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Recipes => Cold-Smoking => Topic started by: NDKoze on January 16, 2015, 05:52:02 PM

Title: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: NDKoze on January 16, 2015, 05:52:02 PM
As some of you know, I am doing some testing with a new A-MAZE-N AMNPS cold smoke generator. Here is the thread with my test results:
http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=2639.0 (http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=2639.0)

I did a test yesterday afternoon, with mixed results. But with some learnings and tips from Martin, I thought it was worth trying again today with some inexpensive cheese. I made a trip to Costco and picked up some basic Kirkland Mild Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Colby/Jack, and some Mozzarella string cheese.

I also picked up some Gouda, Mild Cheddar, and Seriously Sharp Cheddar for a later smoke. These are more expensive cheeses that I'll try after I get some more testing with the A-MAZE-N under my belt.

I put the cheese in and started smoking at about 4:00CST and plan for a 2.5-3.0 hour smoke depending on how the color looks at the 2.5 hour mark.

Yeah, yeah, I just noticed that my bottom rack is not level. I'm going to live with it. ;)
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: NDKoze on January 16, 2015, 10:58:01 PM
Well, my Cheese smoke is done.

The temp stayed at 65-70 pretty much the whole time.

I tried to smoke until I got some color, but the cheese didn't ever really take on much color. So, I ended up smoking for 5 hours. I hope I didn't over smoke them.

They're all packaged up and in the fridge. They were cool to the touch right out of the smoker and didn't look like they got a lot of color. They definitely smell smoky though. Hopefully some mellowing in the fridge will do them good.
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: BedouinBob on January 16, 2015, 11:34:56 PM
Nice looking Gregg! I'm doing som this weekend along with the first smoke on the Black Forest bacon. Pork & cheese, what's not to like?
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: NDKoze on January 17, 2015, 01:56:16 AM
Nice looking Gregg! I'm doing som this weekend along with the first smoke on the Black Forest bacon. Pork & cheese, what's not to like?

That Black Forest Bacon sounds really good! I'll be following your thread.
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: SuperDave on January 17, 2015, 10:31:09 AM
Gregg, when do you plan on doing a taste test?  I was going to do my cheese this week but might wait until you report back on taste versus smoke time. 
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: BedouinBob on January 17, 2015, 01:00:57 PM
Did my cheese too today along with my bacon cold smoke (see BF bacon post). I tried a variety including mild cheddar, parmigiana reggiano, farmers, mozzarella, New Zealand (cheddar - gouda mix), pepper jack, and for the first time goat cheese. I'll be interested to see how the goat comes out. Attached are before pictures and how I did the cold plate. The after pictures don't look different as the color wasn't changed appreciably. I used 1.5 oz with a mix of 50-50 hickory and cherry.
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: NDKoze on January 17, 2015, 03:21:27 PM
Gregg, when do you plan on doing a taste test?  I was going to do my cheese this week but might wait until you report back on taste versus smoke time. 

I packaged some smaller blocks (as you can see in my picture) for my taste testers.

My current plan is to do a taste at weeks 1, 2, and 4.

I'll report back next Friday with the results of the first taste test.

Bob, my cheese did not take on much color either, so I ended up smoking it for 5 hours which I am a but worried might have been too much. Time will tell though.

I think it didn't take on that much color because of the cold temps that I smoked in. The box temp ranged from 40-75 and averaged about 60 or so. When it took it out is was cool to the touch with zero moisture in it.

The A-MAZE-N definitely puts out some heat. So, if I smoke cheese in warmer weather I will need the cold smoke plate. Luckily I live in the same town and actually work with forum member WIK, who has said that he would let me borrow his when needed. ;)
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: BedouinBob on January 17, 2015, 05:21:50 PM
Yeah, 5 hrs is pretty long. I'm Interested in how it turned out. BTW, why the toothpicks?
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: NDKoze on January 17, 2015, 05:49:36 PM
Yeah, I hope with some mellowing it turns out OK. The good thing is that for my test batch I used relatively inexpensive cheese. I have some higher quality stuff in the fridge waiting to be smoked after I have compiled all of my learnings from this one.

The toothpicks were for telling the difference between the Mild and Sharp Cheddar. I'm not sure why I put them in the Colby/Jack. Duh!
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: Wik on January 18, 2015, 11:05:43 AM
Hey Gregg - Funny I just started a cheese smoke today with the cold plate.  Now of course I decided to peek at the forums for any tips and correct anything I'm doing wrong.  Gotta a love that last minute smokes...  Only been in for 25 mins so we will see if the temp rises much with the cold plate or not.  But yah anytime you want to borrow it, it is yours.
Wik
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: NDKoze on January 18, 2015, 03:40:34 PM
Thanks Chad, I am guessing at some point in the warmer months, I may take you up in that. If you ever want to try out the A-MAZE-N or need some seafood racks (I have 5) let me know.

