It was like a dream come true as I watched the sunrise from my very own cheese “plant”. I had been inspected and tested and it was official.
I started my very first batch of cheese on Aug 17, 2010. I really am an optimist at fault. I never really expect “glitches”. I don’t know why because I always have them. LOL
I had intended to start off with 150 gallons. We did not expect the pump to be so powerful and we ended up with 300 gallons. YIKES that’s a lot of milk! I had it in there and gave it a shot! Well, my hot water was not adjusted to pasteurize that much yet…so after not wanting to admit it…I did… and it was given to our calves.
So then, learning from my first mistake, we ended up with 180 gallons in the vat…pasteurization, start and culture went as planned!
I was up for two days straight. Anxious and excited all at the same time.
I wanted so badly to make my debut at the Hanford, CA Farmers Market.
With the help of my husband, Tony, my daughter Tara and her boyfriend Shane we were able to do it!
There were a lot of other little glitches but at least we made 76 quarts of cheese. I made 79 6 oz containers of “Central Valley” flavor. I only have a few left! (I am very happy about that). I look forward to going out there next Thursday and sampling all four of my flavors! Please stop by if you are in the area.
Along with excitement of the week the “cherry on the top” is that I was given an inspection and passed as a “Real California Cheese” producer. I can’t wait to get my seal!
I also supplied cheese to Cisneros Olive Co. and they liked it so much that they stuffed some on Friday so they can take them to the Olive Festival in Paso Robles, CA. (Very honored and excited about that)!
I want to say a special “THANKS” to the many of you who have sent over well wishes and prayers! I appreciate it so much and it gives me courage to go on…even when it feels really hard! Hugs and Kisses to you all!
Chica update! I visited with her Aug 16, 2010 and she ran up to me with even with her “baby-bump”! She is doing great!
Yay!!! Thats so exciting and wonderful! Congrats Barbara! You better make sure AJ brings some to Poly so we have a supply 🙂
You betcha! Thanks so much!
Congratulations, Barbara! Wishinig you much success in your cheesemaking endeavor. Stay optimistic, it’s what makes you such an inspiration to all of us. Hooray for Dairy Goddess Farmstead Cheese.
Best, Amy
Congratulations on your success; I really enjoyed visiting with you. Your cheese is delicious!
You are doing a great job promoting the dairy industry.
I appreciate your enthusiasm, creativity, and work ethic.
You blog is refreshing and fun to read.
Rosemarie
Congratulations, what a big achievement. Can’t wait to taste it!
Thank you so much!
It was nice running into you at the bakery and so sweet of you to let us try your cheese so wonderful my family loved it would like to buy some, is it at the bakery! best of luck with everything Debbie Dutra
Hi Debbie! My pleasure! So glad you all liked it. It is available at the Hanford Portuguese Bakery and I am at the Hanford Farmers Market on Thursday nights until it ends. Hope to see you soon. Barbara
Hello.
I’m developing a website (http://centralcoastfoodie.com/) that features the most exceptional, sustainable food and drink in the Central Coast and I wanted to let you know that I’ve linked to your blog on the “Handcrafted Cheese” page. I know that Lemoore isn’t technically Central Coast but it’s close enough for me (http://centralcoastfoodie.com/2010/08/handcrafted-cheese/).
It’s nice to see your enthusiasm for your venture. Did you see that great article about how small dairy producers are turning to making artisan cheese rather than try to compete for milk sales with the industrial milk industry? (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/21/food/la-fo-artisan-cheese-20101021)
Let me know of other exceptional cheese resources. Good luck.
Rachel Duchak
Hi Rachel!
Thank you so very much for the link. I so appreciate that. I am looking forward to selling my cheese at the Thursday Farmers Market in SLO. I will know when next week when exactly. I LOVE the Central Coast and my that is why my first and favorite flavor of my Fromage Blanc is named after it! 🙂 I don’t know if you have seen this story?
http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/09/12/2075207/valley-dairies-start-making-their.html
Thank you again! Barbara
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