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Curd Nerd News Edition #50

G'day Curd Nerds. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Over my many years of cheese-making, I've created quite a few varieties of Festive cheeses, which are quick and simple to make. This edition of the Curd Nerd News is full of celebratory cheeses! More below.

Christmas Fruit Cake Cheese

T'is the season to be jolly! So, in that spirit, I have created the Christmas Fruit Cake Cheese, loosely based on Queso Fresco. Don't forget to add the Brandy Liqueur!

To make Christmas Fruit Cake Cheese you will need;

Ingredients

  • 4 litres of whole milk (at least 3.5% fat)
  • 1/16th teaspoon of Flora Danica aromatic mesophilic culture
  • 1/8th teaspoon (0.75ml) of liquid rennet (IMCU 200) diluted in 60ml (1/4 cup) of unchlorinated water
  • 1 Tablespoon of Cheese Salt, more if you like it saltier.
  • 1/8th teaspoon of Calcium Chloride diluted in 60ml (1/4 cup) of unchlorinated water, if using pasteurised milk.
  • 1.5 cups of mixed dried fruit and nuts
  • 3 Tablespoons (45 ml) of Brandy Liqueur

Equipment

Process

Please follow the steps listed in the video tutorial below. Merry Christmas!

Festive Fromage - 5 Easy Cheeseballs

Get ready to elevate your holiday gatherings with a touch of culinary delight!
Festive cheese balls are the perfect combination of flavour and presentation.

These delectable orbs of creamy cheese, blended with savoury herbs, spices, and sometimes a hint of sweetness, are a showstopper on any holiday spread.

Imagine a vibrant platter adorned with cheese balls rolled in a variety of coatings like crushed nuts, dried bacon bits, fresh herbs, or colourful dried fruits. They're visually appealing and a delightful explosion of taste in every bite.

Whether served with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables, festive cheese balls will impress your guests and add a delicious festive flair to your celebrations.

All recipes for the 5 Festive Cheeseballs are listed within the video!
  • Dill Chive Cheeseball
  • Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
  • Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheeseball
  • Glorious Garlic Cheeseball
  • Jalapeño Popper Cheeseball

Kit and Ingredients to make Festive cheeses!

Soft Cheese Kit

$89.95 inc GST

Our Soft Cheese Kit makes twelve delicious, homemade cheeses:
Lemon Cheese, Yoghurt Cheese, Queso Blanco, Chevre, Crème Fraiche, Fromage Blanc, Neufchatel: (American), Cream Cheese, Quark, Bondon Cheese, Whey Ricotta, and Feta.

Buy now

Soft Cheese Kit

Flora Danica CHR

$15.70

An Aromatic mesophilic starter culture used for specialty cheeses, sour cream and cultured butter including goat milk cheese, Havarti, Gouda, Baby Swiss, Edam, Blue Cheese, Camembert, Brie, cream cheese, cottage cheese, Creme Fraiche and other fresh cheeses. Flora Danica gives cheeses a buttery flavour and has slight gas production.

Buy now

Flora Danica CHR

Fresh Cheese Kit

$79.95 inc GST

Delicious fresh cheese made in your own kitchen! The Fresh Cheese Kit by Mad Millie provides you with everything you need to make an array of fresh artisan cheese at home. Just add fresh milk!

Instructions to make Feta, Halloumi, Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, and Quark.

Buy now

Mad Millie Fresh Cheese Kit

Tight Weave Cheese Cloth

$16.95 inc GST

Tight weave Cheese Making Cloth, ideal for Soft Cheese.

90 cm square.

Buy now

Tight weave Cheese cloth
Thanks for reading this week's Curd Nerd News!

As we wrap up this edition of our cheese-making newsletter, let's embrace the joy and warmth that festive cheeses bring to our holiday tables. From the rich, creamy textures to the exquisite blend of flavours, these holiday-inspired cheeses are more than just a treat—they're a tradition.

Whether you're creating a centrepiece for your Christmas feast or sharing delightful cheese gifts with loved ones, remember that each cheese carries the love and craft of its maker.

So, let's toast to the season with our favourite festive cheeses, savouring every bite and sharing the holiday spirit with those we hold dear. Happy cheesing Curd Nerds, and may your Christmas be as rich and delightful as the cheeses you create!

Yours in Cheese,
Gavin Webber
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