Maybe we could exchange a couple of pieces of cheese to compare? What kinds of cheese do you have on? I'm not planning on trying mine for a week.
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: Pork Belly on January 18, 2015, 07:30:35 PM
I haven't done cheese in a few years but it was always for four to five hours. Personally I want to taste smoky cheese not cheese with a hint of smoke.
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: NDKoze on January 18, 2015, 08:21:08 PM
Well, I am hoping that it turned out well. I will say that it wasn't a super heavy smoke from the A-MAZE-N. So, I am cautiously optimistic that it will turn out well.

I too would like a fairly heavy smoke flavor. Most of the so called smoked store bought cheese that I have tasted was VERY light on the smoke flavor.
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: DivotMaker on January 19, 2015, 07:20:04 PM
Hey Gregg - Funny I just started a cheese smoke today with the cold plate.  Now of course I decided to peek at the forums for any tips and correct anything I'm doing wrong.  Gotta a love that last minute smokes...  Only been in for 25 mins so we will see if the temp rises much with the cold plate or not.  But yah anytime you want to borrow it, it is yours.
Wik

Good to see you, Chad!  Been awhile.  Hope to see you around more!  Take any selfies in the snow this year? ;)
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: NDKoze on January 19, 2015, 07:37:47 PM
Hey Gregg - Funny I just started a cheese smoke today with the cold plate.  Now of course I decided to peek at the forums for any tips and correct anything I'm doing wrong.  Gotta a love that last minute smokes...  Only been in for 25 mins so we will see if the temp rises much with the cold plate or not.  But yah anytime you want to borrow it, it is yours.
Wik

Good to see you, Chad!  Been awhile.  Hope to see you around more!  Take any selfies in the snow this year? ;)

LOL!!! It may be time to break that one out again Chad. There are a lot of new faces here that haven't seen the pic yet. ;)
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: DivotMaker on January 19, 2015, 08:06:09 PM
I still have the screenshot, Gregg!  Hands-down, one of the best, and funniest, things I've ever seen!  He's a legend! ;D
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: NDKoze on January 26, 2015, 05:16:47 PM
Just a quick follow-up on my cheese smoke.

I tried a small block of the Colby/Jack on 1/24 (8 days after the smoke) and it was still really smoky and had a pretty heavy ash tray taste.

I am hoping that some more time mellowing in the fridge will tone it down.

I will try again this weekend and post another update.
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: SuperDave on January 26, 2015, 05:41:24 PM
Gregg,
Were your blocks wrapped loose or vacuum wrapped?  I've read and seen both.  I went with the loose wrap thinking it could breathe better. 
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: NDKoze on January 26, 2015, 05:56:54 PM
Vacuum-packed.
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: id2nv2nj2ca on May 23, 2016, 07:12:53 PM
I'ts been a long time since this post has had an update.  How did you cheese turn out?  And I would like to see the funny selfie. ;)
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: NDKoze on May 24, 2016, 12:50:45 AM
The cheese turned out awesome! I have smoked several other batches since then and now have a pretty full stock of smoked cheese (for now). But since summer is coming rapidly and temps aren't getting that low anymore it will have to last me until Fall.

The A-MAZE-N AMMTS worked awesome for the cheese.

The selfie was of Wiki sunbathing in a swim suit in his back yard on a lawn chair in the snow. I think he pulled it, so you'll just have to use your imagination. ;)
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: DivotMaker on May 24, 2016, 07:24:20 PM
The selfie was of Wiki sunbathing in a swim suit in his back yard on a lawn chair in the snow. I think he pulled it, so you'll just have to use your imagination. ;)

No offense to anyone new, but that selfie is reserved for those of us that saw it a few years ago....funniest thing I've ever seen!  I would never post this screen shot without Wik's permission!  I just wouldn't do it!  So, don't try to make me!!
Title: Re: First Attempt at Cold Smoking Cheese
Post by: id2nv2nj2ca on June 16, 2016, 01:31:20 AM
The cheese turned out awesome! I have smoked several other batches since then and now have a pretty full stock of smoked cheese (for now). But since summer is coming rapidly and temps aren't getting that low anymore it will have to last me until Fall.

The A-MAZE-N AMMTS worked awesome for the cheese.

The selfie was of Wiki sunbathing in a swim suit in his back yard on a lawn chair in the snow. I think he pulled it, so you'll just have to use your imagination. ;)
  Thanks.  And thanks for the visual.  But, not really. ;)