Cutting the Curd: Recent Episodes
Heritage Radio Network
Featuring interviews with notable cheesemakers, cheesemongers, and cheese-lovers, Cutting the Curd is an informative, occasionally irreverent, but always cheesy look at the curdy, the nerdy, and the downright funky world of artisan cheese.
Joe chats all things cheese with Emma Young aka The Cheese Explorer. Emma is a UK based author, cheese teacher, and consultant with 15 years experience in all aspects of the cheese industry as well as international cheese judge and teacher both in France and in the UK.
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From New Zealand to Buffalo, from Farmers' Markets to national chains, and from 5000 sq ft to 35,000 sq ft of production space. Rebecca Brady, founder and CEO of Top Seedz, joins us to share the story of her company's growth.
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The Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund celebrates Cutting the Curd originator, Anne Saxelby, and the passion she held for farmers and cheese-makers. The mission of ASLF is to provide month-long paid apprenticeships for young adults to live on sustainable farms - to work, learn, and be inspired to create change in their communities. Now wrapping up their third year, we talk with Kristina Graeber, Director of Programs about the Fund. Mike Koch of FireFly Farms also joins us to discuss the role of Farm Partners, and Allison Sirota, an Apprentice with the Fund tells us about her experience. We also get a sneak peak at the upcoming fundraising Gala.
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Join hosts Cara, Jessica, and Joe as they take you through the American Cheese Society conference, held in the vibrant city of Buffalo. In this episode, they dive into the latest trends and insights from the world of cheese. From artisanal craftsmanship to industry advancements, our hosts share their favorite moments, interviews with cheese experts, and behind-the-scenes stories from the conference. Whether you're a cheese enthusiast or a professional in the industry, this episode is packed with rich content that you won't want to miss. Tune in for an in-depth recap of the ACS 2024 and discover what’s shaping the future of cheese!
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Whether you're a foodie, a podcast enthusiast, or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes process of creating a podcast, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how John and Andrea turn their passion for ingredients into compelling content, one episode at a time.
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In this special, supersized epsiode, Jessica speaks with John Braga about the World Cheese Awards held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and his role as a Supreme Judge at the competition. Then its John's turn to host, as he introduces us to three cheesemakers: Heloisa Collins of Capril do Bosque, and brothers Juliano and Bruno Mendes of Vermont Queijos, all of whom are producing award-winning cheeses in Brazil and contributing to international awareness of the country's vibrant cheesemaking community.
Photo courtesy of Guillermo White and @sertaobras.
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Tune into this episode as Joe hears from 30-year veteran cheese and vegan cheese monger and "Cheddar" book author Gordon Edgar. He talks about the recent Good Food Awards Vegan Cheese Kerfuffle in which he was named an "informant" by the Washington Post. And, Joe learns the proper way to pronounce vegan! Don’t miss this one!
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On today's episode with sit down with executive producer and food historian Robyn Metcalfe to discover a whole new way of relating cheese and life philosophy in the medium of a documentary film.
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Ontario-based Erin Harris and Kelsie Parsons know cheese. When Erin's not traversing Canada to meet with chefs and retailers, and Kelsie's not sourcing goods for a national food retailer, they're coordinating the next meeting of the Canadian Cheese Collective. Erin and Kelsie join Jessica for a conversation about Canadian cheesemakers and retailers, and what they're looking forward to when ACS is just across the border in July.
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Many cheese shops are loosely defined as restaurants if they serve food and provide seating to dine in. Conversely, some wine bars and restaurants have a cheese-centric menu with an area for retail sales. These hybrid establishments often combine retail sales of cheese with a dining experience, blurring the line between traditional cheese shop and restaurant. Listen in as Joe takes a deeper dive with Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, professional cheese monger, chef, and owner of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in Pasadena, CA!
Photo courtesy of Hox Creative.
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Tune in the hear sound bites from this year's 2024 biennial World Cheese Championship Contest that was held in Wisconsin this past March as Cara and Joe break down what makes the World Championship Cheese Contest distinct from the World Cheese Awards. Joe was in attendance and his mission was to unveil what the competition was like for our listeners. However, this time around we got a bit of surprise with our coverage!
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Tune in as Sheila Flanagan shares the rich history and innovative techniques behind Nettle Meadow's artisanal cheese-making process. From their commitment to sustainable farming practices, to their dedication for cheese-making, Nettle Meadow embodies the essence of craft and quality. Discover the unique flavors and textures of Nettle Meadow's signature cheeses, crafted with care from the finest ingredients. From creamy soft cheeses to aged masterpieces, each bite tells a story of passion and expertise.
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We check in with Agela Abdullah, Kyra James and Nicole Garrett of the Cheese Culture Coalition about the CCC's growth as a non profit, and as a national community since they were on CTC in 2021. One indicator of their success is the sizable grant and scholarship program available for BIPOC cheese professionals to further their cheese education and professional development. Deadline to apply for grants and the CMI scholarship is May 10th! Listen here for all of the details.
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Benita Kasbo is the owner of Kasbo's Market based in Madison, NJ. Benita is originally from Syria and specializes in making Jibneh, Syrian Cheese. Her old world recipe is made with a unique spice called mahleb and her cheese was featured in The New York Times food section. She is passionate about Middle Eastern food and enjoys helping people discover the traditional flavors of the Middle East. She hosts cheese events to allow others to discover the versatility of her cheese. Give a listen to be inspired by her story and to learn more about Jibneh.
Photo courtesy of Robin & Sue Photography & Styling.
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On this episode, Joe chats with twin sisters Sarah and Boo Simms, co-owners, and the culinary and creative duo behind Lady & Larder – the renowned Los Angeles-based specialty cheese shop credited with initiating a global grazing board movement in 2016. Lady & Larder was founded on their deep respect for American and California-made seasonal ingredients, with the goal of elevating the producers and cheese makers' stories behind the stunning cheese and charcuterie boards and sandwiches.
Photo courtesy of Jenna Jones.
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Discover the secrets behind the time-honored techniques used to craft this iconic cheese, as Jane shares insights into the art of maturation, flavor development, and the enduring legacy of Quicke's Cheese. From the rolling hills of Devon to your plate, explore the journey of craftsmanship and tradition that defines each bite of Quicke's clothbound cheddar.
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Kristine Jannuzzi is a journalist, cheese specialist, content creator, and World Cheese Awards Judge. In 2023, she was inducted into the Guilde des Fromagers in Bra. A dual American/Italian citizen, Kristine hosts cheese tastings and bespoke tours in Tuscany and beyond. On this episode, Jessica catches up with Kristine from across the Atlantic.
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The Daphne Zepos Teaching Endowment is now accepting applications for grants! You may ask, "What does this mean?" We will explain on this episode, as we have a lively chat with 2023 DZRA recipient Alexandra Jones, 2015 DZTA recipient Tom Perry, and DZTE board president Brandi Wills.
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What is the flavor profile of a clothbound cheddar made in Cincinnati? Six years ago, Scott and Andrea Robbins made 300 pounds of Quark on their first official day as Urban Stead Cheese with no customers lined up to buy it. But they knew they were on to something with their community-focused approach to business. Their success since opening their creamery and tasting room within the Cincinnati city limits is impressive and inspiring, and a model for aspiring urban cheesemakers everywhere.
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Joe reflects on Morbier's triumphant return and chats with veteran cheese monger Matthew Rose, who went 'All In' on Cheese, and is now partner at the venerable Fairfield & Greenwich Cheese shops in Connecticut after working there for the past 7 years. Hear about Matthew's path in cheese and what led him to this opportunity while fostering his team's passion at the counter.
Photo courtesy of New England Food and Farm.
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In this savory episode of Cutting the Curd, we delve into the world of cheese with none other than Alice Bergen Phillips, the distinguished Cheeselete expert, grant manager for the Back in the Vat initiative, and proud owner the cheeseshop, Cheesemonster DC. Join us for an engaging conversation as Alice shares her journey from cheese enthusiast to establishing one of DC's most beloved cheese havens.
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A special episode recorded at Uplands Cheese Company in Dodgeville, WI, Liana Mericka and Andy Hatch give us a tour of the farm and creamery during the Art of Cheese Festival last fall. Organized by the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, the festival was a weekend dedicated to appreciating the cheeses of Wisconsin and the people who make them.
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Joe chats with industry veteran Lydia Burns from Rogers Collection, contemplating what makes Food so Fancy and the new location of the Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas.
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Award-winning author, educator, and columnist Janet Fletcher is the creator of the Planet Cheese blog, which lands in email inboxes of the cheese-obsessed everywhere each week. On this episode, she joins Jessica for a conversation about her career, reflections on the availability of cheeses over the years, the sadness when a cheese is no longer produced, and the joy of discovering new cheesemakers taking the lead.
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In this special episode, our CTC hosts reflect on the wheel-turning events, the curd-inary highlights, and the fon-due moments that shaped the cheese-scape this past year.
We explore it all with a sprinkle of humor, a dash of clever insight, and a dollop of cheesy charm. Unpack the stories behind the latest cheese trends, hear again about the curd-preneurs making waves, and laugh along as we recount the unforgettable, and sometimes amusing, moments that defined the year.
Get ready for a flavorful blend of nostalgia, cheese wisdom, and a hint of cheesy humor as we slice through the curd-ious and unexpected happenings that made 2023 a vintage year in the world of curd exploration. So, grab your favorite cheese board, pour a glass of wine, and join us for a gouda time as we wrap up the year that was on Cutting the Curd! 🎉🧀
Image courtesy of Armen Spendjian.
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In the heart of Albuquerque, we explore the intricate web of raw milk legislation in New Mexico. How do these laws shape the production, distribution, and consumption of raw milk? What challenges do Mousehole Cheeseshop and other local dairy enthusiasts face? Tune in as we navigate the nuances of the legal landscape and hear firsthand accounts from those at the forefront of the raw milk movement.
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Today we have two fun guests from the cheese world joining us in the Cutting the Curd HRN Studio in Bushwick - Joe chats with Emilia D'Albero aka @Punkrockparmigiano & @Emdalbero of Formaticum and Cat Pickei aka @Catdreamsofcheese from Murray's- hear why they think a cheesemonger's daily work at the counter influences so many critical elements in our cheese world... from a cheese's life span to setting trends that go beyond the counter!
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Recorded live in the Podcast Lounge at the Art of Cheese Festival in Madison, Wisconsin, Cutting the Curd spoke with three women in cheese who are changing the landscape of the Dairy State. Huma Siddiqui-Seitz joined H Conley from HRN to discuss the relationship between food and culture, and her goals for her company, White Jasmine; Madeline Kuhn shares her journey in cheese and describes the process of Product Development at Emmi Roth; Pam Hodgson of Sartori Cheese is currently one of only two women to have the title of Master Cheesemaker. She explains what this title means, and her path to get here.
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In this episode of Cutting the Curd, we sit down with Martijn Bos, the innovative mind behind Boska Food Tools, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the world of cheese tools and accessories. Martijn shares his passion for cheese tools and discusses the creative process behind designing unique cheese tools that enhance the cheese experience. Join us for a fascinating conversation on the art and science of cheese cutting and serving!
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This week, Joe interviews cheese book author, 2011 CMI champ, and bonafide Cheese Ambassador Steve Jones. Over the last 20+ years, Steve has owned and operated 5 cheese businesses, and has since left the cheese counter in 2020 to pursue work in cheese distribution. Let's hear what led him on his journey as he charts the course in his cheese filled world!
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Recorded live in the HRN Podcast Lounge at the Art of Cheese Festival in Madison, WI in September, we sat down with cheesemakers Orphee Paillotin, Marieke Penterman, and Ricardo Gutierrez Cruz to talk about moving to Wisconsin from other countries and making cheese in the state known as "America's Dairyland".
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Tune in this episode when Joe interviews Cheese Professional Jeff Buck, who daylights as a cheese monger and moonlights as a comedian in the LA area circuit and beyond. Hear how Jeff runs bits and cheese anecdotes on and off the stage, and how his good work at the cheese counter has helped him produce three different comedy shows in the LA area - you might hear a cheese parody or anecdote or celebrity impression too- tune in to hear more about what Jeff's been up to!
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Tenaya Darlington is an author, instructor and a restaurant cheese director based in Philadelphia. She's well known for her cheese-centric adventures, which she shares online and in person through a variety of mediums. Her new book is part cheese history, part cheese science, and 100% inspiration for designing your own cheese adventure, whether its out in the world, or in your own home.
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On today's episode we have Amye Gulezian, the Specialty Foods Operations Manager at High Lawn Farm, located in Lee, Massachusetts. Amy has been both a cheesemaker and cheesemonger since 2018 and has a degree in Agricultural and Heritage Dairy Production. I’m excited to catch up with her about the latest at the Massachusetts Cheese Fest and what’s developing at High Lawn Farm.
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Our guest today is Tom Perry, cheese sales manager of Shelburne Farms, a cheddar producer located in Vermont. He has been a cheesemonger in the New England scene for many years and was a previous winner of the DZTA scholarship.
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Loveneh Labneh is a collaboration between Erivan Yogurt and Merion Park Cheese Co, The story of these two Philadelphia-area companies, and how they came together, is a modern story rooted in tradition and memory.
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In this inspiring episode, Joe checks in with CMI Masters Champions Courtney Johnson and Sam Rollins. Courney and Sam will each individually represent Team USA in September 2023 at the Mondial Du Fromage in Tours, France, an elite biannual world champion cheese monger event. If either of them win, it would be a first for a USA cheesemonger! - GO team USA!
Photo courtesy of Kathryn M. Sheldon.
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Sarah Simiele, owner of The Curd Nerd in Syracuse, NY has forged a path from Microbiology studies to cheese shop ownership with no signs of slowing down. A story about following your passion and taking risks that most recently culminated in being crowned the new CMI champion. Listen and get inspired!
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We're doing things a little differently on this week's episode of Cutting the Curd. Our dear friend and former CTC host Diane Stemple is being recognized by the new world chapter of the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers for her work in the cheese industry. For decades, Diane promoted artisanal cheese makers form the US and abroad, first as a monger, then in sales, then as a brand ambassador, and of course as a co host of this podcast.
Diane’s niche was interviewing authors about their cheese-centric books. She stepped away from CTC about a year ago, and we want to take this opportunity to honor her as well, by throwing it way back to 2010 when she was a guest of Anne Saxelby on episode 10 of CTC. Their conversation recaps the decade in cheese (2000-2010), which was a big one for artisanal cheese. Diane and Anne held each other in high esteem, and were good friends who shared a passion for cheese. We really hope you enjoy this time capsule, and that you enjoy hearing Anne and Diane’s voices!
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Today we welcome CJ Bienert to CTC for the first time! CJ & Kari Bienert are the owners of both the Cheese Shop of Des Moines and Cheese Bar of Des Moines. We discuss what it was like in 2011 to start up a cheese shop in their twenties and the upcoming ACS conference that will be held again this year in Des Moines.
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In her latest book, "Spoiled: The Myth of Milk as Superfood," Anne Mendelson deconstructs the history of 'drinking milk' and the myths, scientific developments, and social constructs that have supported the growth of an industry, for better or worse.
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Our guests are Oliver Ford and Britton Welsh, Director of Sales and President of Beehive Cheese respectively. We examine how they became B Corp certified and the advantages of being a B Corp company. Plus, we deep dive into of some of their greatest flavor origin stories, starting with their classic Barely Buzzed and now to their newest venture Red Butte Hatch Chile cheese.
Photo courtesy of Katie Schall.
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On our latest episode, Joe chats with Trevor Warmedahl, the 2022 Daphne Zepos Teaching Endowment Award winner. Trevor is known as the "Milk_Trekker" by his popular instagram and YouTube handle where he is followed by thousands. Trevor is a real life nomadic herdsman, cheese maker, writer, and educator who has traveled to remote areas of the world studying different coagulation and rennet practices while embracing regenerative grazing and sustainable livestock practices. We catch up to hear what he's been up to and where's he's been lately - don't miss this inspirational session!
Photo courtesy of Alexander Pomper.
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Marissa Mullen, founder of That Cheese Plate and creator of Cheese By Numbers, is back with us to celebrate her new book, That Cheese Plate Wants to Party. We get into the details of writing a second book, social media, book deals, and building a work life you love. We also dive into the book and talk cheese plates, cheese pairings, and cheese playlists!
Photo courtesy of Alyssa Greenberg.
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We finally got a Pizza expert on Cutting the Curd! On this episode Cara and Joe interview Peter of HRN 's Pizza Quest about everything form best practices of cheese to the new wave dough movement hitting the Pizza crust domain. Plus, we review the philosophy of artisan Pizza and its similarities to cheesemongering. In the words of the great Michelangelo, Cowabunga!
Photo courtesy of Ron Manville.
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Back in June 2014, almost a decade ago, our former CTC host Greg Blais chatted with Mike Lee of Twig Farm Vermont and Judy Schad of Capriole Goat Cheese Indiana to learn the differences between the two goat cheesemakers. Each farm milks the alpine breed of goat but has very different cheesemaking styles. Here we take a look at the thought provoking nuances between the two classic American artisanal producers.
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Zach Berg and Will Werner met when they were ten years old in Michigan. After living in the Bay Area for a few years, they wrote a mission statement for a new food business, Mongers' Provisions, focused on supplying customers for a journey of Cultivation, Connection, and Passion. Now co-owners of two retail locations in Metro Detroit, Zach and Will join us to discuss beginnings, growth, and lessons learned.
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In this episode, we catch up cheese monger extraordinaire Lassa Skinner about the many hair pin turns she has taken in her storied career as a cheese professional. Lassa is co-founder of Culture magazine, author of two books; 'Cheese for Dummies' and 'Cheese Boards to Share', and also is the mind behind Counter Culture events to help further cheesesmongers' education.
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Cheeses are alive, and cheeses of all types are influenced by their environment. Once a cheese leaves the caves and enters the suppy chain, we need to do more than cross our fingers that it will make it to a customer in good condition. One of the responsibilites of cheesemongers is to continue to care for cheeses after they arrive to the store. In this episode, we speak with Jen Lopez from Forever Cheese and Catilin Adler from Bedford Cheese Shop in NYC to talk about Cheesemonger Education and ways they are working with cheesemongers nationally and in independent shops.
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On today's episode, we discuss with buttermonger Sheana Davis the various butter types in available in the US, how compound butters can be made, and what makes them special. Plus, we look at the attributes of AOP French butters.
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Meet Sean Hartwig, the specialty food manager at Zingerman's Deli. In this episode, Sean shares cheese tales about what he has seen and learned over his 14 years at the Zingerman's cheese counter. We discuss what servant leadership is, and what changes Zingerman's has made since 2020 that have improved work / life for the team and what makes things at Zingerman's Deli tick.
Photo courtesy of S. Carter.
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On today’s episode we have Guillaume Dupin, Export Manager of Maison Agour based in the Basque country. He's on the program to help us learn more about the Basque gastronomic culture relating to worlds of Ossau Iraty, Petit Agour, and Bayonne Ham.
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Molly Browne, Directory of Education at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, joins us to discuss Cheese State University, a digital campus for people in the cheese industry to "deepen their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and build connections".
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Some people know cheese and some people really know cheese. On today's episode we catch up with Alex Armstrong, Sensory Evaluator and Educator at Jasper Hill Farm. He is on the program today to help us understand what it means to be a sensory evaluator and how it can be useful for cheesemaking and sales.
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Jasleen and Tarush Agarwal, first generation immigrants from India who met and married in California, could not find a Paneer that wasn't highly processed or tasted anything close to what they enjoyed growing up. So Jasleen started making her own. A couple of years later, they started Sach Foods to bring organic, high protein, great tasting Paneer to the US market. Tarush joins us for a conversation about the role this singular cheese plays in Indian cuisine and vegetarian diets, the experience of starting a food business, and the marketing approach to introduce Sach Paneer to American consumers.
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A look into Lakin's Gorges Cheese with Allison Lakin, head cheesemaker and owner of East Forty Farm. She has been making cheese since the early 2000's and is now winning awards for her cheeses like Rockweed. Here we take a deep dive into what it means to be a Maine Cheesemaker and how studying anthropology can help you make better cheese.
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We're back and this time we have Joe Salonia on the show. Director of Sales and Marketing in the US for Gourmino Affinage and Selection, Joe is coming off the big win of having a best in show cheese at the World Cheese Awards. Here we kick back and discuss what it means to win such an award and what's next for the cheesemakers of Gourmino.
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The cheese industry has a presence in almost every country around the world and those who work in this industry are passionate about their jobs, cheese, and community. In this episode we heard voices from around the world from cheese professionals on how they became experts. They shared their thoughts with Carlos Yescas as he concluded his time as guest host of this podcast.
Carlos would like to thank everyone at HRN for their hard work opening spaces for thoughtful conversations, and to his co-hosts Cara and Jessica. Follow him online at www.carlosyescas.org to learn about his upcoming projects.
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What is cider? What is American Cider? Why is everybody drinking it? And what does this have to do with cheese? Rachel Freier, a Certified Cheese Professional AND Certified Cider Professional is here to answer all of the questions. From Ithaca to Spain and back again, we talk about the history, the production, and the pairings of cider, and let tastebuds do the talking.
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John Braga speaks to us about his work in Brazil and the US promoting traditional cheeses. He also voices Senhor Tião from an interview conducted by Carlos Yescas during his trip to Minas Gerais, Brazil in May 2022.
Photo Courtesy of O Queijonista.
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Our guest is Aurelia Chimier, Director of Communication for the Comité Interprofessionnel de Gestion du Comté. We take a trip to La Maison du Comté, a museum and interpretive center for all things Comté cheese to examine the continuing production and celebration of this great cheese, from production to marketing. Jean-Louis Carbonnier is here to discuss the Comte Scholarship.
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On today's episode we get a first look at the new upcoming startup, Gourmet Dash. We chat with Christy Caye about everything from e-cheesemongering to logistics, and look ahead at the future of online retail stores.
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A two episode show on the difference raw milk and unpasteurized. In the second episode, Carlos Yescas speaks with Jonny Crickmore, cheesemaker at Fen Farm Dairy in England.
Photo Courtesy of Fen Farm Dairy.
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A two episode show on the difference between raw milk and unpasteurized. In this first episode Carlos Yescas speaks with Mariano Gonzalez, head cheesemaker at Grafton Village Cheese Company. Mariano also talks about his experience trying to set up a cheese program in Paraguay and assisting USAID.
Photo Courtesy of Grafton Village Cheese Company.
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On October 9th of last year the HRN community was devastated by the passing of Anne Saxelby. Anne was many things to many people. She was the co-founder of Saxelby Cheesemongers and an ardent supporter of artisan food producers. She was one of the earliest HRN hosts, launching Cutting the Curd in 2009. She was a wife and mother to 3 young children.
As the first anniversary of her loss draws near, we pay tribute to the many ways she impacted this world for the better. Longtime HRN host Harry Rosenblum speaks about his own friendship with Anne, and guides us through this episode. We hear clips of Anne in conversation with her Cutting the Curd colleagues Greg Blais and Diane Stemple; speaking about the early days of Saxelby Cheese, the origins of her radio show, and her philosophy of customer service.
We also hear reflections from Brian Kenney, Deborah Matsner, and Anne’s father, Bill Saxelby, who share glimpses of Anne as a friend, as a business owner, and as a mother.
As Steven Jenkins told The New York Times, “Anne Saxelby was the U.S. ambassador for American cheese makers….her yearslong, tireless effort to promote them and make them mainstream will forever have its effect, and will long be remembered.” If you wish to carry on Anne’s legacy, consider a gift to the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund.
Photo courtesy of c. bay milin photography
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According to the University of Maine Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, the number of young farmers and food producers in the state is growing. This includes cheesemakers - some new, and some who have been making cheese for years and are growing their operations. Jessie Dowling, founder of Fuzzy Udder Creamery is here to talk with us about her cheeses, her farm, and the state of cheesemaking and distribution in Maine including the Maine Cheese Guild and the annual Maine Cheese Festival.
Photo Courtesy of Jessie Dowling.
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We chat with Caroline Hesse about her new venture into starting her own distribution company. From her amazing fundraising efforts to her everyday life in sales. In this episode we get the humorous and unforgettable insight into a new chapter of Caroline's "Chesse Cheese" life.
Photo Courtesy of Illgander.
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Carlos Yescas interviews Nina White, founder of Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse, about their approach to regenerative agriculture and sustainable dairy farming. Their cattle are 100% grass-fed, and all of their cheeses are made with their own milk.
Find out more about them at www.cowsoutside.com and follow them online at @bobolinkdairyandbakehouse.
Photo Courtesy of Nina White.
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Brooklyn cheesemonger turned affineur and educator, Mary Casella joins us to talk about her upcoming presentation for the Daphne Zepos Research Award. Plus, we review what she has found so far in her project as well as what's next for her gender study of the dairy industry.
Photo Courtesy of Mary Casella.
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Today on the show we will review how tonic water and sparklings can work as a flavor component in your cocktails that then can be paired to your cheeses. Plus, what are the differences in tonic water? We sit down live for the first time in Bushwick since the pandemic began to chat with Samantha Kane, a CCP certified cheesemonger and a regional key account manager at Fever-Tree USA.
Photos Courtesy of Samantha Kane.
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Felice Thorpe, national sales director and owner of Felice Foods, returns for another conversation about the business of selling cheese. This time we're talking about forecasting. What is it? Why do it? Who should be doing it? And when?
Photo Courtesy of Felice Thorpe.
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Today on CTC we chat with Cara Condon to learn more about her win at this year's CMI and life as a cheesemonger at Beautiful Rind in Chicago.
Photo Courtesy of Kathryn M Sheldon @kathrynmichael.
HRN is home to transformative exchanges about food. Our 35+ member-supported food podcasts empower eaters to cultivate a radically better world. This month, we’re asking you to join us. Become a monthly sustaining member at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.
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On today's episode, we discuss the ins and outs of queer life as a farmer. Plus, goat's milk cheese making in New York state, is it difficult and what are some programs cheesemakers can use to start up their creameries??
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The story of Buf Creamery stretches across continents, generations of farming, and centuries of cheesemaking traditions. Alejandro Gomez Torres joins Cutting the Curd for a conversation about the majestic and sometimes fickle water buffalo, and making buffalo milk cheese in Colombia.
Photo Courtesy of Buf Creamery.
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On today's episode, we talk with Peter Dixon and Rachel Fritz-Schaal of Parish Hill Creamery & Dairy Foods Consulting about their specific way of cheesemaking. Committed to traditional cheesemaking, we look at the details and motivation behind their work. Plus, we follow how they are encouraging small-scale cheesemakers to make the most of the best milk possible.
Photo Courtesy of Parish Hill.
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In the first of two episodes focusing on water buffalo and buffalo milk, we meet Sarah Roland of Bayou Sarah Farms in Louisiana. A few years ago, Sarah was working on a farm in Northern California when she tried buffalo milk gelato for the first time. Flash forward to the present day, and Sara owns and operates Bayou Sarah Farms, manages a herd of water buffalo, and is working towards creating her own gelato, while also practicing sustainable farming and learning about natural cheesemaking.
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Special Show: We check in with cheesemakers and cheese professionals from Ukraine.
We hear from Olha Ternytska, cheesemaker and restaurant fromager, Oksana Chernova, cheese judge and training expert, as well as cheesemakers Andriy Kulyk and Oleksander Ukrainets also known as 'The Milk Master at Lel’. They share their plans, worries, and love for Ukrainian cheese.
“Cheesemakers are resilient, but so many in Ukraine face an uncertain future.” Carlos Yescas would like to dedicate this show to the victims of war.
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We check back with David Asher from The Black Sheep School of Cheesemaking on his journey to promote natural cheesemaking around the world.
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Photo Courtesy of The Black Sheep School of Cheesemaking.
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We talk to Grace Gershuny, organic farmer, writer, and thinker, about the concepts of Social Ecology and how the dairy and cheese industry can do more to address climate change. She teaches for the Institute for Social Ecology and is based in Vermont.
Photo Courtesy of Institute for Social Ecology.
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Wheyward Spirit connects the dots from farm to flask, upcycling whey and transforming it into an 80 proof spirit in a category of its own. This creates new challenges that only an entrepreneur-slash-dairy scientist can tackle, transforming the way we look at existing supply chains, food systems, marketing, and disrupting the way we think about categories in the marketplace.
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On today's episode, we talk with Orphee, an up-and-coming cheesemaker who has been studying cheesemaking for the last few years and wants to make a true French Raclette in Wisconsin. We review the challenges behind this process and the drive it takes to make it happen.
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On today's episode, we chat with George, Debbie, and Rosanne Crave about their family life and the growth of the Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese operation. We also discuss how the support of the state of Wisconsin helps Cheesemakers in their research and refinement. This, plus dairy queens, chocolate mascarpone, and more.
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Looking ahead through 2022, it's a time of great potential and opportunity. It seems like it's easier than ever to sell cheese and other specialty items, and at the same time, it's more challenging than ever. There are more sales channels, more ways to advertise and communicate, more promotional platforms, more data...
Felice Thorpe and CTC host Jessica Kesselman have zeroed in on four areas for this discussion about the time we're living in. While some are focusing on this time as the 'Great Resignation', we can also look at this period as something we've dubbed 'The Great Reset': an opportunity to shift our thinking about traditional ways of doing business and defining roles for better results.
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Tara Holmes from the American Cheese Society and Nicole Garrett from the Cheese Culture Coalition talk to us about volunteer opportunities at their organizations. Carlos talks about the DZTE.
Tara worked in higher education before transitioning to nonprofit management. Today, she is the executive director for the American Cheese Society. She has a B.A. in English Education from Gunnison's Western Colorado University, where she also completed coursework in outdoor leadership and ran track.
A list of committees at ACS and volunteer interest form is listed here.
Anyone who would like to volunteer for ACS in any capacity can call us at 720-328-2788, or email info@cheesesociety.org.
Nicole has been a cheesemonger in the retail world for about 10 years at Whole Foods Market in the specialty department. Whitney and I met when we were going for our CCP certification. About 2 years ago she moved to Texas, and we re-connected. She started talking about wanting to start a nonprofit to increase diversity in the cheese industry, and then the rest is history.
