Well I picked up a block of Gouda from Costco yesterday and decided that while working I would throw it in for an hour.
This is my test sample...
2.5 lbs of Gouda
(http://www.nwh-media.com/data/528/medium/IMAG0225.jpg)
I cut it into three pieces. One was half, the other I cut the half in half. Want to see what the effects are with varying thicknesses.
(http://www.nwh-media.com/data/528/medium/IMAG0226.jpg)
Placed them on my new "Jerky Racks" so not to melt it through.
(http://www.nwh-media.com/data/528/medium/IMAG0227.jpg)
I will be smoking it for an hour with Apple Wood
(http://www.nwh-media.com/data/528/medium/IMAG0228.jpg)
Wow...
I smoked it for 1 hour and then let it sit in there until the temp dropped. Temp maxed out at 116 degrees. Pulled the rack out and the Gouda was holding on tight.
(http://www.nwh-media.com/data/528/medium/IMAG0232.jpg)
Chilled them a little and sealed them up for a 3 week nap to mesh and mellow the flavors...
(http://www.nwh-media.com/data/528/medium/IMAG0234.jpg)
Order some Frogmats to fit your Bradley racks. That will solve the sticking issue. Brian at Yard and Pool can get them for you. Well worth the investment in my opinion. Everything I smoke is sitting on a Frogmat. Can take temps up to 500 degrees.
Please keep us posted on how this works out. I'm imagining it being amazing.
I smoke Costco Gouda regularly - it always turns out excellent as will yours. I usually cut into roughly 1/2-pound chunks based on the theory that smaller chunks have relatively more surface area for smoke adherence.
Smoked some Costco Gouda with Apple on Oct 9th as part of my first cheese smoke. Waiting patiently for a few more weeks before I crack one open. Hope it turns out half as good as everyone says it will be ... I hate waiting
That's the good thing about getting old - I put the cheese in the fridge to age and within a day or so, I forgot I ever made it. A month or so later (when I finally remember), it's like opening a Christmas present.
Well you started with the right stuff - -that's the real deal, from Holland.
I did my first cheese smoke about two weeks ago and I included a chunk of Gouda (wife's personal favorite since she is Dutch). Am now patiently waiting as it "ages". I am having a hard time restraining myself - we'll see if it makes it another two weeks.
This looks like a future project. Is there anything wrong with just popping it in the freezer right away. I lose things in out freezer constantly, so that would solve the temptation issue ;D
Quote from: SoCalBuilder on October 30, 2010, 06:53:10 AM
This looks like a future project. Is there anything wrong with just popping it in the freezer right away. I lose things in out freezer constantly, so that would solve the temptation issue ;D
Freezing is not a good answer a lot of the harder cheeses get crumbly after they have been frozen and don't taste as well. Bootm drawer in the back is the best place to put it.
Usually you do not want to get the temp above 90. You might want to add ice cubes next time or make a cold smoke box out of cardboard. It works great
Guys,
I am so sorry for not replying back on this. I did not get any notices that there were posts.
To give you an update...spend the money on a good vacuum sealer. That makes a world of difference. No matter how tight you wrap it, you get leakage. I cracked on open last weekend...OMG was it incredible. It dries it out just a bit. You don't have that fresh gouda "slim".
I have had it on a sandwich with my smoked turkey, grilled enough to just start melting...
Quote from: Ka Honu on October 18, 2010, 12:03:56 PM
That's the good thing about getting old - I put the cheese in the fridge to age and within a day or so, I forgot I ever made it. A month or so later (when I finally remember), it's like opening a Christmas present.
I'm the same way!!!!! ;D
Quote from: bigcatdaddy on November 12, 2010, 07:51:23 AM
Quote from: Ka Honu on October 18, 2010, 12:03:56 PM
That's the good thing about getting old - I put the cheese in the fridge to age and within a day or so, I forgot I ever made it. A month or so later (when I finally remember), it's like opening a Christmas present.
I'm the same way!!!!! ;D
Iff'n I didn't resemble that statement so much I'd be laughing harder than I am now!
Here is the finished product.
(http://tapa.tk/mu/4a6de323-6c62-4c08.jpg)
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Now you're talking. Looks awesome. Gonna have to try that.
Nice!!!!
How did it taste??
Quote from: Tenpoint5 on November 12, 2010, 03:17:37 PM
How did it taste??
The combination of the smoked gouda and the Sopressata, just made it unbelievable.
Just for the heads up some of the guys who are new. You can age your cheese for a good long time. I think NePaS said he had some vacsealed in the back of his fridge for a year with no ill effect. And the longer it ages the better.
Quote from: Quarlow on November 14, 2010, 05:33:04 PM
Just for the heads up some of the guys who are new. You can age your cheese for a good long time. I think NePaS said he had some vacsealed in the back of his fridge for a year with no ill effect. And the longer it ages the better.
I think that was me. ::)
Oops sorry and I think I made the same mistake once before. But don't feel bad. I have a memory like a sieve. I fact sometimes I wonder how a can complete a sente......what was I just saying.....hey who am I.
Quote from: Quarlow on November 14, 2010, 05:56:36 PM
Oops sorry and I think I made the same mistake once before. But don't feel bad. I have a memory like a sieve. I fact sometimes I wonder how a can complete a sente......what was I just saying.....hey who am I.
You're in the Pacific time zone.
More like the frecken twilight zone. Just ruined 4 racks of ribs.