I cold smoke a lot of cheese and have always cut my cheese smaller than when it's bought. My thoughts are that,when cut smaller,there is more surface to absorb the smoke,than when it's smoked in a larger piece. I also like to vac seal the smaller pieces and give a lot away as gifts,etc.
Does anyone have any comments as to flavour,etc. comparing smaller pieces,to larger pieces ?
Thanks.
Jim O
More surface more smoke. I find big blocks never really get as much as small. So I normally buy mind in 1/2 lb. blocks or cut that way. Approx. 1 x 2 4 inches.Aged properly seems to get all the way through rather then the first 1/8- 1/4 inch. But could be just me. Others will share soon.
I cut five pound blocks into five one pound pieces. A guy at work leaves his in five pound blocks. I've tried his and it has good smoke taste. So I guess its what you prefer to do. And how long you smoke it.
For some reason I find 1/2 lb ( 8 onces) blocks cheaper here.
So that is what I smoke.
No cut. And is just the right size to give away without breaking the bank.
Quote from: classicrockgriller on December 18, 2012, 11:07:11 PM
For some reason I find 1/2 lb ( 8 onces) blocks cheaper here.
So that is what I smoke.
No cut. And is just the right size to give away without breaking the bank.
Me too and they often sell them 3 for $5. Easy to stock up on them and they don't take up much room in the fridge!
Me too! I can buy them at Aldie's Supermarket for 1.49 for a 1 x 2 x4 block 8oz. I cant touch it any where else. Seems to work well for me. I have tried smoking 1 ,2 , 3 lb. blocks. Fine the first inch or so and the center i have never been able to get that way. I smoke @90* most times even 100 some. No melting and nice color. When I use just the S.G. more times than not I don't get the color. Most times I use 2 hours. Any thing from Hickory(my favorite) to Apple. This time I did go 1 hour with a light wood. Simply because I find its eatable sooner that way. Also I like the light grill indentations I get with a little more heat. And when I turn I also rotate to make squares or diamonds on the cheese. Adds a little more to the presentation I think. But like all this its each to their own opinion. Thats why I love it. LOL! ;)