to learn how to make cheese. Believe it or not, I have found a place here in Phoenix where I can get farm-fresh raw milk! And it’s not far from my house!! Please have sympathy on me – it is 108 degrees here today, and summer is just starting….learning to make cheese would take my mind off the heat!
On June 15, 2011 at 10:02 pm
langela says:
I’d love to win this kit. Thanks for the chance!
On June 15, 2011 at 10:19 pm
jspears66 says:
Another great recipe please enter me in the drawing. https://chickensintheroad.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/sheep.gif
On June 15, 2011 at 10:35 pm
doedoe says:
I would love to win this!!!
On June 15, 2011 at 10:37 pm
leandjean says:
Wow, I can’t wait to try this mozzarella. I’d love to win the kit. Thanks!
On June 15, 2011 at 10:39 pm
Liz says:
:happyfeet: Oh My ……. see my Happy Feet and Smile :happyfeet:
I would love to venture into cheese making if I win this Kit.
Yum– Call me when Lunch Is Served!! Liz in PA
On June 15, 2011 at 11:16 pm
cruelshoes says:
I would absolutely love to win this. I just took a cheesemaking class last month and these supplies would go to good use.
On June 16, 2011 at 12:45 am
ljparlett says:
Can’t wait to try this one, I make Mozzarella twice a week.Could sure use the kit! Thanks for a great blog.
On June 16, 2011 at 1:30 am
mamajoseph says:
Think I’ll go try this one right now! Please enter me in the drawing, too!
On June 16, 2011 at 7:03 am
anghaley says:
yay! I would love a chance to win the cheese press, thanks for the opportunity. :wave: Angelina
On June 16, 2011 at 7:38 am
slpuckett52 says:
This would be a great gift to win..thanks for all your posts and recipes on cheese. I’d love to win..pick me! Pick me!
On June 16, 2011 at 8:07 am
pokeyhorse says:
Please enter me in the giveaway.
On June 16, 2011 at 9:24 am
Amy J. says:
Oh, I so want to start making cheese. You make this recipe look so doable! Thanks for a great giveaway. Your cheese is beautiful!
On June 16, 2011 at 10:28 am
Pete says:
Still waiting (for what we do not know!) to make some cheese here at home. Perhaps winning the NEC kit would do it??
On June 16, 2011 at 11:16 am
Kristi C says:
I’d love to start making my own cheese. That powdery stuff on the store-bought cheese can’t be good for us!
On June 16, 2011 at 11:30 am
quietstorm says:
Please enter me in the drawing!
Suzanne, I have a question though, in case I dont win the kit….
I have the rennet tablets from another kit that “Santa” got me for Christmas. I know in previous cheese posts you have said that the liquid rennet works better. If I use the tablets, what would be the conversion (how many should I use) and how (do I dissolve them first in water, and if so how much. Or do I add them to the milk and just let them dissolve in the milk?
I LOVE the really soft Mozzarella and this recipe only uses a gallon of milk and none of the heat and stretch business so this seems really accessable and not scary!
On June 16, 2011 at 11:42 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
quietstorm, it depends on the recipe. For example, 1/2 teaspoon liquid rennet converts to 1/2 rennet tablet and so on. Per recipe will tell you how much rennet and how much water to dissolve it into.
On June 16, 2011 at 11:54 am
John says:
Please add me.
On June 16, 2011 at 12:39 pm
rustinsmommy says:
Please enter me into the contest!!! :snoopy:
On June 16, 2011 at 12:48 pm
savannafarm says:
Wow, this looks great! I just happen to have a gallon of raw milk in the fridge and we’ve gotten all bruschetta-minded this past week.
Did I mention I’d like to enter the contest, too?
On June 16, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Melody.harmony says:
Yum! that sandwitch looks delicious.
I would love to win the cheese-making kit. :eating:
On June 16, 2011 at 2:14 pm
breezy2 says:
OH MY!!! It took me FOREVER :hissyfit: to figure out how to post here!