You can contact the CCC here: https://cheeseculturecoalition.org/volunteer-questionnaire
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On today's episode of Cutting the Curd, our host team of Cara, Carlos, and Jess talk about last year's realizations and next year's possible trends. Also, is anyone going to FFS Vegas?? Happy NEW Year!!
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Carlos Yescas talks to Emma Young (aka @TheCheeseExplorer) about cheese judging, medals, and competitions around the UK and elsewhere in Europe. We hear her take on the value of cheese competitions and why you should pay attention to them too. Visit her website at: www.cheeseexplorer.com
Photo Courtesy of Emma Young.
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Joe Printz, owner of The Grape D'Vine Wine and Spirits, and D'Vine Bar in Sparkill, NY, likes the element of surprise in food and wine pairings. While one rule of thumb is "what grows together goes together," there's a lot of unexplored territory and that's where the fun begins. He was given three cheeses to pair up with wines, with celebrations in mind, which will get us primed for the holidays.
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In this episode, we discuss with Taz, a Comté dairy farmer, what life is like to work with a producer-farmer network. Then in the second half of the episode, we catch up with Jean-Louis to understand what makes Comté so special. Plus, we cover the best wine and spirit pairings! To find out more about the Comte scholarship details, please visit: comte-usa.com/events/comte-scholarship
Photo Courtesy of Comté.
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In the past, cheese has generally been paired with wines and craft beers, but today we take a deep dive into the world of Mezcal. Here we'll explore the many options that can surprise us and even tempt us to new levels within the world of Agave spirits. Today we'll chat with Lou Banks of SACRED Agave and Chava Periban - they're also the awesome duo of the cool new podcast Agave Road Trip, also streamed on the Heritage Radio Network.
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We talk to Robert Aguilera, Account Manager for Cultures and Enzymes working with CHR-Hansen, about the role of commercial cultures in cheesemaking.
Photo Courtesy of Robert Aguilera.
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In this episode, we talk to the current and former hosts of Cutting the Curd to honor Anne Saxelby's life through the years and the legacy she has left behind. Anne was the originator of the Cutting the Curd program and also Saxelby Cheese, her shop in NYC. Always a leader and pioneer, we found through these interviews that her kindness was the foundation of her becoming a leading woman in the cheese world. If you would like to donate to the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund, please donate at slowfoodusa.org/Saxelby
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On today's episode we review the history and uses of the classic Swiss cheese Tête de Moine AOP. Our guests are Martin Siegenthaler, Gerant / Manager of Tête de Moine AOP Association, and Randall Felts, ACS CCP Cheesemonger and Owner of Beautiful Rind, located in Chicago. Also described in the episode is the Rosomat machine and its useful qualities. It's available to buy via www.shopjuicernet.com.
Photo Courtesy of Martin and Randall.
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After 15 years in the cheese industry, Yoav Perry has opened Perrystead Dairy, a creamery in Philadelphia. With access to high-quality cows' milk from surrounding counties, a supportive food community, and roads that lead to expanding markets, Perry is creating American originals. With a respect for the past and an interest in creating new cheese profiles, we talk with Perry about urban creameries, advancing American cheesemaking, and starting an urban creamery from scratch.
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Carlos Yescas (guest hosts) talks to Arnaud Sperat-Czar and Susan Sturman about the new book Raw Milk Cheese: Mission Reconquer and shares their vision for the future to save raw milk cheeses in France.
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Today Cara speaks with Felice Thorpe, Owner of Felice Foods, Consulting Sales Director for the specialty food businesses, and Rebekah Baker, Director of Sales on the west coast for Treeline Cheese. They are on today's episode to discuss the commonalities and perspectives of the plant-based cheese world with the fluid milk cheese market. By reviewing how the grocery world has evolved in these last few years, we discuss how they are merging in the marketplace and how their stories can be more aligned than you would think.
Photo Courtesy of Felice Thorpe and Rebekah Baker.
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On today's episode, Diane sits down with Hannah Howard to discuss her new book and find out what makes this memoir so special. Hannah Howard is a writer and food expert who spent her formative years in New York eating, drinking, serving, bartending, cooking on hot lines, and flipping giant wheels of cheese in Manhattan institutions such as Picholine and Fairway Market. She has a BA from Columbia University and an MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars. Hannah has been published in New York magazine, Salon, and SELF. Hannah is the author of two memoirs, Feast: True Love In and Out of the Kitchen and Plenty: A Memoir of Food and Family
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Today we interview Adam Moskowitz, host and showrunner of the Cheesemonger Invitational, about the Fall 2021 edition. It's gone virtual, but now it's back for the first time!! What does this mean and who will participate?? We find out the facts for the next competition.
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Today our guest Caroline Hostettler, introduces to the CTC audience what it means to participate in the Adopt an Alp program. Plus, she explains the importance of the craftsmanship behind these cheeses. As part of her own importing company, Quality Cheese, Caroline has been a pioneer in the perception and trade of the Alpine cheese category. Here we get her take on the current values of the Alpine cheese field and how US specialty shops around the country can help support these Swiss cheesemakers.
Image courtesy of Caroline Hostettler.
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Our host Diane discusses with Debra Dickerson, Director of Education and Customer Outreach at Cowgirl Creamery about the current atmosphere in the cheese market and what may be next for the industry.
SAVORY Institute
DZTA Daphne Zepos Teaching Award
Cheese Culture Coalition
Image courtesy of Debra Dickerson.
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A group of cheese professionals joined forces to help small producers in the US and Canada weather the pandemic, today we talk to two of the key players in this effort.
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The annual American Cheese Society Conference is virtual this year! The virtual event's theme is Moving Forward Together with Purpose, taking place from July 28-30, 2021.
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On today's episode, Cara will discuss with Aaron Quint co-owner and head food guy at Kingston Bread and Bar, his bread making skills and how his love for cheese helps him create the ultimate pairings bread and cheese combos. Crunchy bread with gooey cheese... nom nom.
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On today's episode Cara interviews Angela Miller, who is the co-owner of Consider Bardwell Farm based in West Pawlet, Vermont. The creamery has gone through a full relaunch since it's voluntary food safety recall. But restarting cheese production is nothing new to co-owner Angela Miller - city slicker turned curd nerd. We'll examine her side of the story and ask what's next for the CBF.
Image courtesy of Consider Bardwell Farm.
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E-Commerce sales for cheese are way up. In-store sampling programs are on pause. Conversations, written descriptions, and editorial copy are making the sale.
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Cara interviews Amanda Parker about her new role as Managing Director of Cowgirl Creamery. Tune in for a discussion about what challenges arise when taking on a legacy creamery and what's next under Amanda's direction in this leadership role.
Photo Courtesy of Cowgirl Creamery and Amanda Parker.
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Today Carlos welcomes three incredible women working to bring diversity to the Cheese industry. The Cheese Culture Coalition's mission is to promote equity and inclusion within the cheese industry by empowering BIPOC communities through education. We welcome Whitney Roberts (President), Agela Abdullah (Marketing Director), and Kyra James (Professor of Curriculum Development) to discuss their experiences working in the cheese industry, the formation of the CCC, and their plans for the future.
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Here Diane will discuss Alexandra's new book "Stuff every cheese lover should know." From the basics of what cheese is to terms every cheese lover should know, how to host a cheese tasting, how to make the ultimate grilled cheese, and much more!
Image courtesy of Alexandra Jones.
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We hear from Rachel Juhl, Mary Quicke, and Peter Dixon on news from the DZTE and learn what inspires them to be part of this organization.
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The proliferation of preorder cheese and charcuterie boards, boxes, cups, cones, plates since Covid's arrival. Some businesses existed before, others were born during the pandemic. We'll check in with a couple of these small business owners that I discovered- where else, on Instagram- to hear about how they got started, what the last 12 months have been like for them, what trends they see continuing post-pandemic.
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In this episode, we talk with Marissa Mullen about her favorite cheese pairings and her cool, new methods of cheese plating. Plus, we discover her epic journey from music into the cheese world. Have you ever heard of Cheese By Numbers?? It's been a hit on Instagram, and now she has a bestselling cookbook.
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On today's episode we discuss Epicure Foods history of importing and distributing through the eyes of Jennifer Drezga, owner and CEO. She will take us through the humble beginnings of Epicure and mention the highlights leading to their 50th anniversary!
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Cara interviews Elias Cairo co-owner and founder of Olympia Provisions, about American charcuterie and what's currently trending in the Salumi world.
Images courtesy of Olympia Provisions.
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On today's episode, I have Anais Saint-Andre Loughran. She is the co-owner of Chantal's Cheese Shop, located in Pittsburg, PA, Anais moved there a few years back to start her own business and make her dreams a reality. Today her shop is a community focused market with European flair. In our discussion, I'll ask her what it's like to sell French cheeses in the states and how the marketing of her cheese shop has changed in the last year.
Image courtesy of Chantal's Cheese.
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Lauren Gitlin's VIlla Villekulla Farm shares more than just a name with Pippi Longstocking's home. Both are places filled with creative drive and playful spirt. Instead of a monkey and a horse in the books, Lauren's farm and creamery has goats. After a career in journalism, and wine and cheese retail in NYC, Lauren moved to Vermont to start her own farm. Along the way, she learned from some of the best cheesemakers in Vermont, and undoubtedly in the country. She recently celebrated the farm's two year anniversary.
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Happy V-day Curd Nerds! Today on the show Cara interviews Erika Kubick, the cheese preacher behind the cheese advocacy company Cheese Sex Death. They discuss everything from Erika's new upcoming book to what it means to be a cheese slut. Also look out for a special pairing from Erika.
Image courtesy of Erika Kubick.
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Cara interviews Amy Sherman, Editor in Chief of the Cheese Professor. They discuss the new educational website and what it's like to curate cheese content online. Plus, a new cheese competition is announced for May 2021. (NYICC) New York International Cheese Competition.
Image courtesy of Amy Sherman.
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Nick Bayne has mongered in the US, competed in Mondial, and is now mongering in London. In this episode Cara discusses with Nick what it's like to monger in other countries, and how his life has changed since.
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Diane and Cara interview author Joe Berkowitz about his new book, American Cheese: An indulgent odyssey through the artisan cheese world.
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One day, while biking through Brooklyn, Kyle noticed spent grains from a local brewery being thrown out next to the adjacent bakery. From this moment, the beginnings of Brewers Crackers was born. We'll talk about his career in the food industry including in cheese, his growing concern with food waste, and lessons learned about launching a small food business. We'll also discuss food trends for 2021, including 'upcycled' ingredients.
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It's movie time! We are delighted to have Tenaya Darlington on the show, to discuss her love of classic movies and the cheeses that suit them. Plus, what's up in Philadeliphia, who really is Madame Fromage, and what are the best cocktails per movie. Is it a martini??
Image courtesy of Tenaya Darlington.
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If great cheese comes from great milk, and great milk starts with grasses grown in pastures filled with biodiversity, where do those building blocks to great grass come from? Joan Gussow is a professor emerita of Nutrition and Education at Columbia's Teacher's College, author, food policy expert, organic gardener and HRN Hall of Fame inductee. We will discuss the connection between soil and the future of food, and the role of regenerative agriculture in making great cheese.
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In this episode the hosts of Cutting the Curd talk turkey and muddle over recent current events. Also we check in what everyone is eating this season as well as what's next for CTC.
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As we look into the next four years under a new US President, we explore some of the issues around regulation and production of raw milk cheeses in the United States. Guest host Carlos Yescas is joined by two academics of cheese to share with us their thinking about the work of the FDA, the CDC, the USDA and the USTR.
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We talk with partners Karrie and Dave about their upcoming projects at their companies Philosophy Foods, Lady Edison, and Regalis Foods. In this episode we hope to cover what’s up in the importing world and how the holidays may be a little bit brighter than we thought this season.
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One year after being named "Best Cheese in the World", the world is a very different place. Guest host Jessica Kesselman talks with David Gremmels about the 2020 release of Rogue River Blue, the COVID pandemic, climate change and climate migration.
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Anne Saxelby is our quest to discuss her new book, " The New Rules of Cheese: A freewheeling and Informative Guide." It's an interesting book with a wide scope of topics. We'll discuss the book and other current topics.
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The leaves are changing colors and the world is changing fast, but here at Cutting the Curd we discuss with Megan Ercole, about Fall cheese trends and whats new at Adams Fairacre Farms.
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We check-in with raw-milk advocates from around the world to learn about what is going on in Europe, Latin-America, and Australia. For a transcript of the show visit: https://www.lacteonetwork.com/ctcshow
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Jessica Kesselman joins us to discuss her cheese experience through the years, and dive in to how COVID-19 has drastically effected the cheese world and us all. Plus, she tells us what we can expect for her upcoming collaboration with Cutting the Curd.
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On todays episode we talk with Veronica Pedraza, head cheesemaker and general manager of Blakesville Dairy to discuss the everyday obstacles she has encountered due to the pandemic. We also discuss her motivations moving forward and what's next for the new creamery in uncertain times.
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Introducing friend of the podcast - and future guest host! - Carlos Yescas. He joined Cara to discuss his career in cheese, view points, and what we can expect in his upcoming collaboration on Cutting the Curd.
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Host Cara Warren chats with Jane E. Ciccone about her company Onesto Foods, from their eco-friendly commitment to the unique market of crackers. Plus best pairings for different cheeses.
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Host Cara Warren interviews Matt Benham about what his expectations are for his upcoming research and what it means to him to be honored with this prestigious award.
In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.
Keep Cutting the Curd on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.
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We continue our pandemic-focused series of interviews with industry professionals about selling cheese in the time of COVID. Here we're joined by Laura Logos Downey of Fairfield Cheese Shop to hear about retail landscape now that we're through the first wave of infections in the Northeast. And we look forward to what the Fall may bring, and what actions Laura is taking to prepare.
In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.
Keep Cutting the Curd on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.
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My two guests are Stephanie Skinner and Molly Browne, both of whom were instrumental in starting Victory Cheese, which has attempted to help American cheesemakers during the pandemic. We discuss the origins of the movement and how Victory Cheese Boxes have helped cheesemakers through out the country sell their cheese.
In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.
Keep Cutting the Curd on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.
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Stephanie Skinner, Molly Browne, Victory Cheese, pandemic, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Covid, Victory Cheese Boxes, cheesemakers,
Host Cara Warren interviews Caitlin O'Neill of Cowgirl Creamery to hear her POV and what's ahead for the cheese retail world.
In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.
Keep Cutting the Curd on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.
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Continuing our deep dive into COVID-19 and its impact on the cheese and specialty food industries, we pick up the conversation with Tyler Hawes. Tyler brings two decades of industry experience and scholarship to bear, as we ask him to help us make predictions about what the retail, distribution, and production landscape will look like over the next few months and years.
In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.
Keep Cutting the Curd on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.
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Ari Weinzweig is one of the two co-founders of Zingerman's. He has also written business books about his unusual business beliefs, including transparency and good pay. He and Diane discuss both the Covid-19 crisis and also the effects of Black Live Matter on his business and views.
In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.
Keep Cutting the Curd on the air, become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.
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Jesse Pugach is the founder of Fifth Taste, a San Francisco-based distributor of artisanal sake. In this episode, host Cara Warren, unwraps the details of pairing Sake and Cheese, and learns the basics of Sake.
HRN will be donating 10% of our membership drive proceeds from now until June 15 to the Philando Castile Relief Foundation. Visit heritageradionetwork.org/donate to make your gift.
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Brie Hurd of The Cheese Shop of Salem is back! On today's show, Brie chats with Elena about how she's pivoting operations to succeed in the new COVID-19 context.
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Cheesemaker and entrepreneur Mateo Kehler joins host Aaron Foster to discuss the stark financial realities facing cheesemakers in the time of COVID-19. What does the future look like for American artisanal cheese? And does the current roster of bailouts and stimulus packages do enough?
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Michelle Vieira is an Illustrator bringing light and happiness to the online cheese world. From rocking cheese illustrations to Cheese Pin-up girls, here's whats next in the cheese art department!
Images Courtesy of Michelle Vieira
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Cara speaks with Janee', the Mobile Monger about her new interview program. Each day she interviews a different American artisan cheesemaker about their current problems and resolve.
Photos Courtesy of Janee' Muha - The Mobile Monger
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Amanda Freund tells us all about her experience as a 3rd generational farmer and how cooperatives are helping support New England and Vermont communities thru sustainable agriculture like smart barns and cow pots!
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Elena chats with fellow Cutting the Curd host and independent cheese shop owner, Aaron Foster, about what life is like right now on the front lines of cheese retail in New York City.
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Both Tom Perry and Sam Frank join Diane to give an update on Daphne Zepos's award which provides money for European Travel to research a cheese issue. As previous winners, and current Board members, Tom and Sam give us much info!
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Jessica and Cara talk about what has evolved at Sweet Grass Dairy for Jessica Little since her previous interview with Anne Saxelby (one decade ago) in 2010 and what's next down the line!
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Sarah Munly discusses what it's like to win CMI San Fran 2020. Plus we dive deep into inspirations for her Feminist Goddess cheese plates.
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When we last spoke to Ivy Ronquillo, she was mere weeks away from opening her own cheese shop in Pleasantville, New York: Second Mouse Cheese. Now, almost a year later, we check back in with her to see how she's holding up, what advice she would have given herself a year ago, and what the future looks like.
Image courtesy of Second Mouse Cheese / Ivy Ronquillo.
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Ivy Ronquillo, Second Mouse Cheese, Pleasantville, New York, NY, cheesemonger,
In line with our show's tradition, as new host Cara Warren joins the Cutting the Curd team, she takes an episode to interview our most recent host, Elena Santogade.
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Diane discusses all aspects of Kate Johnson's steady transition from Boulder suburb to living on a farm with her family, watching her daughters enjoy the farm environment, and eventually get goats (and horses!) and then make cheese. She also begins to teach others how to make cheese! A long interesting story!
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On today's episode, Elena chats with Grilled Cheese Chef Crystal De Luna-Bogan, chef and co-owner of the original food truck and now brick and mortar Nashville based restaurant. How to scale sustainably while also serving delicious grilled cheese? Crystal is figuring it out!
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A profile of Jumi, discussing the challenges of being a smaller European producer that does their own importing, and does not rely on major distributors to do logistics and sales.
Photo Courtesy of Sam Frank
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Serious discussion of the various ways the FDA has threatened attack on Artisan cheese, and then backed down when there was no scientific proof of their position. Dr. Donnelly is expert in food borne pathogens and has so much to offer in this fight for artisan cheese.
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On today's episode, Elena chats with Adam Moskowitz of Larkin, the Barnyard and the Cheesemonger Invitational (of course!) about creating community in the cheese biz and what's it like to rock sobriety.
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Hosts Elena Santogade, Diane Stemple and Aaron Foster are all in studio together to reflect on 2019 and make cheese-related bets for 2020. Hijinks ensue...
The holiday season is all about food and community. There’s no better time to show your support for food radio by becoming a member! Lend your voice and help HRN continue to spreading the message of equitable, sustainable, and delicious food – together, we can change minds and build a better food system. Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate today to become a crucial part of the HRN community.
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On today's episode, host Elena Santogade talks with Margot Brooks of Sugar House Creamery. Farmstead cheesemaking from choosing the right land and location to the production of three delicious cheeses––at Sugar House Creamery their cheesemaking elements are rooted deep in the earth.
The holiday season is all about food and community. There’s no better time to show your support for food radio by becoming a member! Lend your voice and help HRN continue to spreading the message of equitable, sustainable, and delicious food – together, we can change minds and build a better food system. Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate today to become a crucial part of the HRN community.
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For this month's book review, Diane Stemple interviews Mark Kurlansky about his book Milk! A 10,000 Year Food Fracas. With a title like that, Diane has many cheese-related questions!
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Host Elena Santogade talks with Jodie Wische about what she's seen these past 20+ years in cheese, and how ecommerce transformed––and continues to transform––the industry.
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Amanda Heilman and Jennifer Rodammer join host Elena Santogade on air to talk about the new cheesemaking program at the University of Delaware. This university dairy went from zero to cheesemaking, and with an all-female cheesemaking crew!
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For our 400th episode (!!) Elena and Diane are in-studio with Anne Saxelby, founder and O.G. host of Cutting the Curd. Reflections, predictions and hijinks ensue!
Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.
Image courtesy of Coyau / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0.
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Tariffs on cheese and specialty products from the EU went into effect on Friday, October 18th. Elena chats with Daniel Schnyder, Director of Imports & Licensing at Emmi Roth and Vice President of the Cheese Importers Association of America, about the final details and how cheese got caught up in the whole aeronautics dispute in the first place.
Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.
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On today's book review, Diane interviews cheese industry champion Lassa Skinner. With a new book on cheese boards and Counter Culture production in full-swing, Lassa's cheese plate is full!
Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.
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Modern, concscious consumers love to talk about sustainability and supporting small, local dairy farmers, but what does that actually look like for the farmer? It turns out it's not just about buying your favorite artisan cheese at the farmer's market. In this episode, we talk to Dan Brooks of Wayward Goose Farm about one sustainable option for what happens when a dairy cow retires.
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We're on a B Corp kick! Today, Elena profiles another B Corp company in the cheese industry: Rogue Creamery. Marguerite Merritte, Cheese Emissary (aka Marketing Manager) chats about how Rogue became a B Corp and what that status means internally for the team.
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In 2014 Vermont Creamery became a B Corp business. What does that mean, exactly? On today's episode Elena chats with Adeline Druart, President of Vermont Creamery, about how––and why––the company became a B Corp and what that means in the day-to-day.
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Elena chats in-studio with Missy Hughes about how the Organic Valley Cooperative works, and Missy's work as Chief Mission Officer and General Counsel. Missy works with legislatures and government agencies as she advocates for nationwide access to organic products, animal welfare, farmworker rights and good stewardship of the earth. Hear how her efforts impact dairy farming and what she sees as top priorities in sustainable agriculture moving forward.
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On today's episode Elena chats with Hadley and David Kreitz, co-founders of San Francisco's first urban creamery. The urban-meets-rural reality of a business like Daily Driver presents a unique set of challenges, and also offers a unique payoff for urban customers who love fresh dairy. But, how to pull off what's normally farm-based production in the midst of...San Francisco?!
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Diane Stemple is on location in London this week, for Neals Yard Dairy's 40th birthday party! Tune in for interviews with Jason Hinds, David Lockwood, Sara Stewart and Bronwen Percival.
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This time sensitive show is devoted to making sense of the potential tariffs on cheeses imported into the U.S. from the European Union. It's clear how the tariffs could impact importers (read: not good for business), but what other sectors of the industry will feel the effects? And, will those effects be all bad, or are there some who stand to gain? Elena will be speaking with Stephanie Ciano of World's Best Cheese to make sense of what's happening, what might happen and what––if anything––can be done about it all.
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This week's show is a collaboration between Cutting the Curd and The Farm Report. Elena is in the studio fellow HRN host and producer, Lisa Held, interviewing farmer and cheesemaker Celeste Nolan. Celeste and her husband purchased their family dairy farm 15 years ago. Struggles with sustaining the business on fluid milk production alone led them to add cheesemaking to the mix. Soon to be featured on Farmsteaders, an episode of PBS's POV series, Celeste and her family give an honest portrait of their rural experience.
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Charles Duque is the Managing Director for North America for the French Dairy Board. He travels all throughout the continent, promoting French cheese from Central America to Canada. On today's show, Elena chats with Charles in studio about how his promotional efforts are received in the different countries he focuses on, and the state of cheese enthusiasm throughout this vast region.
It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate
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On today's show, Elena interviews cheesemaker/creamery worker and photographer at the Cellars at Jasper Hill, Lilith Spencer. Lilith's cheese career started in college. Lilith began mongering at some of the best retail counters in NYC, hit Instagram fame for her artistic cheese board creations, and has landed in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Elena and Lilith chat about how to navigate opportunities and interests in the cheese world while also trying to pay the bills.
It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate
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On a continued Italian kick, Diane interviews author and food tour operator Elizabeth Minchilli about her new cookbook, The Italian Table.
It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate
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Pairing wine and cheese is so classic, it's become a cliche. Craft beer has enjoyed an upswell of interest lately, and with that it's also been the focus of a lot of pairing opinions. But one of our favorite pairing partners - cider - hasn't gotten its proper due. Today, Jeff Russell - cider fanatic and sales director for Vermont's Eden Cider - joins us to talk about the state of the cider nation, tips for pairing, and how cheese and cider might not be such strange bedfellows.
It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate
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Elena taped today's episode at the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Booth at the Summer Fancy Food Show. Today's episode features shorter interviews with ten different cheesemakers, all from Wisconsin and all making unique products! From the science behind cheese spread texture to the benefits of using a bio digester, these mini-interviews are full of interesting details and endearing Wisconsin accents.
It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate
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The Summer Fancy Food Show is happening this week in New York City and that means cheesemakers and specialty food producers are in town in a big way. Our guests today are in town from Italy: Bruno Gritti of Quattro Portoni and Paola Calciolari of Le Tamerici chat with Elena about their products and what's ahead for them during their trip to the states.
It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate
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In our third Cheesemaking Elements episode of the year, Elena visits Crown Finish Caves, Brooklyn-based Affineur, to focus on the final steps in the cheesemaking process: maturing, packaging and distributing the cheese. Elena chats with Crown Finish Cave Manager Ethan Partyka and Sales Director Caroline Hesse.
It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate
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On today's show Diane interviews writer Natalie Danford. Natalie was the translator for Slow Food's Osteria: 1,000 Generous and Simple Recipes from Italy's Best Local Restaurants.
It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate
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Our guest today is Amy Thompson, owner and operator of Full Shelf Foods. Amy's path to business ownership was mostly rooted in retail work. We'll hear about how she's bringing a cheesemonger's perspective to brokerage space. Also, what exactly is a brokerage-type business?
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Jessica Kesselman joins Elena in studio to discuss working in cheese alongside her journey as a parent. How well does the cheese industry support parents, and what are the challenges specific to parents that come up when working in cheese? Elena and Jessica explore the answers to these questions and more on today's episode!
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Will Studd is perhaps best known for his cheese-focused television show, Cheese Slices. Now in its eighth season and with sixty-four episodes under his belt, Will Joins Elena on air to talk about all that goes into the show. We'll also hear about his newest adventure, Will Studd's Cheese Range, a curated selection of cheeses offered to the US and Australian markets.
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This month Diane interviews freelance writer and former New Yorker editor Emily Rees Nunn about her food-focused memoir, Comfort Food Diaries.
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Elena, Diane and Aaron are at it again with our second end-of-season host show. Following the runaway 'morning talk show' style success of last season's host show, Elena has some thought-provoking cheese-related prompts for the group, Diane tries to thwart her efforts and Aaron tries his best to answer while aghast at what's happening in the studio.
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Cara Warren has worked in cheese since 2005 and is currently the East Coast Sales Manager for Isigny Sainte Mere. Cara's pairings wow'ed the room at The Cheeses of Europe Interactive Beer & Fromage Event last week, and on the same day Vice Munchies featured her along with a small group of lesbian and non-binary cheese professionals. Elena chats with Cara in studio on the heels of both!
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Janet Fletcher chats with Diane about her latest book, Wine Country Table. A Napa Valley resident and long-time food writer, Janet's Planet Cheese is an industry favorite newsletter.
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We caught up with Rachel Smith, General Manager at Goed Zuur, in the midst of a cheese-inspired road trip. Two years after opening Denver's first sour beer tap room, Goed Zuur is en route to pick up their first cheesemaker collaboration: Acid Wash, made by Parish Hill (washed with––you guessed it: sour beer!). Elena and Rachel chat about this first cheese collaboration project, the joys of growing a passion-fueled business and the excitement it all entails.
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Ivy Ronquillo is about to join the frazzled ranks of cheese shop owners with her new emporium Second Mouse Cheese in Pleasantville, NY. While Ivy has extensive experience in the advertising industry, as well as a culinary degree from FCI and years working in specialty food for the likes of Murray's and Artisanal, opening a shop presents an entirely new set of challenges. We join Ivy on the precipice of this new adventure to find out how she's faring and what's keeping her up at night. This will be part 1 of our conversation, and we hope to have Ivy back in a year or so to join us for a status update in part 2.
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What do you do when your plans turn to ash––literally?! Inga Witscher, host of PBS's Around the Farm Table, chats with Elena about the unique moment she and her husband find themselves in. Just as they were on the cusp of building out a brand new cheesemaking room, their barn and facilities burned down last fall. Now, rebuilding is the new plan.
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In our second episode of the 2019 Cheesemaking Elements series Elena dives deep into the world of cheese cultures. Culture expert Robert Aguilera explains how culture houses work and why we're starting to see monoculture creep when it comes to starters and adjunct cultures used in cheesemaking. Plus, how the culture supply chain business is changing within the growing cheese industry.
Check out the Cheese Science Toolkit Robert mentions at the end of the episode!
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Diane welcomes Steve Jones of Portland's Cheese Bar and writer Adam Lindsley––co-authors of Cheese Beer Wine Cider: A Field Guide to 75 Perfect Pairings––to the show this week. Listen as Diane gets to geek out on two of her favorite things: cheese and beer!
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This will be seven years since the DZTA was founded in 2012. The organization has grown its squad of cheese teachers, just released a newly defined vision for the organization and has a revamped membership on their Board of Directors. Rachel Juhl, Chief Administrator of the Endowment, chats with Elena about how the organization has grown and what's in store for Award winners of the future.
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Founded in 1940, Murray's Cheese remains a New York City institution. Over the past ten years they've taken their cheese show on the road, and 430 stores later they have made their mark within their Kroger 'Cheese Shops' all around the country. Elena talks with Lauren Toth, Project Manager, Training & Curriculum at Murray’s Cheese about how the Kroger program became such a huge endeavor, and how it all works.
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Our 2019 Cheesemaking Elements series kicks off with...milk! Sheep’s milk, at that, in all its luscious glory. Elena interviews Mariana Marques de Almeida, sheep and goat specialist on everything from milk production to cheesemaking.
Check out the Dairy Sheep Association for more resources!
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On this month's book review Diane Stemple interviews Mike Edison, fellow Heritage Radio Network host (Arts & Seizures) about his latest memoir, You Are a Complete Disappointment, A Triumphant Memoir of Failed Expectations. With the title pulled from real life––it was one of the last things the author’s father said to him before dying––there's a lot to get into here!
