The Cheese Chronicles: A Journey Through The Making And Selling Of Cheese In America, From Field To Farm To Table (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
(3.5 stars) The author takes the reader on several excursions through the world of cheese in this book. she mixes in her own initiation and experiences with cheese, from eating and experimenting with different styles of cheese, working at a cheese counter, buying cheese at the wholesale level, and traveling to taste different styles and makers of cheese. She covers the cheese-making process particularly from the perspective of an artisan producer. Most of the book is dedicated to discussing small production cheese-makers and their cheeses. The author describes the challenges that they face to make and sell quality product. There is also discussion on the pros and cons and different facets of cow milk versus goat milk versus sheep milk in the production of cheese. While I enjoyed the book, it could at times be a bit overwhelming to try to keep track of the cheeses described. I did learn more about the cheese making process, but I think the cover misled me a little in thinking this would be more from the perspective of an artisan producer. Overall, it was an enlightening look into the world of cheese. As an aspiring goat cheesemaker, I found the book very interesting, and gave me a few ideas. However, if I wasn't interested in making my own cheese, I would think the abundance of tasting notes on so many different cheeses could get tiresome. I would hope other readers, especially those without experience raising animals, will read this and want to buy local/regional or at least from a cheesemaker where they know the animals were treated well.
What do You think about The Cheese Chronicles: A Journey Through The Making And Selling Of Cheese In America, From Field To Farm To Table (2009)?
Cheese! Loved learning about the history, traditions and methods of each cheese.
—tammy
Great resource for cheese lovers. Very detailed tasting notes.
—starlight
I need to keep this as a reference next time I go for cheese!
—Daemonet
Fantastic. Except she uses the word "decimate" incorrectly.
—laila