I would love to win this. I need to get to making cheese as I am milking three goats, and I am the only one drinking it! Love your blog by the way. I made this cheese today, can’t wait to see how it turns out. :eating:
On June 16, 2011 at 2:30 pm
cindi says:
Oh my gosh that looks sooo good! Can’t wait to try my hand at making cheese…
On June 16, 2011 at 2:31 pm
cindi says:
ps. I would totally love to win one of those kits!
On June 16, 2011 at 2:33 pm
aimeezing says:
love to win it! LOVE your site!
On June 16, 2011 at 2:42 pm
lghtheart4 says:
I have never thought about making cheese before. Now I am interested. Please enter me in your contest. TYU.
On June 16, 2011 at 2:46 pm
cheesemaker says:
I like the fact you don’t burn your hands making this cheese! 😆 :pick me please!
On June 16, 2011 at 2:55 pm
MousE says:
I’d love to win! Whew, it took me ages and ages to log in.
Thanks, looks so yummy.
On June 16, 2011 at 2:55 pm
kellytorrey says:
Please enter me in this… My last cheese attempt went terribly pear shaped.
On June 16, 2011 at 3:07 pm
cotswolds93 says:
YUM!!! Sounds soooooo good! Please enter me for the giveaway!
On June 16, 2011 at 3:12 pm
FireLuv007 says:
This makes my stomach growl! I’m definitely adding this to my list of cheeses to try out!
I’d love to be entered for the giveaway!
On June 16, 2011 at 3:16 pm
naomibeth3 says:
Please enter me in the giveaway :sheep:
On June 16, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Blaik says:
I am the consummate experimenter in the kitchen in our house, much to my wife’s chagrin (I do clean up my messes thank you), but to the delight of everyone’s taste buds, well most of the time! I’ve made yogurt, and yogurt cheese, but have not made the big leap to cheesemaking yet. My family loves cheese and I think it would be a perfect and easy gift for Christmas. Everyone on the list gets a pound of home made and aged cheese. Even thought about doing custom rounds with family names ‘engraved’ in the wax. I mean, who wouldn’t love to get a hunk of cheese with their name on it?
But I have to get the ball rolling before I can aim that high. Which is why I would truly love to win this kit!
On June 16, 2011 at 3:18 pm
cloudcruiser says:
Enjoyed the post, please enter me. Thanks. :pinkpig:
On June 16, 2011 at 3:30 pm
heidiannie says:
Would love to win the cheesemaking kit.
I love reading about your cheeses- especially the soft cheeses!
Thanks for the chance to win, Suzanne!
On June 16, 2011 at 3:45 pm
sherlocklabs says:
:snoopy: What a wonderful offer! I LOVE to be entered for an opportunity to win this…. :happyfeet: Thank you!
On June 16, 2011 at 4:00 pm
mommafox says:
Taking a couple of seconds to try my luck at winning a cheese making kit. Definately need a distraction from my turned up life. Will try to post an up-date on our situation later tonight.
On June 16, 2011 at 4:08 pm
mtnmedx says:
Oh my goodness! I didn’t know Junket was too weak??? No wonder my cheese is iffy at best!
Please sign me up for a chance at the cheese kit!
Thanks,
Elizabeth
On June 16, 2011 at 4:23 pm
heatherz says:
This sandwich sounds yummy! Sign me up for the giveaway, please.
On June 16, 2011 at 4:29 pm
mommy6_1 says:
Oh I would love the cheese making kit. I have slacked off making cheese and maybe this would be the incentive I need to get back to it. Connie from Ohio
On June 16, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Brigid says:
I’d love this!
On June 16, 2011 at 8:04 pm
azpoppy says:
Please enter me! I tried to make mozzarella last summer with my son and it was a dismal failure!
On June 16, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Carrie Ann says:
Love the design on the cheese. Sandwich looks great too. Please enter me in the giveaway.
On June 16, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
UPDATE 06/17/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment #73, renee on the move.
This giveaway is closed to entry.
On June 17, 2011 at 8:38 am