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Cheese-focused culinary specialist, Rachel Freier, joins Elena in studio. Rachel’s experience working with chefs and culinary students reveals that, unlike truffles or prime cuts of meat, specialty cheese is woefully misunderstood by back-of-house staff. Undaunted by the learning curve, Rachel is committed to changing how cheese is thought of—and handled—in the restaurant kitchen.
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On today's show Elena looks at a facet of the cheese business that's tangential to the supply chain: cheese tourism. Anna Juhl, Founder and CEO of Cheese Journeys and Sylvain Jamois, Private Chef and Cooking Instructor, join Elena in studio to chat about their growing cheese-focused travel business, Cheese Journeys.
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Elena, Diane and Aaron all gather in-studio as an end-cap to our fall season and 2018! This episode features reflections on the cheese industry this year, host-picks for 2018 Cutting the Curd season highlights, lowbrow confessions and a spirited debate on what cheeses should be represented if Mt. Rushmore featured cheese instead of American Presidents.
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Marieke Penterman is no newcomer to the American artisanal cheesemaking scene––or to this podcast! On today's show Elena and Marieke chat about the joys of a well-aged business and how Marieke got to where she is today.
As mentioned in the episode, here's a link to the new Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin commercial featuring Marieke and her cheesemaking neighbors.
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Following up on our Supply Chain 101 show with Aaron and Glenn, on the first half of this week’s show Elena goes in-depth with Brie Hurd of The Cheese Shop of Salem on her simple [and brilliant] approach to placing pre-orders as a retail buyer. In the second half of the show Brie pulls back the curtain on some of the systems and philosophies behind her highly functioning retail operations. Can a catering form embody an entire retailer's philosophy? At The Cheese Shop of Salem...yes!
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"The King of Cheese" or as Elena puts it, "The Queen of Umami" – today's show is all about the wonders of Parmigiano Reggiano. Grace Singleton of Zingerman's Deli sheds light on the Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano and Elena tastes three different parms live, in studio!
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Glenn Hills joins new addition to our host team Aaron Foster in studio to talk about supply chain and how cheese gets from the farm to your face. We'll touch on importing rules, what it's like in the crazy halls of Rungis, the miracle of container shipping, the nightmare of FDA / Customs, what a bonded warehouse is and more! We'll learn all about the litany of things that has to go right, just so you can get that perfectly aged, hand made goat cheese from Switzerland in your local cheese shop for a reasonable price.
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Tia Keenan is back in studio with Diane for this month's book review. Melt, Stretch, & Sizzle: The Art of Cooking Cheese – the book just landed and it is fierce! With a captivating style the photos take the idea of 'hot cheese' to new places and Tia tells all about her inspiration for the book and her path to pub date.
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On this week's episode host Diane Stemple takes a break from book reviews! Diane chats with 2018 DZTA Scholarship winner Eric Meredith about his project vision and how it's coming along so far.
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Elena's fascination with cooperative approaches to business turns to cheesemaking as she looks at unique partnerships among Wisconsin cheesemakers. Today's show features Ann Bates of Landmark Creamery and Chris Gentine of The Artisan Cheese Exchange. Find out how friendly neighbors can be the difference between success and failure in cheese distribution, and Chris offers a surprise comparison between hot rodding cars and making cheese 😱!
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Elena continues to explore the cheese retail landscape! Today's guests are Laura Downey and Chris Palumbo, owners and cheesemongers of Fairfield and Greenwich Cheese Companies in Connecticut and Cheesemonger Box. Elena, Laura and Chris tackle big questions: how can stand-alone independent 'family-sized' cheese retail compete in today's bifurcated marketplace? What is 'the market' for specialty cheese retail in the United States anyway, and how can a small neighborhood shop cultivate the kind of customer interest needed for success?
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Aaron Foster's cheese and specialty food shop, Foster Sundry, has made major Bushwick waves since it landed in 2015. A hospitality haven with a serious cheese selection, go now if you haven't yet been! On this week's show Elena chats with Aaron about what led him to open Foster Sundry and how small business ownership is all shaking out. Plus, surprise, Aaron will be joining the Cutting the Curd host team! 🎉
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Merryl Winstein is the author of Successful Cheesemaking, a book eight years in the making – a true tome to tommes! (Gotta love a cheese pun.) Diane chats with Merryl on this week's show about her experience making her own cheeses and teaching cheesemaking to students over the years. Listeners will get a sneak peek at this extremely detailed collection of cheesemaking recipes and instructions! Check out Merryl's Facebook page for more info: facebook@successfulcheesemaking
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The Cheese Board Collective is a fifty-year-old worker-owned cooperative business located in Berkeley, California. On this week's episode Elena chats with worker-owners and cheese buyers Omri Avraham and Linh Nguyen about the collective's unique operational approach. Some highlights: full-time employees get five and a half weeks vacation each year, everyone makes the same wage and every worker owner has the freedom to pursue creative endeavors within the business and outside of it. Elena sheds tears of joy at the mid-show break!
Follow-up note: here's how to spell Linh's favorite cheese: Petit Cattenoz!
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Elena takes us out to San Francisco for the 4th annual SF Cheese Fest, hosted by the California Artisan Cheese Guild. Meet the folks behind Achadinha Cheese, Folly Cheese Co., Stuyt Dairy Farmstead Cheese and the cracker folk at Rustic Bakery!
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Peter Gethers, author, screenwriter, playwright, book editor, and film and television producer (!!), chats with Diane about his new memoir – what Library Journal calls "a great primer on second acts and living (and dying) well."
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Rob Frie, Director of Operations for Roth Cheese calls in from the heart of America’s Dairyland. Elena and Rob chat about Roth Cheese’s unique cheese selection and their approach to the dairy business. Plus, we learn about Wisconsin’s cheesemaking–and ski destination!–‘Little‘Switzerland’.
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This year the American Cheese Society competition received 1,954 entries! On today's show the competition's Best in Show winners–Jasper Hill Farm and Cows Creamery–will join Diane to talk about their winning cheeses and how they got to where they are today.
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Amid the inspiring energy at this year's American Cheese Society conference, Elena chats with Gordon Edgar of Rainbow Grocery about the store's long-standing worker-owned business model and how it all works IRL.
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Elena chats with Katie Fuhrmann in the studio during a break from Katie's Wisconsin-based cheesemaking. We learn how Katie and her team (many of whom are family members!) have built out their dairy and cheesemaking operations into a full-fledged Agri-tourism destination. Also, Katie reveals the algorithm behind how her family names their cheeses!
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Kathleen Shannon Finn, past president of the American Cheese Society, Garde et Jure and Maitre Fromager in the Guilde des Fromagers Confrérie de Saint-Uguzon joins Diane to talk about the cookbook she's launching in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the American Cheese Society Conference this month.
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The Cheesemonger Invitational is an industry must-see at this point! On today's show Elena chats with 2018 winner Eric Schack about his journey to cheese and his triumph at this year's competition.
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Clara Diez and Ruben Valbuena of Cultivo chat with Elena about Cultivo, their Neals Yard Dairy-inspired shop in Madrid. Born from an economic need to get their cheeses in front of more customers, we hear how Cultivo is evolving and developing into a full-blown cheese destination and way of life.
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Tenaya Darlington, wordsmith-of-fromage, joins Diane to chat about her latest penned project: Booze & Vinyl. Her latest book–co-authored with brother André Darlington–prepares readers to shake, stir, and just plain pour your way through some of the best wax ever pressed. Get ready to set the mood for 70 great records from the 1950s through the 2000s, with a Side A and Side B cocktail.
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An in depth look at the how’s and why’s behind the venerable Park Slope Food Coop. Ever wonder how much this trend-bucking store does in sales each week? Listen to find out! Elena chats with Yuri and Britt, who have worked at the coop for a collective 25 years.
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Joe Salonia and Elena do a tasting on air (hint: the cheese is from Switzerland) and strategize on how to prevent one of the world’s oldest traditions from going extinct.
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Show favorite Andy Hatch regales Elena in studio with tales of a recent sales trip to Australia. And, don't miss the buried lead: Andy sounds the alarm on the potential for a conglomerate-controlled cheese market in the not-too-distant American future. Fear not! We also discuss what those at each link in the supply chain can do to protect innovation and variety in artisan cheese, and the space for family-sized cheesemaking companies like Uplands Cheese Co.
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On today's show Diane interviews Tia Keenan, New York City–based cook, cheese specialist, writer and activist. She is the author of The Art of the Cheese Plate: Pairings, Recipes, Style, Attitude (Rizzoli, 2016) and the forth-coming cookbook Melt, Stretch & Sizzle: The Art of Cooking Cheese (Rizzoli, fall 2018).
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Self-proclaimed "cheese legend collector" Peter Gross shares some of his curd-related myths with Greg.
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Retailing ain't easy, especially in New York City. Agatha and Clair of Belle Cheese chat with us about staying sane and having fun on the eve of the shop’s one-year anniversary in the DeKalb Market.
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Nora Weiser, Executive Director of the American Cheese Society (ACS) and Bill Stephenson, Chair of the ACS Certification Committee chat about the new sensory evaluation TASTE test debuting at the ACS Conference this summer. From big picture industry impact to how on earth the logistics will work, Elena gets a sneak peek of what’s in store for the inaugural exam takers.
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Carlos Yescas of the Oldways Cheese Coalition loops us in on the budding Russian cheese movement, the David vs. Goliath war being waged in Normandy and how you can be a part of Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day!
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Elena chats with Tess McNamara about the twists and turns in her own cheese career. Tess and Elena talk about the specific challenges and financial realities women face in navigating careers in cheese and give a shoutout to Elena’s all-time shero, Madeleine Albright.
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Newly published author Hannah Howard joins host Diane Stemple in the studio to talk about her just-released memoir Feast. From hostessing at Picholine to slinging cheese at Fairway, Hannah was already deep in the cheese scene as an undergrad at Columbia University. Her journey navigating NYC's often-brutal restaurant culture while also conquering her own food-related demons is a tale of bravery, passion and a commitment to pursuing what (and who!) you love.
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This week we go behind the curtain as Elena interviews Greg Blais himself. Greg takes us down his curd path and shares reflections on how the industry has changed over the years.
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Seamus Sheridan chats with Greg about why nibbling on Irish cheese is the best way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day this year and shares tips on running a family cheese biz.
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Host Greg Blais interviews the newest addition to the Cutting the Curd team, Elena Santogade. A four-time guest, Elena is taking over as Producer and will be hosting the show once a month. Who is she? We'll find out!
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Vince Razionale, recipient of the 2017 Daphne Zepos Teaching Award, joins host Diane Stemple to discuss his award-winning vision: bridging the bandaged cheddar gap between England and the US, and in his words, “promoting the ongoing and rigorous study of one particular style of cheese.”
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What’s the deal with whey? Homa Dashtaki, founder of White Moustache Yogurt, joins host Greg Blais to discuss the often forgotten byproduct of cheese and yogurt production.
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Host Greg Blais catches up with 2017 Cheesemonger Invitational winner Jordan Edwards at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco.
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On this week's episode, Greg Blais sits down with Cathy Strange, Global Cheese Buyer for Whole Foods Market.
Cathy worked as a Specialty Team Member in three regions before becoming a Team Leader, then a Regional Coordinator. In 2000, with more than 20 years of food industry experience under her belt, she became the Whole Foods Market Global Cheese Buyer and an expert at detecting international food trends while traveling the world to find cheeses that meet our quality standards. Cathy is also proud to be Chair of the Cheese of Choice Coalition for the American Cheese Society and a member of the Cheese Importers Association.
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Diane Stemple is on location at the 2018 Fancy Food Show, where she sits down with Jonathan Kaufmann, author of Hippie Food: How Back-to-the-Landers, Longhairs, and Revolutionaries Changed the Way We Eat.
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Host of Heritage Radio's The Food Seen, Michael Harlan Turkell, joins Diane Stemple to discuss his book - Acid Trip: Travels in the World of Vinegar: With Recipes from Leading Chefs, Insights from Top Producers, and Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Your Own.
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Our annual holiday special is back! Tune in to hear host Greg Blais, CTC founder Anne Saxelby, and cheese friend Nate McElroy (Cypress Grove) talk cheese.
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Sue Conley, co-founder of Cowgirl Creamery in California, joins host Greg Blais to talk about the recent wildfires in California and how the cheese community has come together to help.
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Kate Leeder of Aperitivo in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Emily Lindh of Denizen in Brooklyn, NY join host Diane Stemple to discuss cheese restaurant tales.
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With the support of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association, IPAP and Midwest Refrigerated Services organized a shipment 20,000 pounds of cheese to the hurricane Harvey victims in Texas. They are now organizing another shipment of Wisconsin cheese to go to the Hurricane Irma victims. On today's episode, we welcome back Lisa Hall to speak to Saxon Creamery's participation, and how cheese brings people together.
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Albert Straus - founder of Northern California's Straus Family Creamery - chats with host Greg Blais about milk, sustainability, community and quality.
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Host Greg Blais catches up with French cheesemonger, educator and consultant, François Robin about the French cheese scene and his perspectives on cheese in America.
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Author Liz Thorpe joins Diane Stemple in the studio to talk about her new book, The Book of Cheese: The Essential Guide to Discovering Cheeses You'll Love. The first book of its kind to be organized not by country, milk type, etc., The Book of Cheese maps the world of cheese using familiar favorites - what author Liz Thorpe calls the Gateway Cheeses.
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Host Greg Blais reports live from Bra Cheese. In this episode: Sam Frank, Sara Aducci and Lucy Hoffman.
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Host Greg Blais reports live from Bra Cheese. In this episode: Giorgio Cravero and Betty Koster.
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Host Greg Blais reports live from Bra Cheese. In this episode: Guffanti Formaggi's Carlo and Davide Fiori and Stephanie Ciano of World Best Cheese.
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Bronwen and Francis Percival speak with host Diane Stemple about their book, Reinventing the Wheel: Milk, Microbes and the Fight for Real Cheese.
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Host Greg Blais sits down with friend of Cutting the Curd and regular guest, Susan Sturman, Anglophone Director at the Academie Opus Caseus.
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On the season finale of Cutting the Curd, Diane Stemple is on location in Denver, Colorado for the annual American Cheese Society conference! Tune in to hear her speak with Christina Fleming, a cheesemonger who now works at a cannabis boutique, about the differences and similarities between selling cheese and selling cannabis products.
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Cheesemaker Andy Hatch joins host Greg Blais in the studio to talk about Uplands Cheese and the endurance of Pleasant Ridge Reserve.
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Cutting the Curd's annual interview with cheese visionary and thought leader, Jason Hinds.
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Author Shelly Westerhausen joins host Diane Stemple to talk about her book—Vegetarian Heartland: Recipes for Life's Adventures.
The Hedrich's know that "Great Milk Makes Great Cheese" and their award-winning cheeses consistently confirms their belief. Larry Hedrich shares the story of LaClare Farms with host Greg Blais.
Happy cows come from California (maybe...), but what about the southern California cheese scene? Alex Brown of LA's Gourmet Imports talks to host Greg Blais about slinging cheese in Tinseltown and about his recent trip to Europe. Patrycja Kotowska, buyer at Eataly, co-hosts.
James Beard award–winning author Adrian Miller joins host Diane Stemple to discuss his book, The President's Kitchen Cabinet, which documents stories of the African Americans who worked in the presidential food service from George Washington through Barack Obama.
Host Greg Blais interviews Slow Food USA director Richard McCarthy and Dr. Paul Kindstedt live from the Crown Finish Caves in Crown Heights, Brooklyn at the Molds, Monasteries, and Microscopes event on May 20th.
Host Greg Blais interviews Mother Noella and sisters from the Abbey of Regina Laudis live from the Crown Finish Caves in Crown Heights, Brooklyn at the Molds, Monasteries, and Microscopes event on May 20th.
On this week's episode of Cutting the Curd, Martin Johnson joins Greg Blais in the studio to talk about crafting a career in cheese.
To celebrate the 300th episode of Cutting the Curd, host Diane changes things up a bit and talks about meat with fellow HRN host Katy Keiffer. Katy's new book What's the Matter with Meat? is filled with valuable information about the meat industry and its impact on the environment.
Owner of Foster Sundry, Aaron Foster, joins host Greg Blais in the studio to talk about the challenges of owning a cheese shop, work/life balance in the cheese business and how social media is changing how we sell cheese.
Culture Magazine's Thalassa Skinner joins host Greg Blais to catch us up on the magazine, cheese education and current events in cheese.
This week on Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple is joined on the line by Dr. Catherine Donnelly, editor of The Oxford Companion to Cheese and expert on the microbiological safety of food, . The book includes a great variety of cheese-related topics such as animal species, biographies, cheese families, process and technique, chemistry, equipment and tools, pairings and cuisines, and many more.
Elena Santogade joins host Diane Stemple in the studio to talk about her new book - The Beginner's Guide to Cheesemaking: Easy Recipes and Lessons to Make Your Own Handcrafted Cheeses. Elena's journey from cheese enthusiast and home cheese maker to her current status as an ACS Certified Cheese Professional has given her a unique perspective for creating cheese making recipes specifically with the beginner in mind.
The Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker® Program was established as an advanced education program for experienced cheesemakers through joint sponsorship with the Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research, UW-Extension, and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. On today's show, host Greg Blais interviews Wisconsin's youngest Master Cheesemaker - Jonathan Metzig - to learn more about the program.
Brenda Jensen and her husband Dean never planned on being cheesemakers, but today, they produce award-winning sheep's milk cheeses out of Westby, Wisconsin. Tune in to learn more about Hidden Springs Creamery and the challenges and joys of making farmstead sheep's milk cheeses.
Piave cheese has become a staple at so many cheese counters across the US. Tune is to hear Chiara Brandalise, representative for the Consorzio Tutela Piave DOP, explain the origins of this beloved cheese and how Piave cheese helps support an entire agricultural region.
This week on Cutting the Curd, Diane is joined in studio by Mary Keehn & Pamela Dressler of Cypress Grove to talk about goat cheese. In search of healthy milk for her children, Mary noticed a neighbor who had goats for brush control. She asked her neighbor if she could buy two of her goats and the neighbor replied with a grin, “Honey, if you can catch ‘em, you can have ‘em.” So a determined Mary went out with grain each day and eventually lured her first two goats: Esmeralda & Hazel. Those two goats turned to four and pretty soon Mary had, well, more. A lot of goats means a lot of milk, and so Mary tried her hand at making cheese.
Blackbird restaurant out in Chicago has a great cheese program led by Mr. David Barriball. On this week's episode, host Greg Blais speaks with David about cheese in the midwest, developing a restaurant cheese program and his new signature cheese - Little Blackbird - a gin washed cheese created with The Farm at Doe Run just for the restaurant.
The landscape of family farming in Wisconsin has changed drastically over the last several decades. In this episode of Cutting the Curd, Red Barn Family Farms co-founders Terry and Paula Homan share their insight into how family farming has changed, and their efforts to preserve a disappearing way of life.
This week on Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple is joined in the studio by cheesemonger and author Elena Santogade. Elena talks about her experience being one of the contributing authors of The Oxford Companion to Cheese, which is perhaps one of the most comprehensive books ever written about cheese. The book includes a great variety of cheese-related topics such as animal species, biographies, cheese families, process and technique, chemistry, equipment and tools, pairings and cuisines, and many more.
Sue Sturman and Gannon Long of the Massachusetts Cheese Guild join host Greg Blais to continue the discussion from last year's episode #251. The rise of artisan cheese in the U.S. has created a need for knowledge sharing, marketing support and networking opportunities, particularly amongst small producers. Cheese guilds organized at the state level help fill these needs.
Our annual holiday special - Cheese Stories - returns! Thalassa Skinner (Culture Magazine) and Matt Rubiner (Rubiner's Cheesemongers) join host Greg Blais to recap the holidays, make cheese predictions for 2017 and tell their favorite cheese stories from behind the counter.
On the season premiere of Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple is joined by Lou Di Palo of Di Palo’s Fine Foods in Little Italy. Lou Di Palo travels to Italy several times a year to select the country’s best hand-crafted specialties and to guarantee their excellence every season, year after year. He is also the co-author of Di Palo's Guide to the Essential Foods of Italy: 100 Years of Wisdom and Stories from Behind the Counter.
Cheese is meant for sharing - whether through a well-composed cheese board or a gathering over fondue. In the same spirit, authors Andrew Tarlow - owner of Brooklyn’s Diner, Marlow & Sons, Marlow & Daughters, and Reynard - and Anna Dunn join host Diane Stemple to discuss debut cookbook: Dinner at the Long Table. The book details seasonal dishes meant to be shared amongst friends.
Dr. Paul Kindstedt – University of Vermont professor and author of the seminal book on cheese history, Cheese and Culture – joins host Greg Blais. They discuss how his program of literature-based scholarship on cheese history has converged with his laboratory-based research on cheese crystallography through the topic of climate change.
The last time Sue Miller and Rachel Fritz Schaal were on the show, they hinted at a very special collaboration. Tune in to learn more about their project, as they and Peter Dixon join in the studio with host Greg Blais.
Looking for a career path in cheese that extends beyond the retail cheese counter? In this episode of Cutting the Curd, Greg Blais sits down with Will Imre, former cheesemonger and current Sales and Development Manager for Pondini – a distributor of domestic and imported organic cheeses and other specialty foods – to talk about creating a career after mongering.
MicroDairy Designs, LLC began by accident – with a dream of starting a small creamery and a lack of available equipment for the limited scale. Frank Kipe joins host Greg Blais on the line to talk about his business and why he believes very small-scale dairying is economically sustainable in the US and abroad.
Nate McElroy, East Coast Sales Manager at Cypress Grove, joins host Greg Blais in the studio to talk about current events in cheese.
"2016 is The Year of the Cheese Board" according to former Cutting the Curd guest, Madame Fromage. On this episode of Cutting the Curd, Brian Keyser and Leigh Friend - authors of Composing the Cheese Plate - join host Diane Stemple to talk about their new book and the creative pairings, recipes and entertaining tips they offer in their new book.
When you think of the Canary Islands, cheese may not immediately come to mind, but on this episode of Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais talks with Rafael Chacón of Chacón e Hijo - distributors of Canary Islands cheese and charcuterie.
Tia Keenan is New York City-based cook, cheese specialist, writer and food stylist. In her new book – The Art of the Cheese Plate – Tia provides a guide to pairing cheese and entertaining with creative recipes and gorgeous pictures.
Fourteen months. Four continents. Lots of cheese.
On this episode of Cutting the Curd, Linnea Burnham, recipient of the prestigious Watson Fellowship, discusses her fellowship project–exploring how social, cultural, and economic forces shape cheese makers’ lives from the Arctic Circle to South Africa and Mongolia.
Consider Bardwell Farm produces award-winning cheeses from a property that was once the first cheese-making co-op in Vermont. With Angela Miller and Russell Glover at the helm, Consider Bardwell cheeses can be found at farmer's markets around New York and Vermont, and restaurants and cheese counters across the country. Tune in to hear Angela Miller discuss the history of the farm, and the upcoming Washington County Cheese Tour, on September 10th and 11th, 2016.
The American Cheese Society's yearly conference provides a chance for cheese professionals from around the country – and the world – to gather and learn from each other for the benefit of artisan cheese. ACS also hosts an annual competition – the Oscars of artisan American cheese. Tune in to hear Diane Stemple's mini-interviews with winners from the 2016 competition.
Daphne Zepos was a teacher, mentor and inspiration to many in the food industry. Her legacy is embodied by the Daphne Zepos Teaching Award, established in 2013 to promote the sharing of knowledge between Europe and young cheese professionals in the United States.
On today’s episode of Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais talks with last year’s award recipient, Tom Perry, and this year’s recently announced recipient, Sam Frank.
Beloved television chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich joins host Greg Blais to talk about cheese!
Former MasterChef judge Joe Bastianich records a special episode of Cutting the Curd on location at Eataly New York. Tune in to hear Joe's take on cheese in his restaurants, cheese culture in the U.S. versus Italy, and why cheese is an essential part of his diet.
In this episode of Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple interviews Charles Wekselbaum, owner of Charlito's Cocina and author of "Cured: Handcrafted Charcuteria & More". In his book, Charles provides instructions for easily constructing your drying and fermentation chamber, putting together the perfect charcuterie board, pairing wines and beers with the finished product, and recipes to implement your favorite dry-cured ingredients.
In Cutting the Curd's annual episode with Jason Hinds – sales director Neal's Yard Dairy and co-founder of the Essex Street Cheese Co. – Greg and Jason discuss what makes an effective cheesemonger, the difference between tasks and work, and how to curate a cheese selection.
Did you know vegetable rennet – a milk coagulant derived from plants – was once used in areas of Italy when animal rennet was unavailable? Today, Fattorie Fiandino in Piedmont, Italy continues to produce a line of cheeses made with vegetable rennet traditional to their area. Tune in to learn about the process of making vegetable rennet and what makes this coagulant so special. Greg Blais hosts, with special guest co-host Michele Buster of Forever Cheese.
Pat Polowsky is a food scientist/cheesemonger living and working in Madison, Wisconsin. He's also the creator of CheeseScience.org - an amazing resource for cheese professionals and enthusiasts. Host Diane Stemple talks to Pat all about his website and career in cheese.
Cheese imports from Europe were up last year, and with that growth comes new challenges for importers. On this episode of Cutting the Curd, Greg speaks with Andrea Berti – Senior Product Manager at Atalanta Corporation and board member of the Cheese Importers Association of America – to learn more about this organization and the hot topics for cheese importers today.
Cascadia Creamery in Trout Lake, Washington produces beautiful raw milk cheese made with USDA certified organic milk. In this episode of Cutting the Curd, Marci and John Shuman discuss the history of cheese-making in this region, the differences in using A2 milk, and the challenges and benefits of going organic.
Anne Saxelby celebrates ten years in business at Saxelby Cheesemongers! A milestone for any small business, Anne's company has changed the landscape of artisan American cheese. Tune in to hear some of the highlights of the last ten years, in addition to reminiscing about her time as Cutting the Curd's full time host.
Cocktails and cheese... the perfect pairing? Madame Fromage (aka Tenaya Darlington) joins host Diane Stemple to talk about her new book – The New Cocktail Hour – and why cocktails and cheese share a perfect synergy.
Milk, cultures, rennet, salt, time, and.... cheese mites? Tune in to hear Debra Dickerson and Matthew Rubiner talk with host Greg Blais about these creepy critters, how to manage them as a cheesemaker or retailer, and why some cheeses need them.
The Bedford Cheese Shop's Charlotte Kamin and Nate McElroy join Diane Stemple in the studio to discuss their book - A First Course in Cheese.
Redwood Hill Farm is a pioneering artisan cheesemakers in the U.S. based in Sonoma County. On this episode of Cutting the Curd, tune in to hear host Greg Blais and guest co-host Debra Dickerson chat with Jennifer Bice, owner of Redwood Hill, as she discusses retirement and her decision to sell the company.
According to cheesemongers across the country, raw milk cheese is tradition, history, a taste of place, and, of course, it is delicious! Tune in to this special episode of Cutting the Curd in honor of the Cheese Coalition’s Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day to learn why raw milk cheese is so great, and what raw milk cheeses we’re obsessing over right now.
The Italian region of Abruzzo might bring to mind Montepulciano wine or national parks, but it's the elusive cheeses of the region that are receiving more and more attention here in the States. Tune in to learn more about the cheeses of Abruzzo from the Marcelli family - Bob, Andy and Tina - who import cheese and artisan foods from the small mountain village of Anversa degli Abruzzi.
Flavor can be fleeting but art is for the ages. Tune in for Diane Stemple’s interview with the cheese world’s favorite artists – illustrator Debra Ziss, painter Mike Geno, and sculptor Dylan Stanfield – AKA @missziss, @mikegenostudio, and @fromagerstanfield – as they talk about their craft and their subjects… cheese!
“I’ve been sharing my real cheesemaking process for years, and when I posted the little miniature cheeses, just the response from people was overwhelming.” [8:05] – Dylan Stanfield
Ever consider studying dairy science? Kaylee Wegner – a senior at South Dakota State University – joins host Greg Blais and guest co-host/cheesemonger Matt Reilly to talk about majoring in dairy production and animal science, and about her recent experience judging at the World Championship Cheese Contest in Madison, Wisconsin earlier this month.
“The cheese industry has some really awesome people, and it’s a unique place to be, and I definitely enjoy being there with them.” [12:00] – Kaylee Wegner
Alp cheeses are a delicious byproduct of transhumance – the seasonal movement of people with their livestock between fixed summer and winter pastures. On today’s episode, host Greg Blais is joined by Caroline Hostettler, owner and operator of Quality Cheese and advocate of traditional cheesemaking and transhumance in the Swiss Alps.
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Wine and cheese pairing can be a daunting task, but not when one is armed with the proper tools. On this episode, Max McCalman returns to Cutting the Curd to talk about his Wine and Cheese Pairing Swatchbook and app, available on iTunes.
“The first indication of a successful pairing is, if you’re hungry and thirsty it’ll probably work.” [31:45] – Max McCalman
Like any small business owner, artisan cheesemakers who own and operate their farms and dairies must plan for their eventual retirement. Do they sell their business to a younger generation of cheesemaker or to large corporation? Do they hope their children wish to take over the family business? On this episode of Cutting the Curd, hosts Greg Blais and Anne Saxelby talk to farmstead cheesemakers Laini Fondiller and Andy Hatch about their plans for the future of their business and the cultural implications of succession planning for artisan cheese culture in America.
“The cheese should be the focus, not the person making it.” [23:55] – Andy Hatch
Cheese heists. Loans backed by cheese. Changing cheese regulations. On this episode of Cutting the Curd, regular guest Matthew Rubiner returns to talk current events in cheese.
“In the end, we should have that choice, whether we want to eat it or not.” [25:30] – Matthew Rubiner
The rise of artisan cheese in the U.S. has created a need for knowledge sharing, marketing support and networking opportunities, particularly amongst small producers. Cheese guilds organized at the state level help fill these needs. Tune in to learn about the California, Vermont, and newly formed Pennsylvania cheese guilds and how they promote their cheesemakers and connect them with the community.
