Say Cheese!

SAY CHEESE! is a solid beginner's guide to the science and art of cheese making by the "Queen of Cheese," Ricki Carroll and her daughter Sarah. Unlike many cooking projects for kids, producing a ball of mozzarella requires careful attention to science and measurement, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It just means that these recipes will take more adult involvement than, say, mixing up a batch of Rice Krispie treats.

The authors include information about the types of milk used for for making cheese, the history of cheese, recipes and serving tips, science connections, and descriptions of the processes of acidifying, coagulating, setting, cutting (yes, that’s really a thing), draining, salting and pressing, and aging. There’s detailed information about the equipment needed, none of which is terribly hard to find.

The recipes in SAY CHEESE! concentrate on soft fresh cheeses like mascarpone, ricotta, mozzarella, and other creamy treats, as hard cheeses require not just more specialized equipment and ingredients, but also months of aging. Children and their busy parents need the immediate gratification of a yummy cheese that can be made and devoured quickly, and this cookbook delivers.

Even if children don’t go through the process of cheese making, just reading about how it’s done will give them a sense of wonder at how milk can be transformed into a favorite food. The instructions are clear, the writing entertaining, and the photography is of real kids working on cheese. Highly recommended for the foodie and farm crowd. With expanded interest in local foods, SAY CHEESE! should find an audience of young readers as well as adults who’d like a real kitchen adventure.