Cheese ?s My first attempt

[Friar_Tuck]

Ok, you guys have me hooked here.
I am smoking my first batch of cheese.  With an outside temp of 5degrees, I figure it is a great day for it.


I am trying some Colby, Medium Cheddar, Marble Jack, Cream Cheese, Pepper Jack, and Cheddar Jack.
My question is, has anybody used the "Special Blend " pucks for cheese?
I had some loaded already and figured I would try them, but have not seen them mentioned for cheese before, so I am wondering a bit.
I know this Vacuum and wait a month thing is gonna kill me, so I made a big enough batch to make the wait worth while.
Thanks,
Jim

[Tenpoint5]

I myself would suggest Hickory for your cheese. I would also cut them big blocks in half makes it look like there is more in the fridge when your done. Also helps when you want to try a different one before that one is finished. Have fun your going to be heading back to the store to get more to do in January. I will bet you a Barley Pop on that one!!

[Friar_Tuck]

Thanks Tenpoint5 for the reply.
But you lost the barley pop bet, as I did not wait until January ;)
I figured as long as I had things up to temp, and the smoke rolling, I might as well do another batch right now!
Here is the first batch cooling off.
The picture does not show the change of color and texture as well as I would have hoped.
And wouldn't ya know it, I try to be smart and make labels, and there is a typo :}
it should read 2 1/2 hours  >:(


And here they are, all ready to be tucked away deep in the fridge.



The next batch ready to roll!
This batch will be 3 hours of hickory

[Tenpoint5]

I still say your gonna be doing another batch in January after you taste this stuff. BTW I can see some color change in the cheese.

[Jim O]

Good lookin' cheese F_T !

Enjoy (eventually) !

Jim O

[Friar_Tuck]

Thanks guys,
Once I put the pics side by side, there is a difference I see.
Now the second batch is cooling!

[KyNola]

Looking WAY good Tuck!

[SouthernSmoked]

Great looking cheese...

I like the custom labels.

[pensrock]

Looks great, I can see the color change.  :)

[Tenpoint5]

Looks Great see you in 10-14 days

[ArnieM]

The cheese looks good FT.  I just can't stand the 'waiting' part.

Try the smoked cream cheese on a bagel with smoked salmon and thin-sliced red onion.  Good stuff!

[Chili Head]

Great looking cheeses  ;)  I bet the cream cheese will be great on garlic triscuts  ;D

The lables you made are a great idea!