Cheese lovers know Culture Magazine – an invaluable print and online publication that reports on and creates stories for the world of cheese. Tune in to hear co-founders and sisters, Thalassa and Stephanie Skinner, talk about how they conceived of and created Culture Magazine and how they generate content for a cheese-obsessed audience.
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What can archaeology tell us about cheese? Tune in to hear Kelila Jaffe – Food program coordinator and PhD candidate at NYU’s Food Studies program – discuss the origins of domesticating ruminant animals and how our ancestors discovered cheese making.
Ever dream of owning your very own cheese shop? On Episode 120 of Cutting the Curd , Diane Stemple spoke to Beth Lewand – proprietor of Eastern District – about the challenges she faced opening her shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. On today’s episode, Beth returns fresh off her 5-year anniversary of being in business! Tune in to hear Beth and Aaron Foster of Foster Sundry (the coolest new cheese shop in Brooklyn!) discuss what it took to start their cheese shops, and their plans to keep it viable through the years.
Cutting the Curd regular guest, Adam Moskowitz, returns! Tune in to hear Adam and host Greg Blais talk about FDA issues, social media gripes, and the upcoming Cheesemonger Invitational in San Francisco.
“If you don’t know what pairs well and why, how can you help your consumer know that?” [28:45] –Adam Moskowitz on Cutting the Curd
Last year, _ Cutting the Curd _ producer Emily Acosta brought special coverage of the 2015 Winter Fancy Food Show to the Heritage Radio Network. With this year’s trade show in San Francisco just weeks away, tune in to revisit these mini-interviews with cheesemakers, mongers, distributors and more as they reveal their thoughts on the most important issues in cheese and make cheese predictions for 2015.
Our holiday special returns: Drunken Cheese Stories! Take a shot or sip some wine, and tune in to hear host Greg Blais talk cheese with superstar friends of the show Max McCalman, Anne Saxelby and Matthew Rubiner.
“We should not have to go to France to get our choice of cheese. They should be available to us… The bigger concern is that this could drive a lot of cheesemakers out of business in the United States.” [21:00] –Max McCalman on Cutting the Curd
Tune in to Diane Stemple’s review of Land of Milk and Uncle Honey: Memories from the Farm of My Youth. Author Alan Guebert and his daughter/editor, Mary Grace Foxwell, join in studio to talk about the realities of farm life from Alan’s life at Indian Farm – a dairy operation on 720 acres of rich Illinois bottomland.
“Every three or four generations it always comes back to the simple, good things.” [32:45] –Alan Guebert on Cutting the Curd
Gold Medal, Blue Ribbon, Best in Show… What makes an award-winning cheese? Tune in to hear host Greg Blais discuss the process of judging cheese with two veteran cheese judges – David Grotenstein and Carlos Yescas – who have served as judges in competitions domestically and abroad. Carlos also talks in depth about recent news over raw milk cheese regulation on behalf of the Cheese Coalition.
Great cheese can take a Thanksgiving meal from good to unforgettable. Tune in to hear veteran cheesemongers Sara Adduci of Feast Virginia and Waldemar Albrecht of Oliver’s Market in Sonoma County give their advice for making the most of your Thanksgiving cheese plate and surviving the busy holiday season at the cheese counter.
“We always gets some of the same cast of characters that everyone is going to want or need for their general purpose cheese plates but then we bring in so many special things for this time of year that we don’t normally get.” [13:15] –Sara Adduci on Cutting the Curd
We love cheddar cheese. But how much do we really know about this classic food? Tune in to hear Diane Stemple and Gordon Edgar discuss Gordon’s new book – Cheddar: A Journey to the Heart of America’s Most Iconic Cheese – and learn about what the history of one cheese means to our American cultural identity.
Grass-fed milk. GMO grain. Silage. Dry Hay. These are terms about animal feed many cheese lovers have heard… but what do they really mean for cheese, animal welfare and the environment? On this episode of Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais talks with Jasper Hill Farm’s Mateo Kehler about what they feed their cows throughout the year and the investments they’ve made in ensuring the health of their animals and the environment.
Naming a cheese is like naming a child: it says something about the cheesemaker and something about the story of that cheese. On today’s episode, Greg Blais chats with Debra Dickerson and Thalassa Skinner about what makes an effective cheese name. Also, on the final day for submissions for the FDA Request for Information Regarding Safe Production of Cheese from Unpasteurized Milk, Greg, Debra and Lassa discuss the ACS response to the request and what this call for information could mean for the future of raw milk cheese in the U.S.
“If a cheese knocks your socks off, you’re never going to forget that name!” [3:30] -Debra Dickerson on Cutting the Curd “A name like “Fat Bottom Girl’ doesn’t really tell you anything about the cheese, but it makes you smile and ultimately you will remember it.” [5:00] -Thalassa Skinner on Cutting the Curd
Mary Izett knows fermentation. As a fellow Heritage Radio host ( Fuhmentaboutit! ), Mary explores fermentation – from beer to cider to cheese – from a home brewer’s perspective. In her new book, Speed Brewing: Techniques and Recipes for Fast-Fermenting Beers, Ciders, Meads, and More, Mary introduces the magic of brewing to those of us with limited time. Tune in to hear host Diane Stemple talk all things fermentation with Mary in this special episode of Cutting the Curd.
“There’s a lot of new interest in cider. Cider is a very american beverage” [10:00] “If you’re using traditional cider apples, you’re going to get a very different result than with store bought apples.” [21:00] “Theres something magical about making alcohol at home, sharing something that you made.” [10:00] –Mary Izett on Cutting the Curd
The month of October is American Cheese Month, dedicated to North America\u2019s delicious and diverse cheeses and the farmers, cheesemakers and mongers who bring them from the farm to the table. On this episode of Cutting the Curd, we feature one of America’s most prolific cheese states – Wisconsin – and a recent trip taken by a group of decorated cheesemongers, including recent American Cheese Society Official Cheesemonger, James Gentry, and HRN’s very own, Jack Inslee.
This episode is inspired by Saran Wrap and the cheesemongers who love to hate it. Mastering the art of a perfectly wrapped piece of cheese can be a milestone in a cheese pro’s career, but what exactly is cling wrap and how was it invented? Tune in to hear guests Dave Arnold, host of Cooking Issues and co-owner of Booker and Dax, and Nick Bayne, Cheesemonger Invitational Champion, talk all things cheese storage with Anne Saxelby as host.
“The fattier the cheese the greater the transfer you’re going to get of that nasty, plastic aroma.” [21:00] –Dave Arnold on Cutting the Curd
If you’ve ever eaten traditional Mozzarella di Bufala, you know how special the milk of the water buffalo can be… but why aren’t there more cheeses made from water buffalo milk? In the first segment of this episode, Brian Foley or Riverine Ranch and Addie Raghaven answer this question, sharing their mutual passion for all things water buffalo. After the break, tune in to hear Bruno Gritti of Quattro Portoni share his thoughts on breeding water buffalo in Northern Italy and developing a new market for water buffalo cheese using the traditional production methods of his native Lombardy.
“I feel that buffalo milk is the next frontier as far as cheesemaking goes.” [24:20] –Addie Raghavan on Cutting the Curd
Most DIY cheesemaking books are hard to follow, complicated, and confusing, and call for the use of packaged freeze-dried cultures, chemical additives, and expensive cheesemaking equipment. This week on Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple is in studio with David Asher, author of “The Art of Natural Cheesemaking: Using Traditional, Non-Industrial Methods and Raw Ingredients to Make the World’s Best Cheeses,” who seeks to influence cheesemakers to adopt more natural, sustainable practices. Preaching a traditional, but increasingly countercultural, way of making cheese―one that is natural and intuitive, grounded in ecological principles and biological science―Diane goes behind the scenes of the book and uncovers David’s path to natural cheesemaking. This program was brought to you by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“I believe that there’s a healthy community of microbes out there that can help cheesemakers practice a very safe, traditional cheese making.” [18:10] “I will not necessarily choose certified organic cheese over not certified organic cheese. The organic regulations really just apply to the production of milk rather than the production of the cheese.” [24:25] –David Asher on Cutting the Curd
Daphne Zepos was a teacher, mentor and inspiration to many in the food industry. Her legacy is embodied by Daphne Zepos Teaching Award, which was established in 2013 in order to promote the sharing of knowledge between Europe and young cheese professionals in the U.S.. On today’s episode of Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais talks with last year’s award recipient Emily Shartin and this year’s recently announced recipient, Tom Perry. This program was brought to you by Heritage Foods USA.
“What if you can’t have a cave – how do you still incorporate some of these techniques, this way of thinking, into what you do?” [13:00] —Emily Shartin on Cutting the Curd
Farming is in Inga Witscher’s blood. A fourth generation farmer, Inga talks to host Greg Blais about her passion for sustainable agriculture and her family’s creative solutions for maintaining a viable organic farming business. She is also the host of her own television show – Around the Farm Table. Rachel Perez joins in the studio to give an update on this year’s American Cheese Society Conference, which ran from July 29 – August 1st in Providence, Rhode Island. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
“If I do things the way nature intended, there’s a good chance I’ll be able to do that longterm.” [6:13] “We need more small farm cheese makers!” [12:34]
—Inga Witscher on Cutting the Curd
“It’s important that the FDA comes and reaches out to the cheese community so that we can work on policy that makes sense together.” [33:06]
—Rachel Perez on Cutting the Curd
On July 19, 2015, cheese lovers descended upon the historic Shelburn Farms Coach Barn for the annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival. Tune in to hear host Diane Stemple interview cheesemakers live from the festival in this special on location episode of Cutting the Curd. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
On this episode of Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple talks to Debra Dickerson, who has been passionately involved in the cheese world for over two decades. A board member of the American Cheese Society, Debra lays out the necessary details about the organization plus highlights the upcoming ACS Conference before welcoming cheesemonger and author Gordon Edgar to the show to add to the discussion. Tune in as the conversation winds down with an interesting talk on European buyers taking over American cheesemaking companies. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
“There is a panel for every interest in the cheese world and I think as the American Cheese Society has evolved and as the conference has evolved, the panels have become more meaty and more engaging and relevant for the future of the industry.” [21:28] —Debra Dickerson on Cutting the Curd
Tune in for a special episode of Cutting the Curd as Greg Blais and Emily Acosta take listeners through a plethora of cheese travel stories told by attendees of a recent Academie Opus Caseus sponsored gathering.
Jason Hinds joins host Greg Blais in Cutting the Curd’s continuing discussion on lost cheeses. Find out how two World Wars changed the course of traditional English cheese production and about today’s growing renaissance of cheese in the UK. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
“We have to sell cheese on the front foot. When you stand in front of a customer and that initial engagement happens there’s an instant you have the fear or no fear. You step forward or step back. If you step back, the customers smell the fear.” [24:00] –Jason Hinds on Cutting the Curd
On this Cutting the Curd Book Review, host Diane Stemple talks to Nina Teicholz, investigative journalist and author of The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet. Tune in to hear how certain fats might be the key to reversing the epidemics of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
“The book has been called a nutrition thriller. It really attempts to tell this question that is at the center of everyone’s mind which is: why are we as a nation getting so fact and sick?” [3:20] “It’s impossible, I think, for these large institutions to be the stewards of good science.” [14:15]
—Nina Teicholz on Cutting the Curd
In this episode of Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais learns about some new and exciting cheese ventures in the Pacific Northwest. Dan Utano, cheesemaker and production manager at Ferndale Farmstead Creamery talks about recreating Italian cheese recipes in Washington State, and Anna Juhl joins in studio to discuss the latest Cheese Journey offering to Oregon State. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
“There’s a lot that can go wrong in cheesemaking. If I was easy everybody would be doing it!” [17:00] “Whether you’re doing it with your hands or a machine, it’s what you understand about your milk, culture, how you taste, grade, evolve your cheese, that’s what going to define you.” [22:40]
—Dan Utano on Cutting the Curd
As the record drought in California – the worst in hundreds of years – continues to make headlines, food producers across the state are forced to adapt. For Sue Conley of Cowgirl Creamery, this means cutting down on certain styles of cheese. In this next installment of Cutting the Curd’s Lost Cheese series, tune in to hear Sue, Greg Blais and guest co-host Matt Rubiner discuss the drought, cottage cheese, and the present and future of dairy in California. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
“We stopped making it [cottage cheese] before the the drought hit because it is a water intensive cheese.” [10:40] “This drought, what it’s done, has made every commodity precious so our whey is in demand and we actually get a little bit of money for it.” [14:50]
—Sue Conley on Cutting the Curd
A few months ago, Joe Salonia of Gourmino Cheese launched a hashtag to promote a cheese we all know and love: #SavetheEmmentaler. While this quintessentially Swiss cheese may seem ubiquitous at cheese counters across the U.S., like many well known European cheeses today, legal, cultural, and economic forces are shifting production of Emmentaler away from it’s historic origins. Tune in to hear host Greg Blais discuss this topic with Joe in Cutting the Curd’s first installment of our Lost Cheese series. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
“Gourmino is essentially a cooperative of cheesemakers operating in the heart of Switzerland… we’re the only company that’s making and aging Emmentaler in the Emmental.” “This is the cheese that the culture of Switzerland is constantly trying to improve year after year, generation after generation.”
—Joe Salonia on Cutting the Curd
Discover the incredibly versatility of yogurt as an ingredient (with the added bonus of probiotic health benefits!). On this Cutting the Curd Book Review, host Diane Stemple chats with James Beard award-winning journalist and author Janet Fletcher about her new book – Yogurt: Sweet and Savory Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
“With yogurt, it has a long history, so there are many traditional recipes that are not well known in this country and I wanted to introduce them to people.” [9:40] “I think one of the strengths of the book is the recipe for making yogurt from home – it’s a little different!” [14:53]
—Janet Fletcher on Cutting the Curd
To many, Kyle MacLachlan is best known for his roles in cult films such as Blue Velvet, or for his prominent roles in television shows like Twin Peaks, Sex in the City and Portlandia. To host Greg Blais, however, Kyle is a favorite regular customer at the cheese counter! On this special episode of Cutting the Curd, tune in to hear Kyle talk about his Washington State-based wine label – Pursued by Bear – as well as his love of cheese and passion for good food. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, Cutting the Curd celebrates moms in cheese! On this episode, hosts Anne Saxelby and Diane Stemple talk with fellow cheese mom Rynn Caputo of Caputo Brothers Creamery about teaching her kids about good food and inspiring them with travel to food-centric destinations. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
The Caputo Brothers
Jimmy Carbone, host of HRN’s Beer Sessions Radio, joins host Diane Stemple in the studio to discuss Jimmy’s book – “I Like Pig: Recipes and Inspirations from New York City’s Pig Island” – inspired by the annual pork fest of the same name. Along with James Beard Award winning author Rachel Wharton, Jimmy has created this amazing cookbook highlighting the most popular recipes from the first three years of Pig Island. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
“Let’s just buy pigs from the farmers and give them to the chefs!” “We picked our favorite twenty-five favorite recipes form the first 3 years of the event [Pig Island].”
—Jimmy Carbone on Cutting the Curd
On Cutting the Curd Episode #174, host Greg Blais spoke with Lisa Hall of Saxon Creamery about her struggle to attain a small loan to fund a new tractor for her family farm. In this episode a year later, Greg continues the conversation with Lisa, who shares her thoughts on sustainable agriculture in Wisconsin and stories from the farm. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
“We’re not using gases, fertilizers and chemicals. We’re allowing the cows to graze on natural grasses – they’re fertilizing it with their manure, it breaks down and they have a rich soil.” [9:50] “We’re one of the largest pasture based farms.” [11:20]
“[Farming] It’s an education that needs to be shared from on generation to the next.” [12:20]
—Lisa Hall on Cutting the Curd
Raw-Milk Cheese Appreciation Day is an international celebration of raw-milk cheese and the individuals who bring it to life from the pasture to the plate. On this episode of Cutting the Curd, hosts Greg Blais and Anne Saxelby discuss the importance of traditional cheesemaking with Brad Jones of the Cheese of Choice Coalition and Jeanne Carpenter, author of Cheese Underground Blog. Interested in checking out Raw-Milk Cheese Appreciation Day events? Click here! This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
Recent recipient of the 2015 Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmers Award, Marieke Penterman of Hollands Family Farm, joins host Greg Blais on today’s episode of Cutting the Curd. Marieke and her husband Rolf made their first batch of Gouda in 2006, and have since won numerous accolades and awards both domestically and abroad. Discover what makes Gouda a special cheese, and why raw milk and animal welfare are key to the Hollands Family Farm’s success. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“I know that people have their concerns about raw milk, but I think if you have a good beginning product then it’s safe to use it. If you’re not used to it you have to slowly introduce it into your daily diet.” “Cows are my first passion I always say!”
—Marieke Penterman on Cutting the Curd
On today’s “Book Review” edition of Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple reviews “The Carnivore’s Manifesto,” by Heritage Radio Network founder Patrick Martins. In his book, Patrick explains how to eat well, responsibly, and eat meat. A collection of edifying essays, further reenforcing our need to play an active role in the sustainable food movement, to assure a better (and more delicious) world in the future. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“We’re always trying to inspire people to eat less factory farmed meats, so you have to write a lot to do that.” [6:45] “Your merchant matters. If you cannot name five people who you buy food from then you’re not a part of the sustainable food movement.” [15:09]
“By fighting just to stop eating meat, by saying no one should eat meat, all that’s happening directly is that animals are suffering on factory farms.” [26:00]
—Patrick Martins on Cutting the Curd
Some say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and for the Juhl family this is particularly true… especially if those apples are paired with Comte! Tune in to hear how Anna Juhl grew her cheese business in Utah before moving to New York to start an amazing new cheese-centric travel company – Cheese Journeys – and how sisters Rachel and Leah ended up working together at the renowned wholesale cheesemonger company, Essex St. Cheese. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
On this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais talks with Mansi Jasani – founder of the Cheese Collective in India. Mansi – an alumni of Murray’s Cheese Cave internship in New York and the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese (VIAC) – brings her expertise to cheese lovers in Mumbai as a cheesemaker and educator. Learn about the artisan cheese movement in Mumbai, and why Indian cheese is so much more than paneer and ghee. This program was brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus.
On today’s episode of Cutting the Curd, Greg Blais talks with Lark Gilmer-Smothermon, shepherd and cheesemaker at Poor Orphan Creamery in Laurin, Montana. Tune in to hear Lark’s journey from photographer to shepherd, and how she is putting Montana on the U.S. artisan cheese map. She also tells us about her upcoming Cheese Making Workshop from March 27 – 30. This program was brought to you by Heritage Foods USA.
In today’s episode of Cutting the Curd host Greg Blais chats with Piero Guerrini of Dolce Valle Dairy on the island of Trinidad. Piero – an Italian expat and former photographer – produces cheeses inspired by his Italian roots on an island that is home to one of the most diverse cuisines in the world, with East Indian, African, Amerindian and European influences. The cheeses are produced from the milk of cows grazing in the lush fields of Grande Riviere, an area best known for nesting leatherback turtles. Unfortunately, due to phone troubles the conversation with Piero is cut short, but friends Nate McElroy of Bedford Cheese Shop and Ellen Cronin of Food Matters Again join the show, straight from the Roberta’s Pizza dining crowd! This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“What we discovered was that the availability of buffalo milk was not on the island, so since we invested so much money in this machine we started to do cow milk and that has been our main line of cheese for the last 2 years here in Trinidad.” —Piero Guerrini on Cutting the Curd
On today’s “Book Review” edition of Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple reviews “The Cabot Creamery Cookbook,” which features recipes and stories from members of the Cabot Creamery cooperative – 1,200 dairy farm families located throughout New England and upstate New York. Diane is joined by New England Emmy award-winning host of Neighborhood Kitchens on PBS, Margarita Martinez, and Craig Gile, cheese grader for Cabot. Both Margarita and Craig contributed their own stories and recipes to this heartwarming and mouth-watering book and tell Diane about how they were recruited before both give their thoughts on recent cheese related issues as well as how they found themselves working in cheese in the first place. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“I’ve always been a fan of Cabot products and their cheese and also the heritage of the cooperative, so I heartily agreed to come onboard and collaborate.” [2:40] —Margarita Martinez on Cutting the Curd
“We are a farmer owned coop but we do have pretty high standards what we expect from our farmers, so there’s an application process [to join the Cabot cooperative].” [6:55]
—Craig Gile on Cutting the Curd
Continuing the discussion from last week about developing new cheeses, this week on Cutting the Curd host Greg Blais chats with Matthew and Maize of Jacobs and Brichford Farmstead Cheese. J&B currently produces three outstanding cheeses that have become standards at counters across the country – Ameribella, Everton and Briana. The R&D process continues, as they are developing a new cheese to round out their selection. Tune in to hear about what it takes to make and market new cheeses, and how the cheese community supports the research and development process. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“There really is a holistic approach to the way we make cheese.” [13:10] —Maize Jacobs-Brichford on Cutting the Curd
“Knowing where your food comes from is so important and it’s the only way to trust what you’re getting is to do your homework and know who’s producing it and where it comes from.” [14:50]
—Matthew Brichford on Cutting the Curd
The R&D process for creating a new cheese can be a long and expensive one for new artisan cheesemakers, but it is also a labor of love. On this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais sits down Benton Brown and Sam Frank of the Crown Finish Caves – a cheese aging facility in Crown Heights, Brooklyn – and New York cheesemakers Margot Brooks of Sugar House Creamery and Jos Vulto of Vulto Creamery. While Sugar House ages most of their cheeses in a cave on their farm, they have also worked with Crown Finish to create some spectacular variations on the same small format cheese. Tune in to hear about what it takes to make new and exciting cheeses, and how cheese friendships and community support the R&D process. This program has been brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“We knew we wanted to do the cave age process. We really like that part of the cheesemaking process. We are very passionate about that aspect of cheesemaking and we think it attributes a lot to the flavor of the farmstead cheeses.” [6:30] —Margot Brooks on Cutting the Curd
“I like the aging process, I think that’s the most exciting part of the cheese making process… but there’s no necessity to turn any of my cheeses over to an outside facility [to cave age]. That being said, if in the future I needed it, no, I would certainly do it.” [28:50]
—Jos Vulto on Cutting the Curd
On today’s “Book Review” edition of Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple reviews “One Hour Cheese” by Claudia Lucero, owner of Urban Cheesecraft – a DIY cheesemaking company. With 16 recipes for making cheese in under an hour – from “creamy and spreadable” to “firm and chewy” to “melty and gooey” – Claudia very clearly and concisely describes the science and essentials needed to make simple and delicious cheeses at home. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“I kept thinking we need a true beginner’s book and we need a lot of photos. I think people really enjoyed seeing the steps and seeing if the curd is right, what does whey really look like, what’s normal.” “If you are skeptical, stop right now, make this really simple cheese. You’re going to have a snack within a half an hour!”
