Artisan Cooking and making cheese

I like the sound of Artisan, I know it's been way over used.  I looked up the meaning and here are a few I like.  So I think of myself as an Artisan Food Preserver and preparer of Food.

Well, the Taste Council definition is:
Artisan Food is defined as a superior tasting food, which commands a higher price in its category. Superior taste is achieved through food making skill
I don't think that really gets to the heart of the matter, however. 
Artisan food encompasses:a Persona Placea Producta Passion

“A kind of personal integrity that can be confused with eccentricity: 'however strange it may seem to you, this is the way I do things'
"Pride without arrogance: a sincere belief in the excellence of their work
"Humility and steadfastness: the ability to light the wood stove, milk the ewes, coax the bees out of their hives – quietly, without pretence – day after day, year after year.
"The belief that their work is not a means to something else, but one of the ways to give meaning to their lives.
"Genius: the brilliance that comes to those driven by their personal vision rather than a desire for success, money or fame.
"Generosity: they have no secrets. If you appreciate what they do, they'll tell you everything they know... and usually set a place for you at their table”.
For me , that's as good as a definition can get, I think: Integrity; pride, humility, meaning; genius, generosity.
So with all of this comes one of my favorite scripture, Nehemiah 8:10  "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared.  This is a sacred day before our Lord.  Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"(NLT)  This is what I have been called to do and I love it. 

I am making another wheel of Cheddar Cheese, so here are some pictures of the process.  

Heating the milk and waiting

A lot of waiting time and patience

Heating the curds

Cutting the Curds

Wheel of Cheddar Cheese, now to dry and age it.
After second pressing, will add more after final pressing.

Pressing the cheese, there are 3 pressings and times, the is 50#'s for 24 hours, so more waiting

Making Curd

Steps to making Curd; Zest your lemons/oranges, squeeze juice.  In a double boiler add butter, sugar, juice and zest.  Add eggs and cook for 20 minutes. Put in jars and place in a water bath canner and can for 15 minutes.

Ladle into jars, clean off the tops,

Place lids on clean tops

place rings on jars, not to tight now

place in water bath canner

make sure you have at least 1 1/2 inches of water above your jars

start timer

take out and let cool, enjoy.

Trying out blogging

This is my first attempt at a blog.  This weekend I did a canning demo at CCGGA's plant sale at the Edwards Barn. Many people said I should start a blog so they can get my recipes and such so here it is. Be patient with me as I learn how to blog. See you soon with my first cooking post.