Frequently Asked Questions
-
Classes cover a wide variety of cheeses including fresh cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, burrata, bocconcini), soft cheeses (camembert, brie, feta), and hard cheeses (cheddar, halloumi). Some specialized courses focus on specific varieties: the Gourmet Delights course teaches 5 different soft cheeses, while the Feta, Halloumi and Ricotta workshop covers three Mediterranean varieties. Introduction classes typically start with ricotta, paneer, and yoghurt.
-
Most classes include all milk and ingredients required to make the cheese, hands-on instruction, and take-home materials such as easy-to-follow recipes and instructions. Many classes include tastings of finished cheeses, wine or sparkling beverages, and light meals. For example, the Halloumi course includes canapés and sparkling wine, while workshop courses often provide lunch and cheese tastings. Participants typically take home the cheese they've made and sometimes equipment like cheese hoops or moulds.
-
No prior cheese making experience is necessary—classes are designed for beginners. Equipment requirements are minimal: most classes teach techniques using common kitchen equipment you likely already have at home. The Mozzarella Making Class and several others specifically emphasize that no special equipment is required beyond what's in a standard kitchen. Some courses offer a 20% discount on cheese making kits and equipment available for purchase on the day if you want to invest in specialized tools.
-
Class duration varies by course. Introduction courses like the basic home cheese making class are typically 1-2 hours, such as the 90-minute Bubbles, Burrata & Bocconcini class. Full-day courses range from 4-10 hours: the Gourmet Delights Course is a full day experience, and the Intensive Cheesemaking Course spans multiple hours. The Halloumi Making with Bottomless Bubbles class takes approximately 2 hours, making it accessible for those with limited time.
-
Pricing varies based on course length and content. Introduction courses start at $60 (Introduction to Home Cheese Making). Single-cheese specialized courses range from $115 (Italian Cheese Making Class) to $215 (Halloumi Cheese Making Course). Full-day gourmet courses cost $275-$297 (Classic Delights and Gourmet Delights courses). Specialized workshops with expert instructors like Jacqueline Bender's classes are priced in the $200+ range. Prices typically include all materials, instruction, and takeaway items.
-
Yes. Multiple course descriptions specifically highlight creating homemade cheeses as gifts. The Classic Delights course emphasizes that homemade feta and labneh make striking gourmet gifts that can be created for less than a dollar per jar. Courses teach you to make cheeses with no unnecessary additives or preservatives, making them suitable for gifting. However, if you intend to sell cheese commercially, the 'So You Want to Make and Sell a New Food Product' workshop covers regulations, business structure, and requirements for taking food products to market.