—Claudia Lucero on Cutting the Curd
For many of us working in the cheese business, cheese is a lens through which we view the world and our place in it. With New Years resolutions still on the top of our minds, on today’s episode of Cutting the Curd, Greg Blais talks to two professionals who made the decision to work with cheese, and proactively sought out their current roles. Jeanine Dargis tells us of her amazing uphill journey to becoming a cheesemaker at Valley Shepherd, while Matt Reilly talks to us about his recent victory at the Cheesemonger Invitational in San Francisco. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“[Cheesemaking] is a brain exercise. Everyday is a challenge.” [16:25] —Jeanine Dargis on Cutting the Curd
“It was exhilarating, but a strange combination of emotions because it’s a personal experience every time you get together with cheese people. It’s not like any other business I’ve been involved with. It’s a community of people supporting farmers and creameries that are doing it because they love it.” [31:10]
—Matt Reilly on Cutting the Curd
This week Cutting the Curd host Greg Blais kicks off the new year with all-star guest Anne Saxelby, first catching up about the crazy cheese holidays before getting into their 2014 year in review. The duo discuss fondness for the Spring Brook Reading Raclette before deeming 2014 as the year of regulations in cheese. Revisiting the Food Safety Modernization Act and what it meant for imported and domestic cheeses, Anne points out that American cheeses have never been better and that by not being able to import certain cheeses anymore, it encourages domestic cheeses to step up. They go on to point out other regulations that came to fruition in the past year and how it has affected the industry. After the break, the chat turns to the very recent winner of the Cheesemonger Invitational, Matt Reilly, who is an alum of the NYC Eataly branch, trained by none other than Greg. Anne gets the scoop on how Eataly has trained Matt as well as the previous winner, Emily Acosta, and brainstorms an idea for a ‘Senior’ Cheesemonger Invitational. Closing out the show, Greg and Anne share what they are looking forward to in 2015 and great cheeses to look forward to. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“You can’t treat a dairy farm with ten cows the same way you’d treat a giant, industrial farm in Wisconsin or California. Of course you need good practices across the board… but what it looks like is different from operation to operation.” [8:00] —Anne Saxelby on Cutting the Curd
On today’s “Book Review” edition of Cutting the Curd, Diane Stemple review “The Science of Cheese” by Michael Tunick. In an engaging tour of the science and history of cheese, Michael Tunick explores the art of cheese making, the science that lies underneath the deliciousness, and the history behind how humanity came up with one of its most varied and versatile of foods. Dr. Tunick spends his everyday deep within the halls of the science of cheese, as a researcher who creates new dairy products, primarily, cheeses. He takes us from the very beginning, some 8000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, and shows us the accidental discovery of cheese when milk separated into curds and whey. This stroke of luck would lead to a very mild, and something akin to cottage, cheese-deemed delicious enough by our traveling cheese maker that he or she did it again another day. Today we know of more than 2,000 varieties of cheese from Gorgonzola, first noted in year 879, to Roquefort in 1070 to Cheddar in 1500. But Tunick delves deeper into the subject to provide a wide-ranging overview that begins with cows and milk and then covers the technical science behind creating a new cheese, milk allergies and lactose intolerance, nutrition and why cheese is a vital part of a balanced diet. The Science of Cheese is an entertaining journey through one of America’s favorite foods. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“Mozzarella is more popular than Cheddar in the United States at this point.” [23:00]
–Michael Tunick on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais is talking drunken cheese stories with guests Charlotte Kamin and Nate McEllroy of Bedford Cheese Shop, and Matt Rubiner of Rubiner’s Cheesemongers & Grocers. Kicking off the show trying to pry some crazy stories from the guests, Greg recalls a few times working slightly hungover and successfully encourages tales from there. Tune in for a fun episode and hear thoughts on the best, worst, and funniest cheese shop customers, as well as the guests’ favorite cheese and alcoholic pairings. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“My favorite demographic of customer is the arguing couple… and then all of a sudden you’re a relationship mediator!” [14:50] —Nate McEllroy on Cutting the Curd
“The best alcohol/cheese pairing I ever had was… vintage port and Montgomery’s Cheddar.” [23:10]
—Matt Rubiner on Cutting the Curd
Continuing the discussion about the importance of cheese importers and distributers to the cheese chain, host Greg Blais chats with Stephanie Ciano and Shelli Morton of Crystal Food Import/World’s Best Cheese. Stephanie and Shelli talk about the history of Crystal Food, and how the company has changed the industry and adapted to changes in American cheese culture. During the busy holiday season, cheese shops around the country stock their walk-ins and cheese cases to the brim. Tune in to hear all of the details about how that cheese gets from the farm to the counter from two veterans in the cheese biz. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“There’s exciting things going on in the cheese world beyond what we know now. I was just reading an amazing article about cheese production in India!” [17:00] “It’s great to learn your geography from cheese!” [18:45]
—Shelli Morton on Cutting the Curd
“I do think it’s important for retailers to have a close relationship, knowing the product, and being able to reach out to cheese makers.” [23:55]
—Stephanie Ciano on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, co-hosts Greg Blais and Anne Saxelby talk with Adam Moskowitz of Larkin Cold Storage and Debra Dickerson of Tomales Bay Foods. During the busy holiday season, cheese shops around the country stock their walk-ins and cheese cases to the brim. But how does all of this fragile cheese get from the farm to the cheese counter in perfect condition? Tune in to hear all of the details from veteran wholesalers/distributors in the American cheese biz as they talk about how the cheese gets to your local cheese shop. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“I think helping people understand the scope of the laws and FDA regulations, and working toegher with the FDA to make a good relationship happen, as the American Cheese Society is trying to do, I think is absolutely critical.” [36:00] —Debra Dickerson on Cutting the Curd
“I’m not here to bash the FDA, what I’m here to do is tell people that those who are not being in a mode of compliance, they’re actually putting us all in jeopardy.” [36:55]
—Adam Moskowitz on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple is talking Kickstarter campaigns with Sue Miller of Birchrun Hills Farm and Jessica Sennett of Cheese Grotto. First up, Sue Miller talks about her cheese history before delving into the goal of Birchrun Hills’ Kickstarter campaign. As a family-run dairy, they are seeking support in order to build a cheese-making facility (a.k.a. “a cave”) on the farm. The money will go to purchasing a curd vat, shelving (to ripen cheese), and a cooling system for the new aging facility. Sue and her family have been making cheese in a small off-site rental facility for the last seven years and have outgrown the current facility and do not have the space needed to keep up with the growing demand for our cheeses from chefs, farmers’ market customers, and shops around the country. Jessica also shares her background in retail cheese making and explains that she has designed products to help people store and age cheese in their homes. She goes on to add that everyone has had that moment where they reach for a piece of cheese stored in a fridge drawer or on a shelf only to find it covered in mold, stinky (not in a good way) and inedible. As cheese aficionados she and her team have spent the last year thinking about this problem and designing the first line of products: the Cheese Grotto and its little sister, the Cheese Safe. The Kickstarter campaign seeks to help get this project properly off the ground! Tune in to hear all the details behind engaging in Kickstarter campaigns, learn about the guests’ projects, and perhaps even contribute! This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“Every gray hair I have on my head came from the blue cheese.” [2:18] “Plan B is to make it work – as farmers we are resilient!” [24:18]
—Sue Miller on Cutting the Curd
“With product and product design you need a decent amount of investment up front in order to get the ball rolling.” [25:02
—Jessica Sennett on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais is talking cheese hacks! Similar to the popular life hacks, which solve everyday problems using everyday items in an unconventional way, Greg and guest Nadjeeb Chouaf of Flora Artisanal Cheese in Charlottesville, VA chat about shortcuts in cheese. Nadjeeb also opens up about how he became involved in the cheesemongering world and how he came to open his own cheese shop. Kicking off the hacks with some thoughts on parmesan rinds and cheese rinds in general, and how the microwave can be your best friend when it comes to making unique cheese snacks, tune in to learn some interesting tidbits! This program has been brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“The first hack I actually learned as a cheese monger was about parmesan rinds.” [6:10] “I’m fascinated by this hack. One hour cheese sounds too good to be true.” [20:10]
—Nadjeeb Chouaf on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais is wrapping up the series on cheese and art discussion cheese in the visual medium, whether that be in photography or painting. Welcoming guest co-host Cara Warren, Cheese Manager and Buyer at Greene Grape Provisions, to the show as well as Mike Geno and Carol Bobolts. Mike Geno is a fine artist from Philadelphia who specializes in realistic paintings of objects such as cheese, bread, bacon, and other types of food. Carol Bobolts leads the Red Herring Design team to bring a love of food (especially cheese!) to culture and has created award-winning designs for a wide range of clients. Talking to Greg and Cara Warren about how they style cheese in their work, as it turns out both have run into the problem that once you cut into cheese, the cheese is a ticking time bomb in appearance. The group goes on to discuss certain magical mistakes made in the cheese world and how what seems like a mishap can often turn into a great tasting cheese, a beautiful looking cheese, or even an amazing shot of cheese. At the tail end of the show, Greg asks the guests how they translate the taste, smell, and texture of cheese through their particular visual medium. Tune in for a great wrap of the cheese and art series on Cutting the Curd. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“Billy Blue” painted by Mike Geno
“There’s absolutely an art to cheese making.” [20:51] —Carol Bobolt on Cutting the Curd
“We’re actually giving access to cheese through aesthetics.” [25:35]
—Mike Geno on Cutting the Curd
Continuing the ongoing series on cheese and art, this week host Greg Blais is talking film on Cutting the Curd! Welcoming co-host Matt Spiegler, a writer, documentarian, and creator of the blog Cheese Notes, the duo kick off the show talking about their recent viewing of the movie, “The Boxtrolls,” and how cheese in general is beginning to become more visible in film but still has a way to go to achieve popularity. Going through a plethora of movies that do feature cheese, the guys discuss if the cheese adds or detracts from the overall message of the film. After the break, Greg and Matt speak with filmmaker Kari Branch and Malinda Beeman, a life-long artist and cheese-maker who is a subject in Kari’s project entitled “Simple As That.” “Simple As That” is a short documentary about a couple choosing to launch their artisan goat cheese business through one of the worst droughts in Texas history as well as personal adversity. Tune in to hear a thorough chat on cheese in film and how this subject is evolving in film culture. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
Meet Marfa Goats by Malinda Beeman
“I think there’s still this very high-low perception of cheese [in film].” [8:33] —Matt Spiegler on Cutting the Curd
“There aren’t a lot of cheese films out there. I think people may have an idea that cheese isn’t a serious subject.” [32:00]
—Kari Branch on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple welcomes Lou Di Palo of Italian Selects based in Little Italy, NYC and author of the new book, “Di Palo’s Guide to the Essential Foods of Italy.” Talking to Diane about his family’s prominent background in the food industry (Lou’s great-grandfather started their business in 1903!) as well as why he decided to take on writing a book, Lou talks in great detail about making cheese and dairy products like his great-grandfather and father did. Join in to hear highlights of the book as well as delicious discussion on amazing foods courtesy of Italy – led by an expert! This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“I like to call Italy twenty countries in one.” [2:38] “When you take an interest in something it gets burned into your brain.” [12:11]
—Lou Di Palo on Cutting the Curd
This week Cutting the Curd is continuing its series on cheese and art. Host Greg Blais and co-host Emily Acosta delve into the interesting topic of breast milk cheese with artist Miriam Simun, who has personal experience in this realm. Having started the human cheese project in order to provoke a space for discourse around norms and practices with regard to human exceptionalism, food production, emerging bioavailabilities, and the commodification of bodies, Miriam brings up many questions surrounding the topic that remain to be answered. She goes on to explain how she went about completing the human cheese project with recruiting volunteers to provide necessary ingredients, the actual cheese-making process and the ethics considered with the project. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“We like to think of food as coming straight from the ground, unadulterated in any way, but on the other hand steak is in a little box where it’s totally removed from the animal part where it came from.” [8:55] “To me, good art asks good questions and that’s where I was coming from when I was making it.” [18:53]
“I think the world would be a better place if more people saw their cheese as a piece of art.” [20:28]
—Miriam Simun on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais and guest co-host Anne Saxelby begin a series talking about cheese and art – how cheese tends to intersect across all platforms. This week in particular, tune in to hear guests Soyoung Scanlan of Andante Dairy and Andy Hatch of Uplands Cheese Company talk about their experiences with cheese and music. Soyoung kicks off the conversation sharing how she has been inspired to combine her love of music to create a unique, multi-sensory experience with her cheese. Andy adds to the conversation, explaining that his approach to making cheese is very similar to making music considering the dedication and repetition required to be great at both. Both guests concur that depending on the time of day and the manner in which they are making cheese influences the styles of music they play. After the break, the group delves into the importance of sound in the cheese making process. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“As a career changer I’ve [now] combined everything I love.” [11:00] “When I was making cheese, I was listening to Chopin’s ‘Nocturne’ all the time.” [15:15]
—Soyoung Scanlan on Cutting the Curd
“Practicing music and making cheese days after day requires dedication to repetition.” [19:00]
—Andy Hatch on Cutting the Curd
What’s in a name? This week on Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais is talking cheese names with guests Rachel Perez and David Grotenstein. Rachel is the French Cheese Ambassador for The French Cheese Club and is on the Judging and Competition Committee with the American Cheese Society, while David is an industry veteran having been in the business for over 30 years. Rachel kicks off the show with explaining European standards for naming cheese as it pertains to American producers. The group goes on to expand on the topic, stating that the concern is if American producers make cheeses that share the same name as French cheeses, it will result in a loss of cheese identity. Cheese names reflect not only the cheese itself but also the location where it was made. Conversely, the discussion concludes that there is a gray area in these standards because if American cheese producers rename their cheeses it could cause confusion in consumers. After the break, Greg brings this naming issue closer to home by referencing a few American branded/named items, such as Made in Brooklyn or Idaho Potatoes. Tune in to hear more! This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“We don’t want to change names that have historically been used in the states but we also want to protect some of our smaller producers who are making cheese.” [7:51] —Rachel Perez on Cutting the Curd
“The truth would work best, generally when you’re selling something. You really just want to be able to say what it is.” [19:07]
—David Grotenstein on Cutting the Curd
This week on a brand new Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple is kicking off the show’s monthly book review, welcoming chef and cheesemonger Chester Hastings, author of The Cheesemonger’s Seasons to talk about his beautifully photographed volume. Complete with his favorite cheese recipes, Chester shares with Diane how to match peak-season produce with fine cheeses. Also chatting with Diane about how a recipe truly becomes one’s own and the differences between what you might see used in his professional kitchen versus what he composed for the home cook, it’s clear that Chester knows how to make cheese accessible for anyone interested. If you’re on the look out for a new recipe book, tune in for an in-depth discussion on The Cheesemonger’s Seasons. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“The ego gets out of the way and you just focus on really great ingredients and doing them really well, and that’s all it takes.” [5:52] —Chester Hastings on Cutting the Curd
This week on a brand new Cutting the Curd, host Greg Blais takes on current events in the cheese realm and welcomes Susan Sturman and Stephanie Ciano to the program to shed light on what’s going on. A Cutting the Curd veteran, Susan Sturman is the Director of the Anglophone Program at Academie Opus Caseus and is a Co-Chair of the 2015 Annual Conference at the American Cheese Society. Stephanie Ciano is the Vice President of Sales & Purchasing at Crystal Food Import Corporation, specializing in cheese imports. Talking to Greg about some of the recent happenings with the International Cheesemonger Confederation, Susan explains how the ICC is helping to represent all retail cheesemongers in order to promote and defend their business interests, especially with recent, controversial FDA regulations and the Russian food embargo. Stephanie joins in on the discussion, adding from what she has dealt with as a cheese importer on both situations. After the break, the talk turns to domestic cheese and what it takes to abide by the guidelines and produce cheese in the United States. This program was sponsored by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“Until we’re all really honest and people aren’t doing bad stuff to good food, we’re going to need those labels because they’re our protection.” [18:52] — Susan Sturman on Cutting the Curd
“I hit road blocks everyday as an importer with all the products that I have that are on FDA holds. You’re looking at a quarter of a million dollars at any given time that we’ve got on hold.”[32:20]
— Stephanie Ciano on Cutting the Curd
Cheese royalty is in the house this week on Cutting the Curd! Join Greg Blais as he chats with Peter Dixon and Benton Brown on a candid and insightful episode of the world’s best cheese radio show. Peter Dixon is a dairy foods consultant and artisan cheesemaker. His work with people engaged in or interested in making cheese and other dairy products draws on 30 years of cheesemaking and 15 years of consulting. Peter works with dairy farmers and experienced or aspiring cheesemakers to research, develop, or improve their milk processing businesses. Benton Brown is behind Crown Finish Caves, a cheese aging operation in Brooklyn, NY. This program was brought to you by Edwards VA Ham.
“Italian cheeses have a broad spectrum. It can be hard and long aged down to something softer – all from raw milk. That appealed to me. Marketing wise, there isn’t enough of that cheese being made in small batches in an traditional manner.” [04:00] –Peter Dixon on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, guest host Greg Blais and co-host Diane Stemple kick off the new radio season with a very special guest, none other than Anne Saxelby! Catching up with Anne, Greg and Diane start the show off discussing the culinary perks of Brooklyn as well as putting the guest on the spot asking about her journey with cheese. Though growing up in the midwest and going to college at New York University for art, it wasn’t until she took a trip to Italy that she truly discovered the allure of cheese. Upon coming back to New York, she took a job at Murray’s Cheese Shop (where she met Diane) and a wine shop, gaining some great experience. After the break, the group shares thoughts on the start of Saxelby Cheesemongers. Tune in for a fun show where we get the full story behind Anne. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“With cheese you eat it, you like it, you don’t. You make a judgement call and I love the immediacy of it.” [11:21] “I never felt at home in the big store, and I always thought that I’d like to do something on my own.” [13:50]
“My goal is always to be a bridge between the farm and the people eating the cheese.” [26:08]
—Anne Saxelby on Cutting the Curd
Tune in for a fun and insightful episode of Cutting the Curd as Greg Blais is joined by friend and cheese expert Max McCalman. Max is a highly visible advocate for artisanal cheese production, and is renowned as one of the cheese world's living legends for his expertise, insight and passion. Max is a dedicated scholar of cheese, where he acts as consultant to the trade, judges at cheese competitions and is a frequent guest lecturer. He was America's first restaurant-based Maître Fromager. Max's work takes him across North America and Europe, speaking at conferences and festivals, and most passionately, to explore the dairies and farms that contribute to artisanal cheese making. Max has been conferred the title of Maître Fromager as designated by France's Guilde des Fromagers. This program was brought to you by Fairway Market.
"There a lot of people who still look at cheese like it's an indulgence. I eat cheese like there's no tomorrow." [04:00] "I recommend, if you're buying cheese, that you buy less and buy often. You don't stock up – it's not that kind of experience. Buy it like you buy fish. [29:00]
–Max McCalman on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, Diane Stemple chats with Michael Paternity, author of The Telling Room: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, Revenge and the World’s Greatest Piece of Cheese. In the fall of 1991, while working at a gourmet deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Michael Paterniti encountered a piece of cheese. Not just any cheese. This was Paramo de Guzman, a rare Spanish queso reputed to be the finest, and most expensive, in the world. The cheese carried its own legend: Made from an ancient family recipe in the medieval Castilian village of Guzman (pop. 80), the cheese was submerged in olive oil and aged in a cave where it gained magical qualities-if you ate it, some said, you might recover long-lost memories. Too broke to actually buy the cheese, Paterniti made a quixotic vow: that he would meet this cheese again someday. Flash forward ten years, when Paterniti has finally found his way-family in tow-to that tiny hilltop village to meet the famous cheesemaker himself, a voluble, magnetic, heartbroken genius named Ambrosio. What Paterniti discovers in Guzman is nothing like the idyllic slow-food fable he has imagined. Instead, he wanders into-and eventually becomes deeply implicated in-the heart of an unfolding mystery, in which a village begins to spill its long-held secrets, and nothing is quite what it seems. This program was brought to you by Consider Bardwell.
On a new episode of Cutting the Curd, hear from last year and this year’s recipients of the Daphne Zepos Teaching Award. The Daphne Zepos Teaching Award is an annual scholarship awarded to a USA-based cheese professional who uses the funds to travel, learn and further their education on cheese. First, hear from Jess Perrie of Beehive Cheese Company who won the award last year. She recounts her trip to Basque country in Spain and reflects on how it inspired her to try new things in her cheesemaking. Second, hear from Emily Shartin, this year’s award winner. She talks about what it means to win the award and describes her vision for her career in cheese. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“We’re definitely thinking of new ideas at BeeHive and there will be a Basque influence for sure.” [12:00] –Jess Perrie on Cutting the Curd
“There’s more and more cheesemakers popping up around the American west.” [22:00]
–Emily Shartin on Cutting the Curd
Re-live the 2014 American Cheese Society Conference, held this year in Sacramento, California, on a brand new episode of Cutting the Curd! Hosts Greg Blais and Diane Stemple are joined by Debra Dickerson, co-chair of The Festival of Cheese at the ACS, and Jeremy Stephenson, a cheesemaker who’s Tarentaise Reserve took home best in show at the ACS. Find out what makes the cheese world such a vibrant community and hear some great stories from the big event! This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“We wanted only cheese that could be recycled by going to pig farmers. All cheese must be put to good use.” [09:00] “It’s so amazing – every year the cheeses [at ACS] get better and better!” [31:00]
–Debra Dickerson on Cutting the Curd
Re-live the 2014 Cheesemonger Invitational on this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd. Greg Blais, Sophie Slessinger and Andrew SiIskind were at the event and recorded some great interviews that they are sharing with listeners today. Hear from Matt Spiegler of CheeseNotes.com, Adam Smith of Jasper Hill, Jeremy Stephenson of Springbrook Farms and Veronica Pedraza of Meadowood Farms. This program was brought to you by Consider Bardwell
Re-live the Vermont Cheesemaker’s Festival on a special episode of Cutting the Curd, as host Greg Blais is joined by Lisa Battilana, the Executive Chef of the Woodstock Farmer’s Market in Vermont and cheesemonger Perry Soulos for a re-cap. The 6th Annual Vermont Cheesemaker’s Festival, sponsored by the Vermont Cheese Council took place July 20th at the Coach Barn at Shelbourne Farm in Vermont and featured over 200 cheeses from more than 40 cheese makers, as well as dozens of artisan food producers and local wine, beer and spirit producers. The festival provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to connect with farmers and cheesemakers. On the line we also have She has been the cheesemonger for about 10 years, and is the only retail member on the Vermont Cheese Council. Tune in and get the inside scoop on the festival and the world of artisan cheese. This program was brought to you by Heritage Foods USA.
“It’s a rare opportunity for everybody to meet and literally talk to the people making the cheese.” [04:00] “Food is pretty egalitarian. Everybody eats.” [15:00]
–Lisa Battilana on Cutting the Curd
“I felt nothing but comfortable and welcome the whole time in Vermont. It has it’s charm – Vermont is Vermont!” [31:00]
“The great thing about goats is that children can handle them so easily. It’s an animal the whole family can participate in raising.” [37:00]
–Perry Soulos on Cutting the Curd
What happens when a punk kid figures out how to handle cheese? The Bedford Cheese Shop is born! Get some insight into running a cheese shop as Greg Blais and guest co-host Matt Rubiner chat with Charlotte Kamin, owner of Bedford Cheese Shop- an old-fashioned cheese shop dedicated to providing the finest quality cheeses from around the world. Tune in to find out what the day to day life of a cheese shop owner is like, what plans Charlotte has for expansion and what inspires her “brand”. From quality control to business management – get a peek into the world of retail cheese in Brooklyn! This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“I was a punk kid who knew how to handle cheese. I am now an older punk kid who knows how to handle cheese.” [04:00] “I get off on the fact that food can bring you back to childhood memories.” [06:00]
“I am not the type of person who can just sustain in the same environment. As a shop-owner when you have really good people you want to see them grow.” [11:00]
“A lot of people have this misconception that opening a cheese shop is an easy and profitable thing, but it’s difficult!” [32:00]
–Charlotte Kamin on Cutting the Curd
Andy Hatch is responsible for one of the most ubiquitous cheeses on counters and menus across the country – Pleasant Ridge Reserve. He’s the guy behind Uplands Cheese Company, a seasonal grass-based dairy farm. Uplands is unique in a number of ways: it follows the “Alpine pattern” of milking, and its a place where cows harvest their own feed, spread their own manure, and give the farmer a bit of a break in the hard labor department. Tune into a conversational and candid episode of Cutting the Curd as host Greg Blais chats with Andy about everything from business growth to American cheese culture. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“We’re a Pleasant Ridge Reserve farm. Everything we do is geared around that grazing season and producing the most beautiful milk we can for that cheese.” [21:00]
–Andy Hatch on Cutting the Curd
Jason Hinds of Neal’s Yard Dairy has damn-near seen it all when it comes to cheese. This week he joins Greg Blais and Emily Acosta on Cutting the Curd to discuss his work at Neal’s Yard Dairy, his cheese travels and his experiences in the Jura region of France. Tune in and hear Jason recount trips to the cheese fortresses of Jura, the seasonality and terroir of the area and what makes the cheeses of the region so incredible. Neal’s Yard Dairy is a London artisanal cheese retailer and cheesemaker, described as “London’s foremost cheese store.” As the sales director for Neal’s Yard Dairy, Jason knows where to find cheese, what makes it special and how to sell it. Get some real insight from one of the biggest people in cheese on today’s Cutting the Curd! Today’s program was brought to you by Bonnie Plants.
“Whenever we go interact with a cheese, we’re not just interacting with the cheese – we are physically transported.” [20:00] “We don’t celebrate just the cheese itself – we’re working in partnerships with individuals. We present them as much as we present the cheese.” [30:00]
–Jason Hinds on Cutting the Curd
In the last of the Old School vs New School series, Greg Blais is joined by two talented cheesemongers – Emily Acosta of Eataly and Matt Rubiner of Rubiner’s Cheesemongers and Grocers. Hear them both explain how they found cheese as a career, what the world of cheese means to them and what makes a “real” cheesemonger. Find out how the cheese industry has changed over the years and what tools make learning the trade easier in 2014. This program was brought to you by Bonnie Plants.
“We didn’t have NYU food studies or cheese caves internships – I made flash cards!” [08:00] -Matt Rubiner on Cutting the Curd
“I was fascinated by this process of liquid milk turning into something you could keep for a long period of time.” [10:00]
–Emily Acosta on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, Diane Stemple talks with Gianaclis Caldwell about her new book, The Small-Scale Dairy. Tune into this program to hear how writing this book reminded Gianaclis of the importance of food advocacy. Why is Gianaclis so inspired by the DIY spirit? Learn how some of the FDA’s proposed aging regulations could hurt some cheesemakers, and why artisan producers should define their own good manufacturing practices. Hear more about the farmstead cheesemaker short course that Gianaclis hosts, and how she analyzes milk for taste and food safety purposes! This program has been sponsored by White Oak Pastures. Music by The Hollows.
“It’s empowering to think, ‘If someone else can do something, than I can probably learn to do that thing, too.'” [3:45]
“It’s important to be informed… We shouldn’t look at food like it’s going to be around all of the time; food is not static.” [12:40]
“Most of us cheesemakers couldn’t afford our own cheese!” [27:15]
— Gianaclis Caldwell on Cutting the Curd
Continuing in the old school/new school series, host Greg Blais hosts two sheeps milk cheesemakers on this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd. He chats with David Major of Vermont Shepherd and Veronica Pedraza of Meadowood Farms. They talk a bit about their work making cheese before jumping into a conversation on the new FDA ban on the use of wood for cheese aging. If that sounds crazy to you, you’re not alone as Greg and his guests wax poetic on the historic method of cheese aging and what it would mean to be without it. This program was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA.
“Sheep have their own smarts and own way of being that in some ways exceeds that of goats and of humans… and in some ways not” [08:00] –David Major on Cutting the Curd
Goat milk cheesemakers love goat, there can never be enough cheesemakers and they all love each other. These are some of the positive takeaways from this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd, a continuation in the Old School vs. New School series hosted by Greg Blais. This week’s episode sees burgeoning cheesemaker Michael Lee of Twig Farm, a small goat dairy and cheese making business chatting with his more experienced counterpart Judy Schad of Capriole Goat Cheese. Hear them geek out on goats, share insights and give aspiring cheesemakers advice. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market
“Goat personalities are so individual. They’re your friends! They’re easy to bond with unlike sheep.” [06:00] –Judy Schad on Cutting the Curd
What happens when you pit old school next to new school in the cheese world? Find out this week on a brand new episode of Cutting the Curd, as Greg Blais is joined by Jos Vulto of Vulto Creamery and Franklin Peluso, a third generation cheesemaker from California. Tune in to hear their stories and learn what it’s like in the life of a cheesemaker. From raw milk production to inspections – get some real life insight into what it’s like making cheese for a living. This program was sponsored by The International Culinary Center.
“You’re always faced with a number of challenges – transportation, getting it out to the right people at the right time and the promotion of the cheese. As far as production goes – I don’t think i’ve had a lot of problems in the past but that doesn’t mean there won’t be problems in the future.” [13:00] –Franklin Peluso on Cutting the Curd
“I find the transformation from fluid milk to hard pressed sweet nutty cheese just amazing.” [28:00]
–Jos Vulto on Cutting the Curd
Tom Mylan knows his meat. The cult-hero, Executive Butcher and co-owner of The Meat Hook, a butcher shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where he cuts, smokes and cures meat that is sourced from small, family-owned farms, is just about to release his first book, The Meat Hook Meat Book: Buy, Butcher, and Cook Your Way to Better Meat. On this week’s book review edition of Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple chats with Tom Mylan about the bookwriting process, his career as a butcher and his previous life as a cheesemonger. This program was brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“I’ve never written a book. When you get the first manuscript back and there are squiggles all over the place – it’s a little daunting. The designing part was the most exciting. We got the chance to actually design it.” [05:00] “It was great we weren’t the first people to do a new wave butchering cookbook – because we got to look at all the other ones. We wanted to think of a way to show how animals come apart where you could just look at it” [07:00]
“Anyone can do anything – it’s just a matter of how it’s explained to them.” [10:00]
–Tom Mylan on Cutting the Curd
Welcome to another episode of the best cheese radio show in the world, Cutting the Curd. This week – host Greg Blais is chatting with two movers and shakers in the world of cheese – Elena Santogade of Arethusa Farm & Dairy, and Lisa Hall of Saxon Creamery. Tune in and hear from both guests as they share their cheese stories. Elena explains what it’s like working with the award winning cows at Arethusa Farm & Dairy and why nothing can beat incredible milk. Later in the show, Lisa shares the Saxon Creamery story and what it’s like operating a 5th generation Wisconsin family farm. This program was sponsored by Of a Kind.
“Between the weather [in winter], the climate and type of cow it really increase the butter fat and proteins in the milk so we’re able to make a very special cheese [Snow Fields] for a very limited time.” [18:00] –Lisa Hall on Cutting the Curd
What’s the deal with mozzarella? Most people have a vague understanding of the popular cheese – but there’s more to it than you think. From burrata to stracciatella – this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd is dedicated to mozzarella. New host Greg Blais welcomes Rynn Caputo of Caputo Brothers Creamery and Patrick Molinari of Eatlay to chat about the pulled curd we all love so much. Find out what people get right — and wrong — about mozarella on another great episode of the world’s best cheese radio show. This program was sponsored by Fairway Market.
“Mozzarella is the white zinfandel of the cheese world.” [03:00] “Our goal is to change the way mozzarella is used in this county and if I have to do it one bite at a time, i’m going to do it.”
–Rynn Caputo on Cutting the Curd
Ari Weinzweig knows how to run a good business. In fact, he wrote the book on running a good business — literally, and he’s this week’s guest on Cutting the Curd. From explanations of the “Twelve Natural Laws of Building a Great Business” to “Writing and Using Guiding Principles,” Zingerman’s co-founder Ari Weinzweig shares eighteen different “secrets” that will help you grow and run your business in his latest book A Lapsed Anarchists Approach to Managing Ourselves. The experiences are compiled into bite size, easy to digest lessons. You can read section by section. This is a book for leaders and entrepreneurs of small companies, large companies, non-profits or anyone in any type of organization. You don’t need to be in the food business. What you do need to be feeling are growth pains. Here you can get practical help from someone who can relate to your problems. This book is written by a small-business owner from the perspective of a small-business owner, not a managerial consultant, not a professor reciting a series of “studies.” This program was sponsored by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“Going for greatness is more work. It’s good work.” [15:00] “Negative emotion is much more contagious than positive.” [23;00]
“When the numbers are better – stress is lower. When stress is lower, people do better work.” [24:00]
–Ari Weinzweig on Cutting the Curd
What could be better than a cheese tour? For cheese enthusiasts – it’s worth every penny. On a travel themed episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Greg Blais chat with Susan Sturman of Academie Opus Caseus and Chris George from Neal’s Yard Dairy. Learn about some cheese farm tours, cheese professional meetups and the place American cheese holds in the global cheese community. What happens when French cheesemakers meet up with American’s? What can cheese professionals learn from travel? Find out on Cutting the Curd. Today’s episode was sponsored by SPONSOR
“When I was able to travel and put faces to names that I work with – everything changed for me” [13:00] –Greg Blais on Cutting the Curd
It’s the Cheese Travel Show on Cutting the Curd! Tune in and hear from Elph Morgan at the Zingerman’s Food Tour and Rynn Caputo from Caputo Brothers Creamery. From Italy to the Midwest, find out what goes into making a great cheese travel experience and why cheese makes for such an interesting destination theme. This program was sponsored by Bonnie Plants
There are three things we look for when designing tours, great product, good communication and an inviting physical space” [05:00] –Elph Morgan on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, Diane interviews Tenaya Darlington, author of DiBruno’s House of Cheese. Tenaya talks about her writing and processes, as well as how she came up with 170 great cheeses to include in the book. This program has been sponsored by Consider Bardwell Farm. Today’s music provided by The California Honeydrops.
Image from DiBruno Bros.
“We liked the idea of giving 1 line of personality to the cheeses, so that if you were standing around looking at this book, you could visualize the cheese in an instant.” [26:15] –Tenaya Darlington on Cutting the Curd
What does it look like when a small business scales up in the cheese world? This week’s episode of Cutting the Curd answers that question, as host Anne Saxleby is joined by two guests who are in the middle of that process right now. First, hear from Kari Skibbie, Sales Director of Holland’s Family Cheese and later in the show hear from Chris Roelli, Cheesemaker for Roelli Cheese Haus. Learn about everything from the cheesemaking process to small business management and get insight into what it’s like running a cheese-biz! This program was sponsored by Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
Photo: Holland’s Family Cheese
“You name it, we’ve got it downstairs!” [15:22] –Kari Skibbie on Cutting the Curd
“I was always a big believer we didn’t have to be a big company to make it in the cheese business.” [25:00]
–Chris Roelli on Cutting the Curd
The cheese world is changing! Certain certification programs are evolving and there are more options than ever for aspiring cheesemongers looking to learn about the industry. With that, comes controversy. On this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby chats with cheesemonger Greg Blais of Eataly about certification programs, their effectiveness and relevance in today’s ever-changing world of curd. They also discuss the affinage debate and the general state of cheese in America today. This program was sponsored by Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
“I learned everything by working – everything I know was from putting cheese in my hands and meeting the people who sold it to me. I’ve never taken a culinary class in my life.” [02:00] –Greg Blais on Cutting the Curd
We’re profiling some Cheesy Kickstarters this week on Cutting the Curd! Tune in as Anne Saxleby chats with Rynn Caputo about her successful Kickstarter campaign for Caupto Brothers Creamery. The Caputo Brothers Creamery’s successful Kickstarter campaign helped them start an initiative to deliver their mozzarella curd to people’s homes. This program has been sponsored by Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
What’s better than beer & cheese? This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby invites Jimmy Carbone, host of Beer Sessions Radio and Greg Blais, cheesemonger at Eataly for an on-air beer and cheese pairing and discussion! Tune in and learn how grains play into both cheese and beer – and what pairings work best. Tune in for this virtual tasting and conversation about terroir, provence and ingredients as they relate to beer and cheese. This program was sponsored by Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
“I think wine and cheese get more play – but I know that beer and cheese go together better!” 15:00
“Things that come from the same place tend to go well together.” 25:00
–Greg Blais of Eataly on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple interviews Janet Fletcher, food writer from Napa Valley and author of Cheese and Beer. Janet writes a weekly column in the San Francisco Chronicle where she reviews cheeses, and gives a beer or wine pairing suggestion at the end. Tune in to hear Janet’s thoughts on combining beer & cheese! This program has been sponsored by Wisconson Milk Marketing Board. Today’s music provided by Snowmine.
Image from Janet Fletcher
“I definitely think it’s true that beer is an easier match to cheese [than wine].” [28:00]
“I really have never met a brewer who didn’t like cheese, so it’s a natural match right there!” [32:00]
Janet Fletcher on Cutting the Curd
This week’s episode of Cutting the Curd focuses on New Jersey family businesses. Hear from Bob Sickles of Sickles Market, a multi-generational family business. Since 1908, Sickles Market has become a favorite destination for the best produce, plants, gourmet foods, garden accessories, and gifts at the New Jersey Shore. Later in the show, hear from Andrea Carbine, Owner and Founder of Local Roots Cranford Community of Businesses. Find out how she manages to divide her time between A Toute Heure, 100 Steps Supper Club + Raw Bar, Jack’s Run Gardens, and The ATH MarketBox! This program was sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus.
