Country Trading Co. Easy Cheesemaking Set Review: Is This the Best Starter Kit for Homemade Cheese?

Country Trading Co. Easy Cheesemaking Set Review: A Beginner's Guide to Homemade Cheese

Are you dreaming of crafting your own creamy ricotta, tangy goat cheese, or savory paneer? The Country Trading Co. Easy Cheesemaking Set promises to be your gateway to the world of homemade cheese. This kit includes five cheese molds and a comprehensive cheesemaking book, all made in Italy. Designed for beginners, it provides everything you need to start experimenting with various cheese recipes, from simple ricotta to more complex aged cheeses. Let's dive into the details and see if this set lives up to the hype.

This cheesemaking kit aims to simplify the process of making cheese at home, making it accessible to everyone. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a complete novice, the Easy Cheesemaking Set provides the tools and knowledge to embark on your cheesemaking journey. It's a cost-effective way to learn a new skill and enjoy fresh, homemade cheese made with ingredients you choose.

Key Features

• • Complete Starter Kit: Includes five different cheese molds suitable for various cheese types.
• • Comprehensive Cheesemaking Book: Provides recipes and instructions for making ricotta, paneer, goat cheese, quark, and more.
• • Made in Italy: Ensures high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
• • Professional Design: Features cheese press basket molds designed for effective draining and shaping.
• • Versatile Use: Suitable for making both soft and hard cheeses, allowing for a wide range of experimentation.

Pros

• • Excellent Value for Money: At just $19.95, this set is incredibly affordable compared to other cheesemaking kits or individual molds, making it a low-risk investment for beginners.
• • Comprehensive Instruction: The included cheesemaking book offers a solid foundation for beginners, with clear instructions and recipes for various cheeses.
• • Durable and High-Quality Molds: The molds, made in Italy, are sturdy and well-constructed, ensuring they can withstand repeated use. They are easy to clean, which is crucial for cheesemaking.

Cons

• • Limited Mold Variety: While five molds are included, they primarily cater to smaller cheese formats. Larger molds or specialized equipment for specific cheese types are not included.
• • Book Content Depth: While good for beginners, experienced cheesemakers may find the recipes and instructions somewhat basic and lacking in advanced techniques or variations.

Who Should Buy the Country Trading Co. Easy Cheesemaking Set?

This cheesemaking set is ideal for individuals who are new to cheesemaking and curious to explore the craft. It's perfect for those who want to experiment with making simple cheeses like ricotta, paneer, or fresh goat cheese without investing in expensive equipment. The set's affordability makes it an excellent gift for aspiring cheesemakers or anyone interested in DIY food projects.

The Country Trading Co. Easy Cheesemaking Set is also a great choice for families who want to involve children in the cheesemaking process. The simple recipes and easy-to-use molds make it a fun and educational activity for all ages. Imagine enjoying freshly made ricotta with pancakes on a Sunday morning – a delicious reward for a fun family project.

Conclusion

The Country Trading Co. Easy Cheesemaking Set offers an exceptional entry point into the world of homemade cheese. While it may not satisfy the needs of experienced cheesemakers, its affordability, comprehensive instructions, and durable molds make it an excellent choice for beginners. For just $19.95, you get a complete starter kit to begin your cheesemaking journey.

FAQ About the Easy Cheesemaking Set

A: The set is designed for making ricotta, paneer, goat cheese, quark, and other soft cheeses. You can also adapt recipes to make harder cheeses with some modifications to the process.

A: While some users have reported success with dishwasher cleaning, handwashing is recommended to preserve the molds' integrity and prevent damage.

A: You will need basic kitchen equipment like pots, pans, a thermometer, and cheesecloth (which is often not included, so plan to purchase separately). The included book will specify the necessary equipment for each recipe.

A: Compared to more expensive kits like the Standing Stone Farms Ultimate Hard Cheese Kit, which focuses on aged cheeses and includes cultures, the Country Trading Co. set is much more affordable and beginner-friendly. However, it doesn't offer the same level of detail or specialized equipment. Other entry-level kits like those from Cultures for Health are similarly priced but may offer different types of molds or cultures. Ultimately, the Country Trading Co. set provides a great value for its price point and ease of use.