countrytalkandtips.myfreeforum.org

admin · Site Admin Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 227

I know we have several members who make cheese from their own goats milk ( and very nice it is too Wink

) . Would you care to share your secret method / recipe ?
I would like to know how you ever get milk out of them in the first place ! I had absolutely no luck the first and only time I tried . There must be a knack .

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wayland · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 1163 Location: Campile. Wexford

LOL. Did you try pumping their tails Very Happy

Like cows they need to be taught whats what. If the kids have been taken away they will be relieved to be rid of the milk. Some books say not to feed the Goats at milking time. When I was milking the concentrates were always fed to the cows as part of the milking routine. This was a signal for the cow to let down her milk. I see no reason why this should not work for goats. Perhaps those in this forum who milk goats could elighten us please.
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chook · Joined: 14 Mar 2007 Posts: 305 Location: North Clare

Hi,
this is how I make soft cheese.
Heat up milk to pasteurize (75C for 10 secs; I suspend a meat thermometer with alarm tone into the milk, 3-5 l per batch). Then cool down to body temp (37-38C). Stir in 2 drops of rennet and 2 tablespoons of cultured buttermilk or natural yoghurt. Keep in a warm place (c.20C) overnight. Next day ladle into a cheesecloth and drain for about 12 hrs. This gives a soft cheese which can then be pressed and ripened as well but doesn't have to. Pressed and left in brine for a while it gives a feta type cheese. Yum.

As to feeding while milking. Most people I know do it. I sometimes do it, sometimes not. Fidgety goats can be quieted with feed alright. They do need to be relaxed with you alright to let down the milk. Move calmly, talk to her gently, stroke her a bit. It all helps. It takes time and practice. Use some milking fat so as not to hurt the tit. Take the tits in your hands (god, that sounds bad ... Very Happy

) and push up into the udder a bit just like the kids do and then see if you have more luck. If she squats a bit when you do that, that's a good start. Best let an experienced milker show you the technique.

chook

brianbread · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 12 Location: North Co. Dublin

I put this up on the making things forum the other day but just in case! Silke Croppe (of corleggy cheese) runs a 1 day cheese course on her farm in county cavan. She basicly tutors and holds your hand through making your own kilo of unpasteurised (for better depth of flavour and maturing potential!) hard cheese (type of milk depends on the day). She then advises you on how best to mature it, where to get necesary bits and bobs, and then you get to bring it home. If time allows she also makes a soft cheese and gives all the relevant tips. She is more than willing to answer any cheese making questions you might have. max of twenty people there and theres light breakfast, big lunch and a series of coffee breaks, also loads of her own cheese to taste and a few glasses of wine. V. informal and fun day, iv done the course and now cater it, couldnt reccomend it highly enough! Brian
Oh yeah its 150! if anyone wants more detail let me know and il pass it on!

chook · Joined: 14 Mar 2007 Posts: 305 Location: North Clare

Wow, Silke is still at it! I met her 15 years ago at the Dublin Food-Coop and she gave us excellent fencing advice when we started off with our goats. A very nice lady indeed. Sounds like a fun course.

chook