“Growth and change is important – it’s relentless – but it’s not like I need to open 40 or 50 stores or anything.” [5:00]
— Bob Sickles of Sickles Market
The results are in! This year’s Cheesemonger Invitational in San Francisco was a huge success and a winner was crowned – Perry Soulos! Tune in and hear from both Perry and the organizer of the wildly successful event – Adam Moskowitz. Hear how cheesemongers faced off, what plans are in store for the event in the future and what’s going on generally in the world of cheesemongers today! This program was sponsored by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“The Cheesemonger Invitational like a fourteen hour day when you include partying – it’s totally a marathon.” [10:00]
— Adam Moskowitz on Cutting the Curd
On this edition of the Cutting the Curd Book Review, Diane Stemple chats with Tami Parr, author of Pacific Northwest Cheese: A History about, well… the history of cheese in the Pacific Northwest! Learn about the research that was involved with writing the book, and how Tami had to dig through the archives of the Library of Congress to discover some of the West’s oldest cheesemakers! Learn how milk shortages affected cheesemakers, and why competition for milk was fierce in the earliest days of Oregon cheesemaking. Were goat and sheep’s milk cheeses common in the early days of Pacific Northwest cheesemaking? Finally, find out how the industrial revolution allowed cheesemakers to flourish in the region. Thanks to our sponsor, Academie Opus Caseus. Music by Obey City.
“In the early history of the Pacific Northwest, there wasn’t a lot of milk. So there were huge amounts of competition for cheesemakers…” [20:00]
“A farmer can make a lot more of a profit off of a cow than a goat or a sheep.” [22:10]
— Tami Parr on Cutting the Curd
It’s the holiday season, and many folks are wondering, “What’s the best cheese to bring to a family gathering?” Anne Saxelby is joined by two guests who can help you make the right cheese decision: Andy Hatch of Uplands Cheese and Matt Rubiner of Rubiner’s Cheesemongers and Grocers! Tune in to hear Andy Hatch talk about the processes involved with making Rush Creek Reserve- the perfect holiday cheese! How does Uplands Cheese use spruce bark to flavor Rush Creek Reserve, and how often is the cheese washed during the aging process? Later, Matt Rubiner talks about the holiday atmosphere at Rubiner’s Cheesemongers, and how folks at the cheese counter can anticipate the seasonal rush. What cheeses sell best at Rubiner’s during the holidays? Find out all of this and more on this week’s edition of Cutting the Curd!
This program has been brought to you by The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“Improvements happen year to year, not batch-to-batch.” [10:00]
— Andy Hatch on Cutting the Curd
On this edition of the Cutting the Curd Book Review, Diane Stemple talks with Sue Conley, co-author of Cowgirl Creamery Cooks. Sue, along with her partner Peggy Smith, were artisan cheese innovators with the establishment of the Cowgirl Creamery in Marin County, California. Tune in to hear how the Cowgirls combined recipes with cheese know-how in order to create an encompassing cheese guide. Tune in to learn how to arrange cheese plates according to region, variety, and beyond! Hear how Cowgirl’s Mt Tam evolved from a gouda recipe, and how the development of Red Hawk was a lucky mistake! This program has been sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus. Music by The California Honeydrops.
“One suggestion for arranging a cheese plate is to take all of the same kind of cheese, such as a cheddar, but from all different regions.” [16:55]
“I was always very confident in making fresh cheeses. It’s just like baking!” [18:50]
— Sue Conley on Cutting the Curd
Want to learn how to make cheese? Live in Brooklyn? Why haven't you been to the Brooklyn Kitchen yet!? Learn all about New York City's original "small box cooking store" and their educational programs on this weeks episode of Cutting the Curd. Anne is joined by Brooklyn Kitchen's Director of Education, Michelle Warner, who shares her personal story and gives some insight into the programs at Brooklyn Kitchen! This program has been sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.
"People always walk away very satisfied from their classes at the Brooklyn Kitchen because we make sure that they are set up with an instructor who knows what they're doing, and they've had a lot of experience in doing it before." [8:50]
— Michelle Warner on Cutting the Curd
What is affinage? Simply put, it's the art of ripening cheese. However, as you'll learn on this episode of Cutting the Curd, it's a complicated art that is as challenging as it is rewarding. Hear from Susan Sturman, of the Academie Opus Caseus, a school for cheese professionals in France with a program in English for anglophone cheese professionals worldwide as she explains the school's programs in affinage. Later in the show, affinage expert Laini Fondilier of Lazy Lady Farm joins in and continues the conversation. Learn out all about the art of affinage on this educational episode of Cutting the Curd! Thanks to our sponsor, Academie Opus Caseus.
"There's a lot of science behind [affinage], but it's highly empirical. You just have to watch!" [6:00]
— Sustan Sturman on Cutting the Curd
Kirstin Jackson focuses on American cheese in her new book, It’s Not Your, It’s Brie: Unwrapping America’s Unique Culture of Cheese! On this edition of Cutting the Curd‘s book review, guest host Diane Stemple talks with Kirstin about her first book, and the research and stress that went along with writing. Hear how Kirstin learned about different inspirations for cheeses from farmers and cheesemakers! Find out why Kirstin works within a light-hearted aesthetic, and why she imposed such a tight deadline upon herself. Would Kirstin ever write about international cheese? Find out all of this and more on this edition of the Cutting the Curd book review! This program has been brought to you by Whole Foods. Music has been provided by The California Honeydrops.
“Working in wine, I saw what happened when you make something too precious and too romantic… With wine, when something gets too precious, it’s hard for some people to get involved.” [5:25]
— Kirstin Jackson on Cutting the Curd
On this week’s special episode of Cutting the Curd, host Diane Stemple speaks with Gordon Edgar, author of Cheesemonger: A Life on the Wedge. Gordon Edgar is a cheesemonger based in San Francisco, California. He has been selling and working with cheese since 1994, at San Francisco’s largest grocery store. His latest book, Cheesemonger: A Life on the Wedge, is the highly readable story of Gordon’s unlikely career as a cheesemonger at San Francisco’s worker-owned Rainbow Grocery Cooperative. With a refreshingly unpretentious sensibility, Edgar intertwines his own life story with his ongoing love affair with cheese, and offers readers an unflinching, highly entertaining on-the-ground look at America’s growing cheese movement. Learn more bout Gordon, his craft, and the book on this episode of Cutting the Curd! This program has been sponsored by Consider Bardwell Farm.
“In the end the cheese always does the talking.”
“Early death is not likely to come as a result of eating fancy cheese.”
— Gordon Edgar in his book, Cheesemonger: A Life on the Wedge
Take a trip to Florida on the latest episode of Cutting the Curd! For its “State of Cheese” series, Anne Saxelby takes the show to the south, chatting with Louise Kennedy Converse of Artisan Cheese Company in Florida and Kathleen Cotter of The Bloomy Rind in Nashville, TN and the Southern Cheese Festival. This program was sponsored by SPONSOR.
“I wanted to create a place that I would love!” [11:00] Louside Kennedy Converse of Artisan Cheese Company
aHeirloom is an Etsy-born company that produces state shaped cutting boards. It’s proprietor, Amy Stringer-Mowat, is this week’s guest on Cutting the Curd with Anne Saxelby. Find out how she launched her business and what drove her to make cutting boards! This program was sponsored by Consider Bardwell.
“I think it’s really important to stick to things you’re passionate about.” [26:00] –Amy Stringer-Mowat on Cutting the Curd
Hannah Howard has been working in cheese in New York City since the age of seventeen. On this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby sits down with Hannah to talk about her lifelong love of food, and how she became the Copywriting Director at Fairway Market. Hannah has worked with a wealth of cheese luminaries in New York City including Steve Jenkins, Brian Keyser, and max McCalman; what lessons has Hannah learned from this roster of cheese professionals? Hear how Hannah got involved with food writing, and how she practices her skills through sign-making at Fairway!
“I always loved food, eating, and experimenting… I always had funky food in my life, even when my friends did not.” [6:45] “When I came to New York and found this community of people who were all about food, it felt so nice to be a part of that!” [8:30]
— Hannah Howard on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby talks with Janet Keller about the upcoming World Dairy Expo! 2013 marks the 47th annual World Dairy Expo located in Madison, Wisconsin. Learn more about the cow shows at the World Dairy Expo, and what a blue ribbon means for a specific breeder. Tune in to find out what seminars are available at the event, and how the Expo is pushing sustainable dairy production. What new technologies are gaining momentum in the dairy world? Find out how the influence of younger generations is changing the ways that farmers raise their animals. How does the World Dairy Expo aim to support the younger generation of dairy producers? Find out all of this and more on this week’s edition of Cutting the Curd! Thanks to our sponsor, The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Music has been provided by Pamela Royal.
“This is considered one of the premiere cattle shows in the entire world. If an animal can win in their age class, their breed, or overall pride, then there is the opportunity for that cow to spread its genetic stock.” [6:40] — Janet Keller on Cutting the Curd
Tiffany Kenney of Locavore Roar joins Anne Saxelby to talk about the Wisconsin Food Festival on this week’s edition of Cutting the Curd. Hear how the event aims to mimic the idea of “slow food” by encouraging attendees to meet with cheesemakers and other producers. Learn about the contemporary Wisconsin food scene and how it combines new food trends with decades of heritage. How is Locavore Roar supporting local food economies and small businesses? Learn why Tiffany decided to head up Locavore Roar, and how the organization helps with marketing and press based on their extensive network. This program has been brought to you by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Music has been provided by EULA.
“As Wisconsin produces more artisan cheesemakers and food producers, I hope that we can continue to support that kind of local economy.” [10:45] — Tiffany Kenney on Cutting the Curd
Lassa Skinner is a woman who knows her cheese. As founder/owner at Culture cheese magazine and Co-Author of Cheese For Dummies, she knows how to translate her cast amount of cheese knowledge to the public. On this week’s book review of Cutting the Curd, join guest host Diane Stemple as she chats with Lassa about the process of writing Cheese for Dummies, which is the only book in the Dummies series with photography! Learn about what considerations went into a book intended to be accessible for all audiences and discover how Lassa makes sure her audiences are never intimidated by cheese! Cutting the Curd is underwritten by The Dairy Farm Families of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“I try to make sure people are not intimidated by cheese – which believe it or not they are!” 02:00 –Lassa Skinner on Cutting the Curd
Greg O’Neill is a man who knows cheese better than most. He’s the co-founder and co-owner of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine in Chicago, and president of the American Cheese Society which just celebrated a successful 30th annual conference this year in Madison, Wisconsin. Greg re-caps the conference and speaks to the current state of the cheese community in America. Find out about some great upcoming festivals and trends in the world of cheese. Cutting the Curd is underwritten by The Dairy Farm Families of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“We have to help our members to help themselves – we can’t as ACS do the work for them, people have to be able to take the information and run with it. We try to bring as much rigor and detail to is as we can so people can have a head start.” [15:00] –Greg O’Neill on Cutting the Curd
Meet Jonny Hunter – one of the founders of the Underground Food Collective, a group of talented chefs and food professionals that do everything from catered events to a unique line of charcuterie. Learn how the collective came together and why Jonny thinks a group mentality can elevate cuisine. Hear about their special dinners and events and find out how Wisconsin plays such an important role in all of their gastronomic projects. Cutting the Curd is underwritten by The Dairy Farm Families of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
On a special episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slessinger chat with Jess Perrie of Beehive Cheese Company, who happens to be the first recipient of the Daphne Zepos Teaching Award, a scholarship started in honor of cheese professional Daphne Zepos, who passed away last year. Jess explains what it means to win the scholarship and how she discovered her passion for cheese. Hear about her cheese journey and various projects and learn more about everything from cheese education to Basquee style cheeses. Cutting the Curd is underwritten by The Dairy Farm Families of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“What I love about this community is that we’re a big group of nerds!” [05:00] –Jess Perrie on Cutting the Curd
Who doesn’t love Mac & Cheese? On the monthly book review edition of Cutting the Curd, guest host Diane Stemple is joined by Laura Werlin, a James Beard award-winning author with an unbridled passion for cheese. Laura’s latest book is Mac & Cheese Please, where you’ll find 50 recipes organized by fun topics, such as Classic and Almost-Classic Mac & Cheese, Porky Mac & Cheese, Decadent Mac & Cheese, Lighten Up Mac & Cheese, Veggie Mac & Cheese, Party Time Mac & Cheese, and Breakfast for Dinner Mac & Cheese. The 50 recipes are presented in a fun format, like her previous title, Grilled Cheese Please! She even includes an appendix that includes info on all the food trucks and restaurants that specialize in mac & cheese. Tune in to learn more about one of the most popular dishes in America, and hear the nuances that go into writing a cookbook! Cutting the Curd is underwritten by The Dairy Farm Families of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
“In many ways, the single subject book format is much easier because I know what the basic idea will be – and then it’s a question of getting creative with it.” [08:00] “If we just keep talking about cheeses we know in the cheese world that others dont – it will stay amongst ourselves rather than reaching a larger group of people who might be interested in these cheeses but don’t know about them. I try to provide gateways into cheese with these books that will encourage people to go further.” [18:00]
–author Laura Werlin on Cutting the Curd
Hear from former Saxelby Cheesemonger Jon Bonanno on the latest episode of Cutting the Curd. Jon has worn a variety of hats in the cheese world: farm assistant at Consider Bardwell, cheesemonger at Saxelby Cheesemongers and Cavaniola's Tribeca, and cheesemaker at Rainbeau Ridge Farm in Bedford Hills (the farm of Lisa Schwartz, maker of the awardwinning Meridian), as well as an active home cheesemaker.After a couple years as a parttime assistant cheesemaker, he arranged to lease the cheesemaking facility at Rainbeau Ridge when Schwartz recently decided to take a sabbatical. He is now — under the name Arattom Dairy — producing the ash-coated Cinder (roughly based on the Meridian recipe) and fresh chevres, as well as developing a variety of tommes, fetas and more that will be coming to market soon. Rainbeau is a true farmstead facility: while you stand in the make room, the bleats of the goats in the nearby enclosures are audible and each day the milk travels just a few hundred feet from milking parlor to vat. When Schwartz went on sabbatical, the herd was reduced from 40 to 14, although the biggest producers were kept, so milk production dropped by just 30 percent. Due to limited space, the goats are fed hay supplemented with grains rather than pastured, but live comfortable lives spent mostly lounging in shade; the quality of the milk attests to that. Jon's interactions with the animals are limited due to his full cheesemaking schedule, but he hopes to expand his role and is interested in the possibilities of new partnerships between cheesemakers and farmers. Cutting the Curd is underwritten by The Dairy Farm Families of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
Find out what it takes to become a Master Cheesemaker on the latest episode of Cutting the Curd. Now in its 18th year, the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker® program is the only one of its kind outside of Europe. For cheesemakers, it provides the opportunity to reach the highest levels of their craft. For buyers, it provides unparalleled quality assurance, innovation and expertise. Administered from the Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the program is open to veteran Wisconsin cheesemakers with a minimum of 10 years experience in Quality Assured plants. Candidates can seek certification for up to two cheese varieties each time they enter the three-year program. They must have been making those specific varieties for at least five years. To talk further on the program is Dean Sommer who serves as a technical resource to the industry regarding cheese, whey products and processing. He assists manufacturers as well as their customers by serving as a consultant and educator. Dean is often involved with trouble shooting, public and private company short courses and is able to consult on issues regarding processing and product defects. He has more than 18 years of experience in the industry, having worked at one of the largest cheese and whey product facilities in the U.S. Cutting the Curd is underwritten by The Dairy Farm Families of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
Meet Brian Schlatter from Canal Junction Farmstead Cheese, where the higest quality milk is turned into delicious Handmade – Artisan – Raw Milk cheese. Their philosophy is to not only create cheese that is good for you, but also taste wonderful. The cheeses take on their own unique taste and attributes that come from the land on which the cheese is produced. Tune into an informative episode of Cutting the Curd as Brian chats about farming, explains their cheesemaking process, the genesis of Canal Junction and future plans! This program was sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus.
“You want about 3-4 days of sunny skies with no chance of precipitation ever when you’re cutting hay. If molds grow in the hay cows can get sick or it can pass through to the milk.” [27:00]
–Brian Schlatter of Canal Junction Farmstead Cheese on Cutting the Curd
Pizza a Casa Pizza School officially opened its doors April 15th, 2010 at 371 Grand Street on New York City’s historic Lower East Side. Since opening, Mark and his wife, Jenny, have been teaching sold-out pizza-making classes to thousands of students from all over the world. Together with their students and the Pizza a Casa team, the home ovens in their classroom have produced more than 15,000 pizzas (as of Spring 2013). On Cutting the Curd, learn about their groundbreaking pizza app, and hear the story of how the decided to make education their outlet. This program was sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus
Heather Paxson views cheese through an anthropological lens in her book, The Life of Cheese. On this week’s Cutting the Curd Book Review, Diane Stemple invites Heather into the studio to discuss cheese- from its creation to its consumption. Find out why Heather first became fascinated with American artisan cheese in New York City’s Greenmarkets. Learn about the research that went into Heather’s book, and how she visited small farms and famous fromageries. Heather and Diane also tackle the misconception that new artisan cheesemakers are elitist; hear how ‘the food movement’ accommodates for everyone from blue collar workers to artists. What ethics are involved in cheesemaking, and what risks threaten ‘the food movement’? Tune into this episode to learn more about the industrialization of cheese and the prospect of reinventing the food system! This program has been sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus. Thanks to Pamela Royal for today’s music.
“People are realizing that things have happened to our food system without even realizing it, and they aren’t willing to take it for granted anymore.” [4:10] “Like any food, cheese is a complex cultural artifact saturated with ethics and politics.” [pg. 214, The Life of Cheese]
— Heather Paxson on Cutting the Curd
On a brand new episode of Cutting the Curd, discover Mystic Cheese & The 4th Annual Cheesemonger Invitational. Led by Jason Sobocinski and Brian Civitello, The Mystic Cheese Company is composed of highly skilled and and trained cheese experts using science and art to bring milk on a metamorphic jouney to pure deliouness. In the Spring of 2013 Mystic Cheese began releasing 5 handcrafted fresh and soft ripened American original cheeses. In addtion to their cheeses they have an innovative production and marketing infrastructure that will open up new possibilities in the wonderworld of artisan cheese. Organized by Adam Moskowitz, The 4th Annual Cheesemonger Invitational is where cheesemongers from around the country flex their minds and muscle in a battle of cheese skill and will. Tune in for the run down on both of these incredible worlds and continue your radio cheese exploration! This program was sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus.
“I want these people to take the cheese and cook with them, do things with them and have a good time with them – not just put them on a cheese pedestal.” [13:00] –Jason Sobocinski of Mystic Cheese Company on Cutting the Curd
“The best way to learn in this game is just to go out and do it. If you think it’s hard work being a cheesemonger on your feet – try cheesemaking!” [21:00] –Adam Moskowitz of The 4th Annual Cheesemonger Invitational
On this month’s special book review edition of Cutting the Curd with special guest host Diane Stemple, listeners are introduced to Diane St. Clair, the author of The Animal Farm Buttermilk Cookbook: Recipes and Reflections from a Small Vermont Dairy. The yet to be released book offers 100 recipes, from sweet to savory, designed to showcase the best that buttermilk can contribute to food, all set in the context of what it is like to live and work on a small Vermont artisanal dairy. Diane has been making artisanal butter for over a decade and started bottling her buttermilk in 2009. Learn about dairy farming, the wonderful world of buttermilk and the book writing journey Diane embarked on for this project. Today’s program was sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus.
“One of the things that makes my product unique compared to a factory product is that it has a seasonal quality that reflects the milk at different times of the year depending on what my cows are eating.” [10:00] –Diane St. Clair on Cutting the Curd
It's time for Camp Bacon! Tune in to this week's episode of Cutting the Curd as Anne Saxelby chats with Ari Weinzwieg, founder of Zingerman's and creator of Camp Bacon, a fundraiser in Ann Arbor, MI for Southern Foodways Alliance that brings together Bacon-Lovers, -Makers, Cooks, Curers and anyone who likes to learn, eat and enjoy cured and smoked pork belly. Camp Bacon is four days of all things bacon — eating, learning, listening, tasting and talking; a pork centric party that features everything from poetry to pigs. Camp Bacon convenes on the evening of Thursday May 30, moves through a bacon-laden meal to a bacon tinged music to a day long delight of bacon learning and tasting, concluding on Sunday June 2 with a bacon street fair filled with bacon tasting, bacon crafts, bacon games and all around bacon fun. Find out more here and tune in for bacon goodness! This program was sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus.
"Old breeds will almost always produce a better bacon becuase the flavor of the meat is more interesting." [16:00] –Ari Weinzweig on Cutting the Curd
Lauren Melodia aims to link New York dairy farmers and high incarceration rates with her organization, Milk Not Jails. This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby sits down with Lauren, founder and co-organizer, to talk about the prison system in New York, and how it connects the urban with the rural. How do prisons bolster New York’s rural economy? Find out how government support for dairy farms as opposed to prisons creates a sustainable economy. Learn how a lack of processing and bottling plants limits production for small dairy farmers. Find out what Milk Not Jails aims to do to support local dairy farmers and help reform the prison system simultaneously. This program has been sponsored by White Oak Pastures. Thanks to Pamela Royal for today’s musical interlude.
“The processing world has shut its doors to farmers who want to be entrepreneurial in their industries.” [25:15] — Lauren Melodia on Cutting the Curd
As Anne Saxelby continues to explore the lives and careers of Cheesemongers across the nation on Cutting the Curd, this week she checks in with Peter Lovis, the warm and charismatic proprietor of the Concord Cheese Shop in New England. Hear his cheese journey and find out why he thinks it’s absolutely necessary to have a face to face interaction with the people selling you your cheese – not a digital relationship. Find out why cut to order is always better and what makes raw milk cheeses so special! This program was sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus.
“Now to be a cheesemogner is actually an honorable profession!” [4:00] “How can you buy cheese on the internet!? It’s so wrong to me I can’t fathom how anybody would do it!” [30:00]
—Peter Lovis of Concord Cheese Shop on Cutting the Curd
Ken Skovron is the owner of Darien Cheese and Fine Foods, based in Darien Connecticut. One of first original cheese stores opened 36 years ago, Darien Cheese and Fine Foods focuses their selection on the heart and soul of cheese making; the artisan cheese maker. In addition to cheese, the shop also offers fine oils and vinegars, chutney, mustards, pasta, olives, teas, oven breads, and much more. Tune in to learn more about the shop, as well as the art of running your own cheese business from an established veteran. This program was sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus
“I’m not a textbook person, I’m a hands on person . You’re not a great cheese maker/bread maker without getting involved with your hands.” [6:00] “You gotta love the product and be willing to do the work.” [8:00]
“I didn’t get on the counter for a full year, there’s alot of behind the scenes work, you need to know how to present it to the customer, know your “lingo” kind of things.” [10:00]
“I think the people that are successful [in this industry] have a passion about cheese.” [10:30]
–Ken Skovron on Cutting the Curd
It’s a cheese-for-all on this episode of Cutting the Curd. Host Diane Stemple starts her book review program with Sasha Davies, a member of the Executive Board of the American Cheese Society and owner of Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery in Portland, Oregon. Davies recently authored the book “The Cheesemaker’s Apprentice” which includes in-depth interviews from top cheesemakers and cheese recipes. Find out what it takes to write the book on top-quality cheese production. The President of the American Cheese Society, Greg O’Neill phones in to chat about the Pastoral Cheese Festival, which takes place in Chicago tomorrow. The event will feature 30 cheesemakers from across the world in addition to other food, wine and beer. Yoav Perry, cheesemaker and founder of the online cheesemaking supply company, Artisan Geek joins Diane in the studio. This program was sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus
“The one where you’re talking to a cheesemaker and asking them how they got started being a cheesemaker and what led them to a particular stlye and did they have any memory of real moments of lightbubls going on? Revelations about that particular type of cheese because… it could take a home cheesemaker 10 years to get to because they’re not making cheese everyday.” [6:00] — Sasha Davies on Cutting the Curd
“With the cheesemaker I asked them some of the same questions. For example,… I asked every maker what their most important tool was in the cheesemaking room?” [10:00]
— Sasha Davies on Cutting the Curd
“I don’t think a home cheesemaker is going to dig a huge tunnel under its house thats probalby not goignt ob ethe issue and ive been workinga lot with home cheese maker form all over the world and they call me up with advices on what microbes to use and things like that and it always stakrs out with I’m just going to make a 30 minute mozzarella and then its turn out 2 or 3 years later brightening when they’re making crazy caves in their house” [19:00]
–Yoav Perry on Cutting the Curd
Greg Blais has a storied history as a cheesemonger in New York City. Anne Saxelby invites Greg into the studio to talk about the roots of the cheesemonger profession. Tune in to hear about Greg’s time at various New York City food institutions such as Balducci’s, Dean & Deluca, and the Essex Street Market. What was the food landscape like when Greg decided to pursue the career of a cheese professional? Find out about Greg’s current job as a cheese buyer at Eataly, and why the proof is in the pudding when it comes to cheese. Later, Anne and Greg chat with Veronica Pedraza and Fiona Harrar of Meadowood Farms about the lambing season! Hear how the farm transitioned to include a sheep’s milk dairy, and find out why so many cheesemongers love working with sheep! This program has been brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus
“When we first started doing this, there was no support system. You had to be pioneers…” [5:00] — Greg Blais on Cutting the Curd
Anne Saxelby reviews some recent cheese headlines on this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd. Anne is joined in the studio by founder of Heritage Foods USA, the Heritage Radio Network, and husband, Patrick Martins, to sort through all of the true and false cheese stories of the past year. Find out how much stolen muenster was found in the back of a tractor trailer. Learn more about government cheese, and cheese and pizza chains. How is tennis player Novak Djokovic linked to donkey cheese? Tune into this episode to hear about some recent cheese fires in Norway, and how some farmers are using smartphones to milk their cows! This program has been brought to you by Academie Opus Caseus
Canning and preserving has really become a big trend in the food world these days, but how can you take it to the next level? Tune in to this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd as Anne Saxelby chats with Kelly Geary, founder of Sweet Deliverance and author of Tart & Sweet. Tart & Sweet provides a fresh tutorial on small batch canning accompanied by gorgeous photography that looks nothing like the dark and dusty “canned food” of yesteryear. The cookbook is packed with more than 101 recipes, from blueberry lemongrass syrup to pickled ramps, as well as county fair favorites like canned peaches and bread-and-butter pickles. There are 25 additional recipes for using your jarred goods in delicious and creative ways, from cocktails to cakes. Tune in and hear more tips and techniques for amateurs and pros alike! Also hear about some delicious jam and cheese pairings. This program was sponsored by Academis Opus Cassius.
“I enjoy experimenting with herbals people aren’t using often or different flavor combinations. My flavors change super often by what inspires me.” [06:00] “I’m really fond of sweet jams with mild cheeses.” [12:30]
–Kelly Geary on Cutting the Curd
The Daphne Zepos Teaching Award is an annual scholarship awarded to an USA-based cheese professional who uses the funds to travel, learn and further their education on cheese. This award will grow a squad of cheese professionals who teach about the history, culture and techniques in making, aging and selling cheese. Each year someone new will go forth to learn about cheese. The scholarship will fund travel and living expenses. The winner will return to share their learnings with the cheese community — at the annual American Cheese Society Conference and beyond. The scholarship is funded by the Daphne Zepos Endowment, which is held in the American Cheese Education Foundation. That's what you are donating to here. Our goal is to raise $250,000 both through this site and by direct investment. This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby chats with Capital Campaign Adminstrator Rachel Juhl of Essex St. Cheese Co., who talks about her experiences carrying out Daphne's plans and helping aspiring cheesemakers in the country. This program was sponsored by Academie Opus Caseus.
Learn all about “the art of butter” on a creamy episode of Cutting the Curd, as Anne Saxelby returns to the airwaves to chat with Susan Bruss of Olli’s Farm and Creamery in beautiful Hartwick, New York. From the 1800’s until about 30 years ago, the farm had been an outstanding dairy farm. With Susan’s wonderful cultured butters, she hopea to bring it back to its former glory. Hear how she takes fresh cream and turns it into a blissful mound of Olli’s Handcrafted Cultured Butter- an American comfort food, for sure. If you’re interested in small farming setups or butter in general – press play! This program was sponsored by our good friends at Academie Opus Caseus.
“I caught on to cultured butter and never let go of it!” 03:00
“Butter is one of those foods affected by everything it surrounds. There’s nothing like fresh butter.” 05:00
“Cow comfort is extremely necessary in any milk production.” [11:00]
–Susan Bruss of Olli’s Farm and Creamery on Cutting the Curd
So you want to learn about cheese? You’ve found the perfect program! This week’s guest on Cutting the Curd is Susan Sturman, of the Academie Opus Caseus, a school for cheese professionals in France with a program in English for anglophone cheese professionals worldwide. Academie Opus Caseus exists at the heart of the MonS Fromagerie operational headquarters, where cheese undergoes affinage, and orders are received, packed and shipped. Tune in and learn more about the school and the state of cheese at large – from affinage to cheese caves. Learn more about the school and their courses here: Academie Opus Caseus.This program was sponsored by Fairway Market.
“This is not cheese appreciation this is working with cheese – practical knowledge.” 05:00
“The culture the French have around cheese is something we can take from and build around. They represent a wealth of knowledge.” 10:00
“Affinage is the maturing of cheese. It’s a different skillset [than cheesemaking] and takes a different infrastructure.” 24:00
–Susan Sterman of Academie Opus Caseus
Anne Saxelby is back on Cutting the Curd! Though broadcasting at a brand new time (Friday’s at 4:00pm), it’s same cheesy show! This week’s guest is Homa Dashtaki of The White Moustache, a father/daughter business that produces yogurt made by local milk from the Brougiere Farm Fresh Dairy. They use only whole milk and a yogurt base, taken from a previous batch of yogurt which makes really thick all natural creamy yogurt. Hear about some of the challenges they face as a small dairy producer in terms of regulations and permits and discover why their yogurt-making process ensures that the final product is as natural and delicious as possible! This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
“This tiny little seed of an idea that’s been there in our back pocket is taking off like a runaway train!” [4:00]
“This has given me an opportunity to connect with my folks as people and collaborate on something that’s outside of the dynamic we have.” [7:00]
–Homa Dashtaki from The White Moustache on Cutting the Curd
Kate Arding of Culture Magazine talks about her cheese history on today’s Cutting the Curd. Diane Stemple talks with Kate in the studio about her schooling background, and how Neal’s Yard Dairy changed her perspective on cheese and high-end food markets. Listen in to hear Kate talk about traveling to Uganda and taking a break from cheese jobs. What’s it like to work for Culture Magazine, and why do cheese connoisseurs love the rag so much? Find out why Kate and her partners decided to go forth and publish a magazine during publishing’s decline. How did Kate come up with the idea for the ‘cheese centerfold’? Find out on this week’s Cutting the Curd! This program has been sponsored by Consider Bardwell.
