Anyone try Parmesan yet?

**Pumbaa** · 11-04-2011, 12:52 AM

thinking of trying a batch in the morning . . .

manoaction · 11-04-2011, 06:04 PM

I haven't, but I'm curious about the process.

Is the culture what gives it the different flavor? The recipes I've seen seem really similar to cheddar. The only thing I've noticed different is the skim milk, hotter temps, and brine soaking.

**Pumbaa** · 11-04-2011, 06:17 PM

dunno but I'll let ya know Sunday. Cant do it today because of the time table I wont be around Saturday for the bringing . . . so putting it off a day
I'm also thinking much like beer most cheese recipes are going to be pretty much the same with the exception of little tweeks

**zac** · 11-04-2011, 07:06 PM

I tried. I failed. Im sure it was me tho, I let it mold over somehow.

manoaction · 11-08-2011, 06:51 PM

How did this work out for you Pumbaa?

**Pumbaa** · 11-09-2011, 12:14 AM

well I had some delays . . . due to the brining process and my work schedule I got off track and made a new cheese mold (6" PVC) and follower (maple) instead and decided I would make the cheese this coming weekend since I have 5 days off and will be around 2 or 3 solid days in a row.

I'll post a picture or 2 as I go

manoaction · 11-09-2011, 08:12 PM

I had heard that you weren't supposed to use PVC because it would leach into the cheese. Wrong?

**Pumbaa** · 11-09-2011, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manoaction

I had heard that you weren't supposed to use PVC because it would leach into the cheese. Wrong?

they use it for water < shrug > and I've yet to taste it then . . .
anyway here's the stuff

From left to right: new mold, maple follower, oak cheese press with mold that came with the kits, weights for the press (up to 20lbs) and the cheddar

about the mold . . . it's about 4.5"tall and 6"diameter and I put holes in it 1/2" apart height wise and 1" apart around the circumference so it should have excellent drainage

manoaction · 11-10-2011, 05:40 PM

That looks really cool. I'd like a mold like that, but was suspicious of PVC. I heard it was the acid in the cheese, but who knows.

Can you brew with PVC? I can't remember.

**Pumbaa** · 11-10-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manoaction

Can you brew with PVC? I can't remember.

dont think I would want to boil in it

and havent ever seen a PVC jug to ferment in . . .

sorry, I'll be serious . . . I cant think of any reason you might want to but I would guess it depends on the point in the process