“If we did a consumer publication, it would be read by the trade- but if we did a trade publication, consumers wouldn’t read it.” [22:40] — Kate Arding on Cutting the Curd
Poul Price and Everett Presley didn’t find cheese; cheese found them! This week on Cutting the Curd, Diane Stemple asks Everett and Poul about their storied histories in the cheese world. What fostered Everett and Poul’s initial food interest? Listen in to hear about formal cheese training, and what made Everett and Poul fall in love with cheese. How have recent food trends affected the cheese-buying consumer? Tune in to hear Everett and Poul talk about embarrassing cheese questions, and what cheeses are the easiest cheese to sell? This program has been sponsored by Consider Bardwell.
“By default, the number of local cheeses have increased because they’re just getting better.” [21:30] “The easiest cheese to sell is the one that’s tasting the best.” [26:30]
— Poul Price on Cutting the Curd
“You can tell people where the cheese comes from, or they can just taste it…” [28:00]
— Everett Presley on Cutting the Curd
Peter Kindel shares his cheese journey on today’s Cutting the Curd with Diane Stemple. Hear how Peter got his start in the cheese world, and how his travels in France and England changed his perspective on cheesemaking entirely. Peter talks about his experiences working with Neal’s Yard Dairy and helping develop a cheese called Ogleshield. Why did Peter decide to get involved with the agricultural side of cheesemaking? Peter speaks to the risks of dealing with raw milk, and why the market over-regulates raw milk distribution. This episode has been sponsored by Fairway Market.
“When I was trying to source so many great cheeses from Europe, I realized that we needed to make cheese. And we need to create regional agricultural economies based on that product.” [14:25] — Peter Kindel on Cutting the Curd
Diane Stemple’s guest on today’s Cutting the Curd is Max McCalman, the Dean of Curriculum at Artisanal. Listen in to hear Max recount some of his first childhood cheese memories, and his goal to dispel nutrition misconceptions about cheese. Hear about Max’s initial cheese education at Picholine, and how it influenced the idea to begin Artisanal. Diane and Max speak to their cheese tastes, and the differences between raw milk production and pasteurization. Learn more about the American Cheese Society Certification Exam! This program has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
“I think Picholine is partially responsible for this ‘cheese wave’ in the United States- that cheese can be a stand-alone food.” [4:20] “People used to look at cheese like it was poisonous, indulgent- and that it was fattening!” [10:00]
“During my short career, I’ve seen some cheeses become extinct. They’re not ever coming back.” [18:40]
— Max McCalman on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, guest host Diane Stemple is joined by Tyler Hawes of The Chef’s Warehouse/Dairyland to talk cheese, safety & distribution. Hear the ins and outs of shipping, risk, regulation and delivery when it comes to food. Get an inside look into the cheese supply chain and learn from somebody incredible close to the action. From packaging to plating – take a gastronomic dairy trip through the many steps it takes to get one of the worlds most delicate and complicated foods to your table. What preventative steps can cheesemakers take to make their relationships with restaurants and retailers more beneficial? What problems are on the horizon for small cheesemakers? Tyler also gives in depth advice to aspiring food professionals in regards to education and employment. This is a must-listen for anybody who wants a career in cheese! This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
“We all make an implicit commitment when we work for any food business that we take some level of risk. Anything that FDA and independent businesses do is all about reducing that risk. There are preventative measures you can take – but it’s not anything you will ever completely eliminate.” [3:54] “I think that perception is reality when it comes to [large food companies]. You don’t work for a company all the time – you work for other people. One of my mentors always told you don’t quit a company – you quit a boss. You can find great mentors everywhere.” [24:12]
–Tyler Hawes of The Chef’s Warehouse on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, Diane Stemple is joined by three owners of start-up cheese shops. Beth Lewand is in the studio talking about the real esate challenges she faced when opening up her Greenpoint, Brooklyn establishment, Eastern District. Rachel Klebaur calls in from North Carolina to talk about the process of obtaining building permits for Orrman’s Cheese Shop, and how her store has been received as a transplant to Charlotte. Kristin Sande joins via the phone from Las Vegas to talk about the work involved with running a store, and why a passion for business is essential – not just a love for cheese. If you’re thinking about starting your own cheese shop, tune into this episode of Cutting the Curd! This episode has been brought to you by The Heritage Meat Shop.
“I was not prepared for the stamina that running a cheese shop takes- and I’m a strong, good worker!” [21:00] — Kristin Sande on Cutting the Curd “You have to always be looking to improve what you do. You cannot be complacent with any aspect of the business.” [27:10] — Beth Lewand on Cutting the Curd
Today on Cutting the Curd, Diane Stemple is joined by a panel of guests to talk about holiday cheeses and cheese gift ideas. Joining Diane in the studio are NYC cheese geeks Jessica Kesselman, Amy Sisti-Baum, and Sarah Zaborowski. Hear what cheeses to bring to your holiday gatherings! The studio decides what cheese books and accessories would be great holiday gifts! Diane asks the question, “What American cheeses do you bring as a gift to a steadfast Euro-phile?” Hear about some great American cheeses from Jasper Hill Farms and Pleasant Ridge Reserve! Hear about the cheesemongers’ role in introducing customers to new cheeses, despite customers’ initial hesitations. What cheeses do you bring to your Kraft-loving relatives, or your wine snob friends? Find out on Cutting the Curd! This episode has been sponsored by Tabard Inn.
“I have decided that I would like to be able to give people spreaders that will not break and maybe even pair it with a cheese, so that they will know what knife to use for that kind of cheese.” [15:20] — Jessica Kesselman on Cutting the Curd
On Cutting the Curd we have talked about the intersections between cheese and art on previous shows, but this week host Diane Stemple highlights three personal journeys with guests Aaron Kirtz of Forever Cheese, Beth Griffenhagen of Murray’s Cheese and Adam Moskowitz of Larkin Cold Storage. Find out how each guest found cheese and ended up transitioning artistic energy into their respective cheese careers and how the two worlds are not so dissimilar. Whether you’re a food professional with a creative passion or an artist with a love for food, this episode provides great insight into the fusion of expression, art and gastronomy. This program was sponsored by The International Culinary Center.
“The overarching thing for me is always being able to take risks – so i jumped into a field that i really didn’t know much about but wasn’t afraid of.” [03:15] -Aaron Kirtz of Forever Cheese on Cutting the Curd
“I love taking a big idea and making it small – it’s my favorite way to create things and look at the world.” [07:35]
–Beth Giffenhagen of Murray’s Cheese on Cutting the Curd
“Once you become an artist, you’re an artist. Once you understand what it means to be an artist you just are.” [09:37]
“When you taste cheese it proves god is an artist because the whole flavor profile of cheese comes from biochemistry!” [26:30]
–Adam Moskowitz of Larkin Cold Storage on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, Diane Stemple is joined in the studio by two newly graduated Certified Cheese Professionals, Amy Thompson and Elena Santogade. Amy Thompson is the head cheesemonger at Lucy’s Whey in the Chelsea Market, and Elena Santogade is the head cheesemonger at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. Hear how Amy and Elena studied for the certification exam, and learn about the different subjects that are on the test. How has passing the exam furthered their careers in cheese? Later, hear Amy and Elena’s cheese suggestions for the Thanksgiving dinner table! Hear what cheeses are ideal for cooking, for dessert, and as appetizers! This episode has been brought to you by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.
“My advice to anyone who is taking the exam this year would be to really relate it back to the reality of being a cheese professional- to relate everything back in the body of knowledge to your daily work.” [14:30] — Elena Santogade on Cutting the Curd
Diane Stemple debuts as guest host on this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd! Diane is speaking with Aaron Foster, the Head Buyer for Murray’s Cheese about the affect of Hurricane Sandy on the New York City cheese business. Tune into hear Diane and Aaron recount the events of the storm, and how the various Murray’s spaces in the West Village, Grand Central, and Long Island City fared in the weather. Aaron tells his story from the night of the storm; hear how Aaron waded through waistdeep water through Greenpoint to check on product! Hear about the storm’s aftermath, and the damage to the Murray’s warehouse. How was Murray’s able to band together and save 8 tons of cheese? Find out on this episode of Cutting the Curd! This episode has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.
“To their credit, almost all our staff came in- by foot, car, or bike- they came from almost every borough to help clean up at Bleecker Street.” [19:00] — Aaron Foster on Cutting the Curd
Cutting the Curd returns after a brief hiatus! This week, Anne Saxelby is joined in the studio by Diane Stemple of Jasper Hill Farm. Diane will be hosting Cutting the Curd while Anne is on maternity leave! Tune in to hear how Hurricane Sandy affected the cheese business in New York City. Bedford Cheese Shop, Saxelby Cheesemongers, and Murray’s Cheese are all located in Lower Manhattan and suffered because of the storm. Veronica Pedraza of Meadowood Farms calls in to talk about her experiences last year with Hurricane Irene in Vermont, and to talk about the Dairy Sheep Association of North America Symposium this year. What barriers do people face when starting a sheep dairy? Learn why people like sheep as a multi-purpose animal, but why sheep dairies are still suffering in the United States. This episode has been brought to you by Whole Foods.
“If your parents have a cow dairy, and they’re struggling to find a way to make it viable, you can turn that into a cheese-making operation. But no one’s really inheriting sheep diary farms from their families. The infrastructure on farms that currently exist… a lot of the designs are meant for cows.” [14:00] — Veronica Pedraza on Cutting the Curd
On this episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are joined by Kate Arding of the American Cheese Society. Kate is also the founder of Culture Magazine, and British farmstead cheese expert. Learn about the decline of artisanal British cheeses after the Industrial Revolution. Hear about mechanized cheese production, and the practice of coloring cheese. How did Neal’s Yard Dairy revive the British cheesemaking? Learn more about the role of distributors in the cheese business, and how they help to popularize small producers. Tune in to find out more about Kate’s work with American cheese, including a delicious cheese accident that occured during her time at Cowgirl Creamery! This episode has been sponsored by Susty Party.
“Farmhouse cheeses were increasingly on the back burner [after the industrialization of food]. The methods of production and efficiency for cheap food were eclipsing flavor.” [5:36] “A lot of the attention understandably gets put on the producers… You can be making the best cheese in the world, but unless you have the other links in the chain in place i.e. the retailers who are going to act as the translator to the consumer- all of these things have to me in alignment in order for it all to work.” [23:14]
— Kate Arding on Cutting the Curd
October is American Cheese Month! On this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are talking about the newly inaugurated American Cheese Month, and what it means for artisanal cheese enthusiasts. Learn how you can get discounted farmhouse cheeses with the American Cheese Month’s Passport Program! Later, Anne and Sophie call up Christine Hyatt of Cheese-Chick.com! Tune in to hear how Christine’s time at the American Cheese Society inspired her to help found American Cheese Month. Christine also share some of her current exploits as a Cheese Chick; hear about Christine’s cheese media adventures in Oregon! You don’t want to miss out on what American Cheese Month has to offer, so check out this episode of Cutting the Curd! This episode has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.
“The people who understand and love craft are really an ideal customer for artisan cheese.” 8:40 — Christine Hyatt on Cutting the Curd
On this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are talking with author and cheesemaker Gianaclis Caldwell. In addition to running Pholia Farm, Gianaclis has written two cheese-themed books, The Farmstead Creamery Advisor and the recent Mastering Artisan Cheesemaking. Like Anne, Gianaclis comes from a studio art background; hear why Gianaclis left the art world to embrace cream and curd. Tune into listen to Gianaclis talk about what she learned from writing her books, and why it was important to filter and edit information to make her books pertinent to beginning cheesemakers. Cheesemaking isn’t necessarily a recipe – so many elements are interchangeable! Hear why cheesemaking can be so fragile, and learn some of Gianaclis’ tips for making reliable cheese. Learn more about the scale at Pholia Farm, as well as the types of cheeses that the farm produces. This program has been sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.
“You can stay true to you art with cheese, but if you’re working with two dimensions or sculpture, you’re showing a part of your soul that many people might not be able to identify with.” — Gianaclis Caldwell on Cutting the Curd
We’re talking cheese tools on this week’s installment of Cutting the Curd! Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger talk with Kristy Hadeka and Sean Tice of Brooklyn Slate. Hear about how a graphic and fashion designer came to start a small company to plate cheese and serve beverages! Learn about the different processes that Kristy and Sean use to crack and extract slate. How did Kristy and Sean’s families react to the idea of Brooklyn Slate? Later, Anne and Sophie call Martijn Bos of Boska in Amsterdam. Hear about Martijn’s roots in the cheese world, and why he decided to build Boska into a company of cheese accessories. Hear about some of Martijn’s products, such as the Partyclette and the cheese curler. Learn how you can implement Boska’s tools into your cheesemaking and your kitchen! To wrap up the episode, Anne and Sophie share some of their favorite cheese accessories that they use in their homes and at Saxelby Cheesemongers! This episode has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.
“The thinner the slice, the better the taste, and the quicker the taste hits your palate.” — Martijn Bos on Cutting the Curd
This week, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger call up New York state dairy farmer Lorraine Lewendowsky for a report from the New York State Yogurt Summit. Lorraine is not only a dairy farmer, but an activist in the New York food community. Tune in to hear Lorraine talk about the percentage of yogurt that is made from large farms versus small farms. Learn about the environmental effects of New York state yogurt boom, and hear about some of the past trials that dairy farmers have had to face in the state. Learn about the importance of the food security in an import-heavy economy, and why New York state dairy farmers were prevented from organizing for collective bargaining rights. This episode has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
“About 9% of all New York State milk goes into yogurt.” “If you’re going to incentivise the large farms, you should incentivise the smaller farms as well.”
“I think the food movement should start incorporating the average farmer, not just the artisan farmer.”
— Lorraine Lewendowsky on Cutting the Curd
Cutting the Curd is back from summer vacation, and Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are reviewing some of the best cheese-focused events of the summer. Hear about the American Cheese Society Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the new Certified Cheese Professional Exam. Learn about some of the best cheeses in-show from all across the country. Also, hear about the upcoming Washington County Cheese Tour in New York, and the Nutmegger Cheese and Wine Festival at Jones Family Farm in Shelton, Connecticut. Later, Anne and Sophie talk with Tressa Eaton, Editor for Tasting Table New York. Hear how Tressa’s varied background in the food world has given her not only experience, but a greater appreciation for food professionals. Hear Tressa talk about some of her favorite foodie events of the summer, and make sure to check out Tasting Table for more updates! This program has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.
“In my currrent work, I’m interviewing farmers, cheesemongers, vintners, chefs, and restauranteurs. Having had all of my experiences [in the food world], I have so much more respect for everyone in the business because I know how hard you have to work.” — Tressa Eaton on Cutting the Curd
On this week’s Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are traveling via the airwaves to Oregon! That’s right, this week’s episode is all about the state of cheese in Oregon. The Oregonian that Anne and Sophie are talking to is Sasha Davies, cheesemonger and author of The Guide to West Coast Cheese and The Cheesemaker’s apprentice. Anne, Sophie, and Sasha talk about how Portland is similar to Brooklyn in terms of artisanal food production; Portland’s got a huge population of homebrewers, picklers, and homemade cheesemakers! Sasha is also the creator of the website CheeseByHand.com, an enormous resource for cheeseheads all over the country! Also, Sasha recommends some of the best places to buy quality cheese in Portland. Later, Anne and Sophie call up Carine Goldin, an Oregon goat cheese producer. Hear why Carine’s space in Oregon is wonderful climate for raising goats and making cheese, and some of the gatherings for cheesemakers in the area. This episode has been sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.
“It’s a milder climate; it’s not so extreme. I really think that the terroir of the area is just ideal for producing really nice, quality cheese.” — Carine Goldin on Cutting the Curd
On today’s episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are remembering the life and work of cheesemonger, educator, writer, and chef Daphne Zepos. Anne and Sophie speak with two call-in guests for the occasion. Ari Weinzweig of Zingerman’s recalls Daphne’s passion and eloquence when it came to cheese. Ari also talks about some trips he took with Daphne in pursuit of good cheese, and her dedication to spreading the word about cheese and food education. Katherine Alford, currently of The Food Network, was Daphne’s teacher at Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School, better known as The Institute of Culinary Education. Listen in to hear Katherine reminisce about a trip to Daphne’s childhood home in Greece, where they watched shepherds milk goats and create cheese in the most traditional of ways. To contribute to Daphne’s cheese education vision, please visit Cheesefoundation.org and make a donation in Daphne Zepos’ memory. This program has been brought to you by Whole Foods.
“There was this majestic, theatrical, intelligent, philosophical person who could wax eloquently about cheese, and nobody else really did it like that. She brought something special to a food world that was already changing for the better…she did a lot of work to teach about it so that it wasn’t just superficial prose.” — Ari Weinzweig on Cutting the Curd “Daphne understood place, the lives of the people that were making the cheese, and wanted to really celebrate that and share it with people in a way that was really unique.” — Katherine Alford on Cutting the Curd
What’s the state of cheese in Arizona? On this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are talking with some cheese people from Arizona in the know! First up, we have Krista and Troy Daily from the Wedge and Bottle, a new cheese shop in Phoenix, Arizona. Find out what got Krista and Troy interested in cheese, as well as some of the local and imported cheese that they sell in their shop. What’s in store for Wedge and Bottle in terms of cheese education and tastings? Next, Anne and Sophie talk with Rhonda Crow from Crow’s Dairy in Buckeye, Arizona. Tune in to learn why Nubian goats thrive in the Arizona climate, and how goat dairies are growing throughout the state. Hear about some of Crow’s Dairy’s delicious treats, including goat milk gelato! This episode has been sponsored by Fairway Market.
“It seems that everyone with five or more goats is trying to start a cheese dairy [in Arizona]. It has really boomed…there’s a lot of inquiry about staring a small dairy, and I think that’s just great.” — Rhonda Crow on Cutting the Curd
On this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are in the studio talking about the Cheesemonger Invitational. First, Anne and Sophie talk with Adam Smith of Cowgirl Creamery in Washington, D.C. Adam was this year’s Cheesemonger Invitational champion, and he discusses the rigors of the cheese competition. Hear about the different facets of the contest, including everything from a “plate the slate” test to a blind tasting. Later, Adam Moskowitz, founder of the Cheesemonger Invitational, joins Anne and Sophie in the studio. Tune in to hear how the contest has grown, what are the aims of the competition, and Adam’s hopes for the invitational in the future. Tune in to hear how your favorite cheesemonger scored in the competition! This program has been brought to you by Heritage Meat Shop.
“The first year- it was about the party. The second year- it was about the monger. And the third year- it was about the community, and I hope the community aspect continues to grow and prosper.” — Adam Moskowitz on Cutting the Curd
On this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are talking with Sandor Katz, author of the book The Art of Fermentation. Tune in to hear about how bacterial cultures are reflections of our cultural identity! Anne, Sophie, and Sandor also discuss the war on bacteria, and how it is completely antithetical to boosting one’s immune system and can be seen as harmful to one’s health. Sandor praises the merits of fermented food and beverage, such as wine, salami, sauerkraut, and our favorite- cheese! Hear about how the work of Louis Pasteur has made it difficult for modern cheesemakers to produce raw milk cheeses. Learn more about urbanization and how it initiated a need for sterility. Grab a block of your favorite fermented cheese and tune into this episode to find out more information about the health benefits of fermented foods! This episode has been sponsored by White Oak Pastures.
“As a group, these cultured foods or fermented foods, are more than incidental culinary novelties. They are really at the core of our cultural identity. The word culture itself comes from the Latin word for ‘cultivation’- and so there’s the sense that culture is a form cultivation, beginning with cultivating the soil for the food we eat, and on through all the other things we have learned to cultivate in different ways.” — Sandor Katz on Cutting the Curd
On this episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are on the phone with Rynn Caputo of the Caputo Brothers Creamery in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. Recently, Rynn came into Saxelby Cheesemongers in the Essex Street Market and showed Anne her mozzarella-making process! Tune in to hear about how Rynn and her husband set out with the intention of becoming chefs, and became makers of fine Italian-style cheeses. Learn about the different proteins that are present in milk, and how they make their way into different types of cheeses. At the end of the episode, Rynn describes the processes she uses to make mozzarella- starting with the curd and ending with stretching. This episode has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.
“Our biggest hurdle to overcome is just really making people understand what it means for it to be fermented, what it means for it actually to be cheese, why mozzarella should actually taste like something. Then, we’re assuring people that it’s easy [to make].” — Rynn Caputo on Cutting the Curd
On today’s episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are talking with Chris Vamos, president of Milkman Cheese Services. Tune in to hear about cheese in Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California. Chris believes that younger cheesemakers are so eager to please all palettes, that they make several types of cheese without having a focus. Hear about Chris’s role in advising cheesemakers with his company, Milkman Cheese Services. While Chris takes cheese very seriously, he sees the humor in the cheese business and makes it accessible to everyone. To hear more, tune in to this episode of Cutting the Curd- sponsored by White Oak Pastures.
“Consistency is huge. That’s something I want to hammer into my cheesemakers. If you can make the same great product week in and week out, that is enormous. You want to cut out the peaks and valleys as much as you can.” — Chris Vamos on Cutting the Curd
Leave all of your stereotypes about “diets” and “dieting” behind! On this episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are talking with Elizabeth Fassberg, Registered Dietician and president of Eatfood (and her son, Jack) about nutrition and healthy dietary habits. Tune in to hear about Elizabeth’s start in the food world making cakes at age fourteen. Hear about how her experiences working with low-income youth inspired her to become a dietician. You might not expect a dietician to tell you to eat a lot of cheese, but Elizabeth is here to tell you all about the health benefits of eating cheese. As with anything, always consume in moderation- but cheese is filled with calcium and vitamins that are extremely beneficial to your health! Find out more; tune into this week’s Cutting the Curd. This episode has been brought to you by Cain Vineyard and Winery.
“I consider myself a foodie dietician because my background is all about food and how to eat really wholesome and delicious food. I don’t always focus on the vitamins and minerals, but talk about real food, delicious food, and how it actually tastes.” — Elizabeth Fassberg on Cutting the Curd
This week is Cutting the Curd’s 100th episode! Congratulations to Anne Saxelby, Sophie Slesinger, and everyone else who has either been a guest or supported Cutting the Curd thus far! For this very special episode, Brian Keyser, Dimitri Saad, and Leigh Friend of Casellula Cheese & Wine Café are in the studio for a seven-course cheese tasting! More specifically, Anne and Sophie are taking a lesson in cheese pairing from everyone at Casellula. Hear about some of the cheese condiments at Casellula, as well as how to do your own cheese pairing with food from your pantry. Learn some general basics in terms of complimentary and contrasting tastes and textures. Sit down with a plate of cheese and some of your favorite snacks to pair, and listen to the 100th episode of Cutting the Curd! This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
“There are no rules to pairing- that’s something I like to make clear. Whatever you like to eat together is what goes well together… But two rules of thumb are that you either want to compliment or contrast.” — Brian Keyser on Cutting the Curd “I believe that it’s easier for us sometimes to go for something that’s going to compliment, but the fun part about what we do at Casellula is that we taste everything. So sometimes you’re going to get that experience from something that is completely unexpected.” — Leigh Friend on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are in the studio with two cheese professionals Marwen Amor of Fromagerie Catin in Paris and Sue Sturman of the American Cheese Society’s Cheese Professional Certification Program. Tune in to hear about Marwen’s beginnings in the cheese business, studying dairy sciences, the state of cheesemongering amongst the French youth, and his thoughts on American cheeses. Hear about his company, Saveurs de Laits, and its place in the cheese world. This program has been brought to you by Whole Foods.
“If I could say [what sets Fromagerie Catin apart] in one word, it would be passion. They love cheese and they have the desire to teach the customers how to eat the cheese and what to eat it with.” “Young people in Paris prefer to work in banks, social services, things like that. You can say that it’s a job that’s disappearing. But there are enough people in the new generations to keep the traditions going.”
— Marwen Amor on Cutting the Curd
On this week’s Cutting the Curd, Anne and Sophie are talking about cooking with cheese! Joining them in the studio today is Sarah A. Maine of Saxelby Cheesemongers and the website RecipeRelay. Hear about Sarah’s unique website that encourages readers to alter recipes and spread them across the globe. Also joining Anne and Sophie is Lizz Spano, winner of Artisanal Bistro’s Grilled Cheese Competition and The Grilled Cheese Experiment. Hear about Lizz’s introduction to grilled cheese, and how it turned into a love and an expansive menu. Soups, salads, pizzas – every dish can be spruced up with a little cheese! So tune in, and learn how you can improve some of your favorite recipes with cheese. This program has been brought to you by Edwards.
“I think the interesting thing about cheese is that people don’t use it as a main ingredient, but maybe more as a spice.” —Sarah A. Maine on Cutting the Curd “I always cook with the rind, as long as it’s an edible rind.” —Lizz Spano on Cutting the Curd
Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesginer are joined by Michele Buster of Forever Cheese and Mitica on this week’s Cutting the Curd. Forever Cheese and Mitica are importers of European cheeses, almonds, and other goods. Tune in to hear Michele’s start with distributing cheese, how language has helped her importing cheeses, and the differences between different Manchego cheeses. Listen to how FDA regulations have impeded cheese importation, and thus affects the already depressed economy in Europe. Michele loves sheep’s milk cheeses, and hopes that you will, too. This episode has been brought to you by Edward’s.
“I never looked to see what people were asking for, it was about us finding things that we were so passionate about, and creating that ‘want’ here.” —Michele Buster on Cutting the Curd
It’s time for more urban cheese making on Cutting the Curd! This week, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger talk with Matt Spiegler- web developer by day, and cheese maker by night. Tune in to hear Matt’s first memories of cheese, his initial interest in making his own cheese, and what types of cheeses he prefers to make. Hear about how Matt translated a French cheese documentary into English, and his self-imposed ‘365 Cheese Challenge’. Learn more about Matt’s cheese infatuation at Cheese Notes. This program has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.
“My very first cheese-making experiments were mozzarella and ricotta- the easier cheeses to make. But then I decided I wanted to take it to the next step- goat cheeses, lactic cheeses, aged goat cheeses. At first, they were huge disasters because I tried to age them in my fridge.” —Matt Spiegler on Cutting the Curd
This week’s Cutting the Curd is all about Mexican Cheese! Our hosts Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are joined in the studio by Carlos Yescas of the Guild Du Fromage and Lactography. Carlos is currently working with the government of Chiapas to help grant a collective trademark to cheese makers of queso de cuadro. Joining via phone is Catalina Rivera, an award winner for sheep’s milk cheese in the World Cheese Awards. Also on the phone is José Trejo of Chiapas, maker of cincho, queso de cuadro, and cotija. Learn about markets for Mexican cheeses in the United States, and the best way to use some of these cheeses in your cooking. This program was brought to you by Fairway Market.
“We had to begin from the start. We didn’t know anything about raising sheep, and we didn’t know anything about making cheese.” —Catalina Rivera on Cutting the Curd “Support from the government is key to access to markets in the United States.” — José Trejo on Cutting the Curd
This Week on Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are continuing their discussion about goats. But they’re not just talking about goat cheese, but also goat meat. Tune in to hear Anne and Sophie talk to Jonny Hunter of the Underground Food Collective, and Heritage’s own Erin Fairbanks! Topics range from goat charcuterie to selling and eating dairy animals. Hear about Johnny’s famous goat bacon and Erin’s experiences working with goat farmers all over the Northeast. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
“The goat has become more fashionable to cook with I think, especially with creative cooks because of the flavor, it has interesting cuts, and it presents a lot of new possibilites. But it has been hard to source quality goat, and it tends to be very expensive.” — Jonny Hunter of the Underground Food Collective on Cutting the Curd “To make cheese you need milk, and to get milk you need babies. As responsible eaters, it’s kind of our duty to understand and eat a little goat meat here and there.” — Erin Fairbanks of Heritage Foods on Cutting the Curd
On this episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne and Sophie are joined in the studio by Patrick Martins of Heritage Foods USA, and Joe Dinoto of the Red Hook Criterium running and bicycle race. Tune into hear about the history of the race and some of the amazing athletes that participated in this year’s Red Hook Criterium on March 24th. Joe also discusses his own running group, the Orchard Street Runners, and their upcoming races. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
“[The race] transformed the area into something that was unrecognizable…The detachment [of Red Hook] is nice…I was blown away just walking around that area. You can feel the separation from everything that you know about New York and what you assume New York is, and it’s completely unique.” — Joe Dinoto on Cutting the Curd
Today’s episode of Cutting the Curd is all about goats! Tune in as Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slessinger chat with Louisa Conrad of Big Picture Farm in Vermont about all things goat. Learn how she fell in love with goat cheese and what makes kidding season such a crazy time of year. Find out about how the seasons affect the milk and cheese and what makes goats such unique creatures! Later on, they catch up with Gregory Bernhardt and Hannah Sessions of Big Picture Farm who are also in full-blown goat mode. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
“I’ve always been totally obsessed with cheese and farming. It wasn’t until I got to Blue Ledge that I learned the mystical magical power of goats and fell head over heels.” –Louisa Conrad of Big Picture Farm on Cutting the Curd
“Our goats seem to milk best with longer daylight. Once we pass the longest day of the year their milk starts to decline.”
–Hannah Sessions of Blue Ledge Farm on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger sit and chat with Gabrielle Langholtz & Rachel Wharton, editor and deputy editor of Edible Manhattan, about “The Dairy Issue.” Hear their thoughts on the recent cheese revolution in the dining world and find out why everybody’s got dairy on their minds these days. Find out why they love Steve Jenkins so much and what they have planned for their upcoming Good Dairy event. Also hear the incredible story of Milk Thistle Farm and Momofuku Milk Bar. This program was sponsored by, you guessed it, Fairway Market.
“Steve Jenkins is the gateway for all of us cheesemongers working now.” –Anne Saxelby on Cutting the Curd
Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are joined by author Paul Kindstedt, who’s latest book “Cheese and Culture: A History of Cheese and its place in Western Civilization”, explores the 11,000 year old history of cheese! Tune in to learn about everything from maritime trade, ancient pottery and religion as they relate to cheese on an especially historical episode of the best Cheese radio show in the world! This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
“If cheese can help us understand the origin of civilization, it can help us learn who we are as a species. To think that cheese can help inform that process is extraordinary.” –Author Paul Kindstedt on Cutting the Curd
This week Cutting The Curd sees another installment of its State of Cheese series and this time hosts Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are off to the Sooner State, a.k.a. Oklahoma. First they chat with Suzy Thompson and Steve Reynolds of Forward Foods about how they are bringing the gospel of good cheese and local dairy to the communities of Norman and Oklahoma City and how social media fits into their mission. Later on Matthew Burch of Oklahoma’s Urban Agrarian tells us about his unique position in his state’s food world as a local food distributor. Go behind the scenes and learn everything from how he uses bio diesel to run his delivery truck to how he plans his routes. This episode is sponsored by Fairway Market.
“I started working at a bank, and it just wasn’t the ideal fit for me…The idea of opening our own business really appealed to me.” –Suzy Thompson on Cutting The Curd
“I didn’t come in with a PhD. in local food distribution just a passion.”
–Matthew Burch on Cutting The Curd
Do you love butter? Then this is the show for you. Tune in to this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd as Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger chat with three incredible guests about the different sides of this dairy delight. First, hear from artist Jim Victor who’s incredible butter sculptures have been featured recently at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Next, food science expert Harold McGee chats about different types of butter and how you can make your own at home. Finally, Diane St Clair gives listeners some great details on her butter making and dairy farming. This program was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.
“There’s sweet cream butter and cultured butter. They require different types of handling. All the cream no matter what needs to come from really good milk.” “Usually when people make butter in the kitchen, it’s by accident. They’re usually trying to whip cream.”
“Sadly the best indicator of quality in butter is probably price.”
–Harold McGee on Cutting the Curd
Upstate New York has become a hot bed for young farmers, organic dairy and delicious products. Tune in to this weeks episode of Cutting the Curd with Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger as they sit down with Dean Sparks of NYFoods. NYFoods offers consumers quality organic dairy products with the goal of saving as many New York family farms as possible. They partner with both milk cooperatives and small family farms to offer the best in milk, eggs, cheese and butter. Learn about butterfat content, milk trains, distribution systems, logistics and the challenges facing small farms and processing facilities trying to get their product to your plate. Whether you’re a dairy geek or an aspiring farmer you can learn something new to help you along your path on this episode! This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
“We’ve had a lot of conventional farmers come to us and ask how they can become organic, which is a blessing.” “Upstate New York is such a bastion for amazing food right now. It’s not new to us, but it’s new to a lot of people.”
“Our vision in 2012 is to get our logistics viable enough to get into bigger markers.”
“Re imagining distribution systems shouldn’t be so hard. My farm is 150 miles from here!”
–Dean Sparks of NYFoods on Cutting the Curd
Ever want to learn about cheese? Here’s your chance! Tune into an educational episode of Cutting the Curd with Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger as they chat with Max McCalman, Sasha Anderson & Daphne Zepos. Learn more about the various ways you can educate yourself and learn how to become a better taster such as cheese classes, seminars and plain old tastings. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
“The best way to learn about cheese is to put it in your mouth!” –Max McCalman on Cutting the Curd
“Most of the talented young cheesemongers I know are also in a band, or involved in the art world somehow. Then there comes a time when they are no longer a drummer in a band, and have to think of more realistic alternatives to feed themselves. The Certified Cheese Professionalâ„¢ Exam personifies that moment.”
–Daphne Zepos on Cutting the Curd
The cheese community is one of the strongest in the food world and this week on Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger chat with ‘matchmaker’ Robert Aguilera, US Account Manager of Fromagex (Cheese Making Products and Packaging Supplies). Robert talks about how his company helps provide milk producers and cheesemakers the tools necessary to create the delicious dairy products we depend on and explains what equipment is needed in the process. Lean more about cheese vats, molds, collaborative cheesemaking efforts and more! This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market.
“We all love fat and creaminess in cheese. A french cheese called Saint Agur is a great starter blue cheese.” “Wax paper is a good idea for white mold and washed rinds.”
–Robert Aguilera on Cutting the Curd
This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby looks back on show highlights from 2011. Tune in to hear about how Small Cheese Occupied Big Food, the intersections between art and cheese, Blue Heron Farm’s heroic efforts in helping out dairy farmers in need after Texas wildfire and more. Later in the show, previous guests Kathleen Cotter of The Bloomy Rind and Lisa Seger of Blue Heron Farm call-in to share their thoughts and discuss the latest cheese news. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.
“[We’re seeing] the trend of people caring about the food they eat and where it comes from.” –Kathleen Cotter on Cutting The Curd
Sarah Kaufmann, aka “The Cheese Lady”, is this week’s guest on Cutting the Curd with Anne Saxelby & Sophie Slesinger. Learn about her massive cheese sculptures and the tradition of cheese carving. Sarah has contributed to the largest cheese sculpture in the world according to Guiness, and has also created dairy versions of everybody from Peyton Manning to James Beard! If you’ve ever wondered how to combine cheese and art, this episode is a must-listen. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
This week’s episode of Cutting the Curd focuses on a single seasonal cheese: Rush Creek Reserve. First hear from cheesemaker Andy Hatch of Upland’s Cheese Company, who explains how soft cheese can be aged and why it’s not as easy to do as you’d think. Find out what a bark rind is and what makes Rush Creek Reserve’s flavor profile so unique. Later in the show, “ Cheese Impresario” Barrie Lynn Kirch calls in to give some great drink pairings for this delicious cheese. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
This week Cutting the Curd gets gets cut down to size, or rather gets shrunk, with the help of microbiologist Rachel Dutton who is a fellow at FAS Center of Systems Biology. There she is putting cheese under the microscope and using the simplified, experimentally tractable microbial ecosystems found growing on the surface of cheeses as models for the behavior of microbes in complex communities. These communities, and their rich assembly of metabolic capacities, contribute much of the diversity in flavors, smells, and textures of the hundreds of different varieties of cheeses. But don’t worry if this all sounds over your head Anne Saxelby is there to guide you through world of cheese big and small. This episode is sponsored by Fairway Market.
The State of Cheese Series continues! Tune in as Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slessinger explore cheese in the great state of North Dakota. First, they speak with Gary Hoffman, Executive Director of the North Dakota Dairy Coalition. Gary talks about some incentives the state offers such as interest reduction and tax breaks for dairy farmers, and discusses the history of dairy in his state. Later on the show, Anne & Sophie are joined by JW Schroeder of North Dakota State University Extension Servicewho speaks about land grant systems, eduction and research programs. This episode was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA
This weeks Cutting the Curd brings you Mathew Lange of Lange Dairy Development out of North Carolina and who is also the Development Coordinator of the North Carolina Dairy Advantage. Tune into hear about what small farmstead dairies, not just in North Carolina, are up against in comparison to commercial dairy processors. From market volatility to milk pricing learn how small dairies are using programs like the Dairy Advantage to compete with the commodity market. This episode is sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
Cutting the Curd gets political with Heather Squire, the coordinator for Occupy Wall Street‘s (#OWS ) food preparation and delivery. From washing dishes to feeding over 3000 people in a single weekend Heather explains how her and the food team in Zucotti Park have devised a large-scale food distribution system: The Peoples Kitchen. Delving into another facet of the food justice movement in tandem with Occupy Wall Street is dairy farmer and activist Lorraine Lewandrowsky and fromager Tia Keenan. The group discusses cheese economics and the plight for more transparency which comes from more small dairies and less industrial farming and processing. Learn how you can help this movement, from volunteering to sending food supplies or attending the Occupy Big Food movement. This episode is sponsored in solidarity by Cain Vineyard & Winery
Tune in to a special episode of Cutting the Curd as Anne Saxelby is joined by Christian Seger and Lisa Seger of Blue Heron Farm. Learn how they went into overdrive making cheese as they took care of a group of refugee goats during the recent Texas wildfires. Learn how social media can come to the rescue, even for farmers, in emergencies. This episode was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA.
This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne & Sophie continue the State of Cheese Series, moving on to the state of Missouri. Learn more about cheese in the great mid-western state, and hear from .Green Dirt Farm & Baetje Farms. Find out more about American Cheese Month and hear how artisanal cheesemakers are promoting their craft. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.
This week on Cutting The Curd Anne hops across the pond with William Ogelthorpe of Kappacasein Dairy who has been an urban cheesemaker in London for over the last 20 years to discuss urban cheesemaking and his journey into the world of dairy. Later on the show, Elena Santogade joins the discussion to give practical tips to home cheesemakers and share her enthusiasm for biking and cheese activites! This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.
Dr. Paul Kindstedt, Co-Director of the Vermont Institute of Artisan Cheese joins this week’s episode of Cutting the Curd to share his personal cheese journey and shed some light on the state of artisan cheese today. What role should science play in cheesemaking? Are we on a track to lose our handmade traditions? This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market.
This week Cutting the Curd welcomes Dimitri Saad and Brian Keyser of Casellula Cheese and Wine Cafe in Hell’s Kitchen. They talk about the importance of variety and creativity that goes into their cheese pairings beyond your usual almonds and quince past to delicacies like like lemon terragon marshmallow. Tune in for news about ACS conference and how you can score a free piece of cheese the next time you visit Casellula!
This episode is sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.
This week Cutting the Curd goes South of the border, down Mexico way with guest Carlos Yescas who is a cheese activist, cheese consultant and writes the popular blog Lactrography. From his work at United Nations to his efforts to help Mexican cheese makers create collective trademark style of cheese, learn how Carlos is utilizing social media to bring better welfare to Mexican cheesemakers and trying to create national Ministry of Cheese. This episode is sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
This week’s Cutting the Curd sees another installment of So You Wanna Be a Cheesemaker. This time Tennessean Adam Spannaus of Locust Grove Farms joins Anne Saxelby. They talk sheep’s milk cheese, favorite cheese reads, and more. This episode is sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
This week Cutting the Curd talks cheese and standardization. Anne is joined by Susan Sturman of the American Cheese Society to discuss their new upcoming cheesemonger certification program that will be rolled out at the next ACS conference. Tune in to learn about how you can apply and what the requirements are. Don’t worry, even those with the wackiest cheese resume’s can still apply as Anne and Sue find out. This episode is sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
This week on Cutting the Curd sees another installment of Anne’s State of Cheese series and this episode takes us to West Virginia. On the first half the show Penny Sagawa calls in from Spring Gap Mountain Creamery imparting her knowledge of building a raw milk cheese creamery. On the the latter half of the show Terry Clapp of TLC Farm Goat Dairy talks about his undertaking of buying an 1827 farm and turning it into a FDA Grade-A goat farm and creamery. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
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This week on Cutting the Curd Anne and Sophia have another installment of State of Cheese and this week it’s Maryland. On the first half of the show they are joined by Holly Foster of Chapel’s Country Creamery who talks about how she began her creamery and how she got her first heifer. On the second half of the show Matt Cedro of Firefly Farms calls in to talk about his goat milk creamery. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
On a very educational and unique episode of Cutting the Curd, Anne & Sophie are joined by author of “Still Life and Trade in the Dutch Golden Age” and professor of art history at The University of Iowa, Julie Berger Hochstrasser. Julie gives listeners a primer on the important role that cheese played as a subject in Dutch still life paintings. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
This week on Cutting the Curd its all about cheese and media. First to join Anne and Sophie is Christine Hyatt, current President of the American Cheese Society , who is using video and her site Cheese Chick TV to bring awareness to artisan and DIY cheesemaking. Later, tune in to hear from Will Fertman of Culture Magazine who tells us about using social media to spread the word on cheese, even to find people with the best cheese tattoos. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne and Sophie get a sneak peak of the 2011 Cheesemonger Invitational when they are joined by cheesemonger Adam Moskowitz and Brooke of Fromaggio Essex. Tune in for details and a min cheese description competition between Brooke and Anne! This episode is sponsored by Cain Vineyard and Winery.
This week on Cutting the Curd Ann and Sophie take us to Rhode Island, the Ocean State, and the cheeses and dairies that they have to offer. They are first joined by James Hines of Rhody Fresh who discusses Rhode Island’s place in the Northeast Dairy Compact. Later on Louella Hill of Narragansett Creamery to talk about the start of their small creamery, its flourishing, and the importance of freshness. This episode is sponsored by The Barterhouse.
This week’s episode of Cutting the Curd sees Anne Saxelby taking her State of Cheese series all the way to Alaska! She’s joined by Matt Shaul of Cranberry Ridge Farm and Alaska State Veternarian Robert Gerlach. Tune in to learn about goat breeding, cheese caves and small scale cheese production in the great state of Alaska. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.
This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne continues her State of Cheese series as we hear from Debra Hahn of Hahn’s End in Maine. Hahn talks about the cheese market in Maine and how farmers and growers are working together to create great dairy products. Our second guest is Barbara Brooks from Seal Cover Farm, another Maine-based farm. Brooks explains keeping up with competitors in the cheese making industry and the importance of milk in the process. This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market.
This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne is joined by Jeremy Stephenson of Spring Brook Farms in Vermont. Jeremy talks about seasonal differences and coloration in cheese and how it relates to his award winning Tarentaise. He also shares his experiences teaching children about farming and cheese through the Farms for City Kids program. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne Saxelby talks with Steven Judge of Bob-White Systems. Bob-White Systems focuses on the small-farm niche and makes pasteurizers and other equipment for micro-dairies. Steven traces his design for an efficient small pasteurizer along with his 45 years in the farming and dairy business. This program was sponsored by
Fairway Market
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne Saxelby takes us Tennessee where we talk with local cheese makers Jim and Gayle Tanner of Bonnie Blue Farm and Kathleen Cotter of The Bloomy Rind. The creation of artisan goat cheeses, local cheese markets, and how to create and sustain a small cheese business are all discussed. This episode was sponsored by www.HearstRanch.com
Anne Saxelby continues her State of Cheese series into Pennsylvania this week on Cutting the Curd. First she is joined by Jay Montgomery of Calkins Creamery. Jay talks about using raw milk and making value added products. Later on the show, Trent Hendricks of Hendricks Farm & Dairy discusses the importance of building relationships with your customers and gives some good resources for those interested in learning more about raw milk regulations. This episode was sponsored by The Barterhouse.
The State of Cheese Series continues along to North Carolina as Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger are joined by Portia McKnight of Chapel Hill Creamery. Learn more about the creamery and cheese culture in North Carolina including an extended segment on “clabber”, a soured milk product. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Whole Foods market celebrates Earth Month with the “Do Something Reel” Film Festival, a collection of six provocative, character-driven films focused on food, environmental issues and everyday people with a greater vision. Come see one of the six features at City Cinemas Village East from Saturday, April 16th through Thursday April 21st, every night at 6pm. Learn more about the films and special events at www.DoSomethingReel.com
Cutting the Curd moves to a new time slot as Anne continues her State of Cheese series with a new co-host, Sophie Slesinger. Tune in as they take the series to the great state of Minnesota. They are joined by Minnesota cheese legend Jeff Jirik of Faribault Dairy and Benjamin Roberts of France 44. Learn more about how prohibition helped bring cheese to Faribault and why gouda is so lovable! This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market, like no other market.
This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne returns to the State of Cheese Series – this time exploring all things dairy in the state of Massachusetts. She begins the show with Barbara Hanley of Shy Brothers Farm and later speaks with Susan Sellew of Rawson Brook Farm. Tune in to learn more about goat dairy production, how large cheese and small cheese productions differ greatly and how its always tough to separate offspring from their parents. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
This week on Cutting the Curd lean more about cheese aging, as Anne is joined by Michael Anderson . Michael is an expert in the field of affinage and the cave manager at Murray’s Cheese. Tune in and learn why not all cheese need to age a long time, and how you can better preserve the flavor and lifespan of cheese in your refrigerator! This episode was sponsored by 360 Cookware. Learn more about their vapor-technology at http://www.360cookware.com
Anne brings State of Cheese series to the great state of Illinois with special guests Leslie Cooperband of Prairie Fruits Farm and Martin Johnson of The Joy of Cheese. Together, they discuss how the super fertile land that mots people make use of for corn and soy is also ideal for raising dairy animals and producing added value dairy products. Tune in to learn more about farmstead creameries in Illinois, the marketing behind added value dairy and how pairings and events can help everybody appreciate great cheese without making them go broke! This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch, the nations largest single-source supplier of grassfed and grass finished beef.
This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne Saxelby sits us down to teach us more about the fabric of all dairy: milk. Anne traces the roots of human production of milk from various mammals, starting with goats and sheep. Tune in and learn about everything from seasonal breeding to the properties of ruminants. What took us so long to start milking cows? Find out on Cutting the Curd! This episode was sponsored by Cabot Cooperative. For more information visit www.cabotcooperative.com
On the first Cutting the Curd of 2011 – Anne Saxelby resumes her state of the cheese series with the state of Ohio. She is joined by Abbe Turner of Lucky Penny Farm and Creamery who discusses everything from finding farm equipment on eBay to sheep’s milk. Tune in and find out why distributors can be hard to work with at times and why Ohio was rated the 2nd best local food city in America. This episode was sponsored by Cochon 555 – for more information visit www.cochon555.com
This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne is joined by a special panel of friends and colleagues to discuss the ongoing developments and controversy surrounding raw milk in cheese production. Tia Keenan of The Modern, Daphne Zepos of Essex Cheese Company and Matteo Kehler of Jasper Hill all share their thoughts on FDA crackdowns on small producers, European traditions, and cultural barriers that need to be broken down in order for everybody to appreciate raw milk cheese in the United States. This episode was sponsored by The Barterhouse. For more information on The Barterhouse visit www.thebarterhouse.com
This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne is joined by cheesemonger Diana Pitett and author Kara Newman on a monastic themed episode. The girls discuss the history surrounding cheese, spirits and monasteries. Tune in to learn more about The St Benedict Rule, feeding Chartreuse to cows, and how certain cheeses were washed with spirits. This episode was brought to you by The Barterhouse. For more information on their wines visit www.thebarterhouse.com
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne Saxelby takes the State of Cheese series down to The Big Easy. Learn about dairy culture in Louisana and New Orleans, or the lack thereof. Anne is joined by Richard Sutton of St. James Cheese Shop who explains how his journey to England brought him and his wife back to New Orleans, and what it was like for them starting the first artisanal cheese shop in the area. Tune in to learn more about cheese and dairy in the state of Louisiana. This episode was kindly sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. For more information visit www.surryfarms.com
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne continues her State of Cheese series with a look at Utah and the state’s growing interest in sustainable food. Steven Rosenberg of Liberty Heights Fresh calls from Utah to talk about how eating some unsavory cafeteria food began him on a quest to finding the freshest and most delicious food available and ended in the form of Liberty Heights Fresh, one of the best places to find sustainable cheese and produce in Utah. This episode was sponsored by Cabot Cheese of Vermont, Dairy Farm Family owned since 1919.
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne spoke to Alyce Birchenough of Sweet Home Farm in Alabama as part of her continuing State of Cheese Series. Alyce talked about how, using local sourcing and value added sales techniques, she proved some other local farmers wrong when they said she couldn’t make a living off her modest 40 acres. Tune in to find out how cheese is doing in the great state of Alabama. This episode was sponsored by Cabot Cheese of Vermont, Dairy Farm Family owned since 1919.
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne continues her State of Cheese series with New Hampshire. Doug Erb of Landaff creamery calls in to talk about his career in the cheese business. Tune in to hear how Doug is working with Jasper Hill Creamery to get his product distributed, and about Doug’s work with the Vermont Institute of Artisan Cheese. This episode was sponsored by Edwards of Surry Virginia.
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne speaks to Shanna Pacifico of Back 40 to share terrifying cheese stories: the ghoulish, the ghastly, and the gross. Turn green as you hear the tale of the 117 year old Eastern European cheese (quite literally an heirloom), cringe at the story of the creepy crawly cheese mites, and wince at the thought of cheese-filled luggage sitting on hot airport tarmacs for a week. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard and Winery.
State #7: This week on Cutting the Curd Anne continues the saga that is The State of Cheese with Michigan: the next chapter. Aubrey Thomason of Zingerman’s Creamery in Ann Arbor calls in to explain just how much of cheesemaking and mongering is packaging or cleaning or wrapping or straight up cheese creation. Learn about their lactic style fresh cheese, why the value added dairy industry can be so tricky, plus the low down on goat’s milk cheese and the “raw milk bust”. This episode was sponsored by Fairway: like no other market.
State #6: This week on Cutting the Curd Anne’s State of Cheese special continues with Kentucky: the bluegrass state, and home of Kenny Mattingly of Kenny’s Country Cheese. Learn how a trip to meet with international cheesemakers impressed Kenny enough to turn his dairy farm into an artisanal cheesemaking operation that would eventually reach up to 30 varieties. Kenny speaks on Kentucky’s positive attitude towards raw-milk cheeses, some major breaks he’s had distributing his cheese at venues in Kentucky, and what he sees for the future of his dairy farm. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch: purveyors of fine grass-fed beef from the California coast.
State #5: This week on Cutting the Curd Anne continues her State of Cheese series with New York State. Dean Sparks from Empire Organics joins Anne on air to talk about how to keep the quality of dairy high and the wages fair for everyone from the farmer to the distributor. Speaking on everything from simple eggs to value added dairy products, Dean stresses the importance of making sure everyone’s markup is fair, so the farmers make a reasonable wage and the consumer pays a reasonable price. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
State #4: This week on Cutting the Curd Anne continues her State of Cheese series with Connecticut. With her Ma and Grandma sitting in, Anne speaks to Mark Gellman of Cato Corner Farms in Colchester CN. Tune in to find out how Mark went from a dozen cows to over 40 in his career as a dairy farmer, and about the depth of flavor that raw milk adds to cheese. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.
Photo: Mark Gellman on his farm in Connecticut
State #3: This week on Cutting the Curd Anne continues her State of Cheese series with Virginia and Helen Feete of Meadow Creek Dairy. Feete sells delicious Grayson, Appalachian and other wholesale cheeses from the mineral-rich pastures of the mountains in southwest Virginia. Tune in to hear about Helen’s Jersey herd, raw milk cheeses, and why Virginia makes delicious cheese. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch: purveyors of grass-fed beef from the California coast.
Photo 1: Grayson cheese from Meadow Creek Dairy, Photo 2: Virginia map
State #2: This week on Cutting the Curd Anne continues her state-by-state breakdown of cheese in the US with a look at Georgia cheese and Sweet Grass Dairy. Georgia is not the most “traditional” place to make cheese, but as we learn from the folks at Sweet Grass its a great place to raise happy goats, fight for your right to age cheese appropriately, and generally create positive cheese culture. This episode was sponsored by Edwards of Surry Virginia.
State #1: This week on Cutting the Curd, Anne starts her “State of Cheese” series: a 50 part show series highlighting each state in the US and it’s cheese culture. She begins with California, and is joined by guest Peggy Smith of Cowgirl Creamery. Peggy tells us how to make cottage cheese, and tells the story of the Straus Family Creamery, the first organic dairy west of the Mississippi. This episode was sponsored by Acme Smoked Fish. For more information visit www.acmesmokedfish.com
Photo 1: Peggy Smith, Photo 2: Cowgirl Creamery
Patricia Michelson, owner of the famous La Fromagerie in London, and author of Cheese: The World’s Best Artisan Cheeses. Patricia compares her humble beginings “in a shed” in her garden to HRN’s current shed-like status, and describes the defining moment when she fell in love with cheese during a skiing trip (she literally tripped while skiing) in the French Alps. Some delicious farmstead cheese was her pick-me-up after the tumble, and the rest is history. Tune in to find out why Patricia is bothered by Europe’s ignorance of America’s best cheeses, and how cheese lovers from both sides of the world would be better off investigating delicious cheeses at home AND abroad. This episode was sponsored by Tekserve.
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne and special guest host Samia Khan spoke to Andy Hatch of Uplands Cheese, a seasonal grass-based dairy farm. Uplands is unique in a number of ways: it follows the “Alpine pattern” of milking, and its a place where cows harvest their own feed, spread their own manure, and give the farmer a bit of a break in the hard labor department. They’ve even crossbred nine different breeds of cows together to create their own breed of cow perfect for their style of farming. Tune in to hear the creator of Pleasant Ridge Reserve, easily one of the most famous farmstead cheeses, talk shop on HRN!
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne spoke with Kate Arding. Kate runs Culture Magazine, one of the only cheese-exclusive monthly magazines in the world, and discusses how she went from the world of cheese mongering to the high-stress world of publishing, and her process for creating an issue of Culture. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch: purveyors of fine grass-fed beef.
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne spoke to Sasha Davies to speak about the American Cheese Society Conference, aka Cheesetopia. Sasha spoke about how the conference helped small business owners tackle problems–liability insurance, succession planning–that they might never be able to fix on their own.
Robert LaValva stopped by for a chat. Anne asked Robert about the days of the Agora, when markets and government shared the same hall, and how his experience as an architect has helped him build the New Amsterdam Market.
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne kicked it with Adam Moskowitz, cheese poet and president of Larkin. Adam described the upcoming Larkin Cheesemonger Invitational, and gave us the scoop on the games included therein (like the Dapper Wrapper).
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne speaks to Max McCalman, the author of "Mastering Cheese: Lessons for Connoisseurship from a Maître Fromager". Max drops his cheese expertise on the listening audience, and describes how he does the same thing for cheese
This week on Cutting the Curd Anne spoke with ricotta makers Betsy Divine and Katrina Vahedi. The ladies speak about the allure of fresh cheese, their Italian cheese mentor Salvatore, and what cheese means to the master cheese mongers of Italy.
Anne speaks with John Bunting of John Bunting’s Dairy Journal to discuss the dairy industry and the monetary side of making milk.
Anne Saxelby, Hilary Dennis & Leah Mayor talk about milksheds: what is a milkshed, and how does it affect the quality of what we eat day to day?
Anne talks with Angela Miller, author of “Hay Fever: How Chasing a Dream on Vermont Farm Changed My Life”.
Wanna be a cheese maker? Take notes from Anne Saxelby & special guest Louella Hill of Narragansett Creamery
Anne’s parents stop by, along with Bennoit Breal and Stephanie Wang-Breal to talk cheese and Stephanie’s new documentary.
Anne talks with Veronica Pedraza of Jasper Hill Farm about what it takes to make cheese.
This week on Cutting The Curd, Diana Pittet talks about the origins of cheddar cheese and what it means to American culture.
A group of female cheese mongers randomly find their way on this week’s episode of Cutting The Curd to share stories behind the counter.
This week on Cutting The Curd, actor & playwright Patrick Fitzgerald talks James Joyce & cheese.
Anne Saxelby, Jimmy Carbone & Claire Hartten are joined by author Carolyn Steel who talks about Sitopia, Waste, Efficiency & Traceability
This week on Cutting The Curd, Steve Jenkins and Robert Aguilera drop by to pay some respect to American artisan cheesemakers.
Cutting The Curd discusses pizza this week with Lara Pira and Founder of Pizza a Casa Mark Bello. The best pizza places in the tri-state area are revealed as well as the details of Pizza a Casa’s new spot opening on the lower east side of NYC.
This week on Cutting The Curd, Anne talks with Conrad Hosier & Sarah Zebrowski about sourcing and distributing artisan cheese.
Anne Saxleby is joined by friend and cheese monger Dr. Diane Stemple to recap the decade in cheese.
This week on Cutting The Curd, Anne continues her discussion on raw milk. This time, guest Claudia Keel comes by and gives her insight as an herbalist.
This week on Cutting The Curd, Anne Saxelby talks raw milk with author and expert David Gumpert.
Steve Jenkins, the man behind Fairway Market, joins Anne Saxelby on this week’s edition of Cutting The Curd. They talk about cheese idioms, etymology & the American phenomenon of cheese naming.
Chris Bradley from Gramercy Tavern comes by and talks about his involvement in the cheese community. Also on the show, Mateo Kehler.
This week, Anne sits down with Chris Gray of Consider Bardwell Farms and talks about his history in the music business and how it relates to his current life as a cheese monger.
On the latest episode of Cutting The Curd, Anne Saxelby is joined by Jasper Hill Farm co-founder & cheese guru Mateo Kehler. He tells the story of Jasper Hill Farm, and gives some invaluable insight into the intricacies of cheesemaking.
This week, Anne Saxelby is joined by two very special guests. Anne Mendelson & Mary Habstritt join the show for a special one-hour discussion on the history of milk trains, milk quality, and the bottling process.
Anne Saxelby phones in from Vermont to tell us all about the Vt. Cheese Festival. She’s joined by some of the festival participants, including Allison Hooper, owner of Vermont Butter & Cheese. Also on the show, Mark Fisher of Woodcock Farm and Alec Web.
This week on Cutting The Curd, Anne and guest co-host Nicole Slaven talk with Tia Keenan, who is at the American Cheese Society’s Annual meeting
On this week’s episode of Cutting The Curd, Anne talks with Michael Lee of Twig Farms about making cheese in Vermont.
On this week’s Cutting the Curd, Anne speaks with the author of the acclaimed book “Milk: The Surprising Story Of Milk Through The Ages”.
“Who’s Your Daddy?” This week Anne talks about breeding and genetics with Rick Feete and Laini Fondiller.
Anne Saxelby speaks about National Dairy Month and Wisconsin Cheese with Jeanne Carpenter Author of the blog www.cheeseunderground.blogspot.com and Bill Schlinsog, a Veteran Cheese and Butter Grader for the Wisconsin State Department of Agriculture.