This page will be updated frequently with the recommended merchants, tools, food/ingredients, books, and other links mentioned for the Cultured Dairy and Basic Cheese eBook and eCourse. (Keep scrolling to see all links and recommendations.)
Merchants
The following merchants are excellent resources for your traditional cooking needs.
Cultures for Health
Provides starter cultures, cheese-making supplies, sprouting supplies, and more. Get 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies.
More info: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Amazon.com
Amazon has an entire grocery section of natural and organic ingredients, including many of the items need for this eCourse. It’s also a great place to get appliances.
More info:
Amazon.com.
Homesteader’s Supply Co.
An excellent resource for cheesemaking supplies, kitchen appliances, and tools. Also carries a number of non-electric appliances (which are helpful if the power goes out!).
More info: Homesteader’s Supply Co.
Get basic supplies and cultures for 25% off by purchasing the Cheese Making Kit.
Tools and Equipment
Basic Thermometer
at Cultures for Health
Needed to check temperature of milk and water baths.
More info: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in most lessons.
Basic Thermometer
at Homesteader’s Supply
Needed to check temperature of milk and water baths.
More info: Homesteader’s Supply.
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in most lessons.
90-count Cheesecloth
at Cultures for Health
This fine-weave cheesecloth is useful in draining soft cheeses. Reusable.
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health or Amazon.com.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies at Cultures for Health. May be used multiple times
Needed in lessons 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.
Butter Muslin
Homesteader’s Supply
The same as 90-count cheesecloth. Is useful in draining soft cheeses. Reusable.
More info or buy at: Homesteader’s Supply
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in lessons 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.
Tome Mold and Lid
at Cultures for Health
This tome mold and lid can be used with a homemade press or free weights.
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies at Cultures for Health. May be used multiple times
Needed in lessons 12 and 13.
Tome Mold and Lid
at Homesteader’s Supply
The same tome mold and lid as Cultures for Health. Can be used with a homemade press or free weights.
More info or buy at: Homesteader’s Supply.
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in lessons 12 and 13.
Standard Press w/ Plastic Mold
An economical cheese press. Great for beginners.
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies at Cultures for Health. May be used multiple times
Needed in lessons 1, 12, and 13.
Deluxe Cheese Press
at Cultures for Health
Allows you to apply uniform pressure when making cheese.
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Alternative: see Wardee’s cheese press reviews for more options.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needeed in lessons 1, 12, and 13.
Ultimate Cheese Press
at Homesteader’s Supply
This cheese press is made from hard maple wood. Helpful in applying uniform pressure when making cheese. Especially useful in making hard cheeses.
More info or buy at: Homesteader’s Supply.
Alternative: see Wardee’s cheese press reviews for more options.
Needed in lessons 1, 12, and 13.
Mini Measuring Spoons
at Cultures for Health
Handy for measuring extra small amounts such as 1/32nd or 1/16th of a teaspoon of a culture. Contains 3 spoons of varying measurements.
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in all lessons.
Mini Measuring Spoons
at Homesteader’s Supply
This five-piece set goes from 1/64 teaspoon (one drop) up to 1/4 teaspoon. Great for measuring extra small amounts.
More info or buy at: Homesteader’s Supply.
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in all lessons.
Pint-size Mason Jars (wide-mouth)
Useful in culturing small amount of yogurt (also great for making and storing salad dressings).
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lessons 2, 4, and 11
Quart-size Mason Jar (wide-mouth)
Useful in culturing dairy products, soaking grains, fermentation, sprouting, and food storage.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lessons 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 15, and 17.
Half-Gallon Mason Jars
Useful in culturing larger amounts of dairy and water kefir. Can also be used with sprout screens to sprout wheat berries (or other grains/beans).
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Alternative: use quart jars or mixing bowls.
Needed in lessons 4 and 5.
Gallon Jar
This large jar is excellent for bulk food storage.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lessons 5, 8, 10, and Appendix 2.
Food Processor
An helpful tool for whipping cream, churning butter and grinding sugar to a fine consistency.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Alternative: use a blender or strong arms!
Needed in lessons 2, 3, 7, and 8.
Vitamix (High-Powered Blender)
Mill your own flour (though not as finely as a mill), churn butter, and grind sugar.
More info or buy at: Vitamix.com.
Alternatives: a stand-alone mill or grain cracker, or another high-powered blender such as Blendtec.
Needed in lesson 2, 3, and 7.
Stainless Steel Colander
Needed for straining cheese (also helpful in straining stocks/broths, soaked grains/beans, and more).
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in most lessons.
Large Stainless Steel Pot (12 quart)
Needed to warm large amounts of milk for making cheese and other dairy products.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in most lessons.
Canner/Large Pot
Needed for water baths. Helps maintain the right temperature for culturing, preventing hot spots in the milk, or for developing the right curd texture.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 14.
Instant-Read Thermometer
Helpful in checking temperature of yogurt (and other items) quickly.
More info: Amazon.com.
Option in lesson 6.
Cooler
Useful for making “just like store-bought” yogurt.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 6.
Ice Cream Maker
Helpful in making kefir ice cream.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 7.
Tea Towel
Needed for lining colander when straining cheeses with fine curds.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 8.
Slotted Spoon
Helpful in stirring and removing curds.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lessons 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 .
Air-Tight Storage Containers
Needed for storing cultures to prevent moisture entering the packages. Also useful in storing prepared foods and cheese.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in all lessons.
Cookie Sheet/Baking Tray
Needed to catch drips when using a cheese press.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lessons 12 and 13.
Stainless Steel Drying Rack
Use under a tome mold and over a baking sheet to catch whey.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lessons 12, 13 and 18.
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl (Medium)
This 3-quart bowl is helpful for mixing and creating small water baths for warming cheese curds.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 14.
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl (Large)
This 5-quart bowl can be used to create warm and iced water baths.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 14.
Dishwashing Gloves
Helps protect hands from heat.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 14.
pH Strips
Used to check pH level of cheese.
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lesson 14.
Cheese Brush
A natural bristle brush used for brushing wax onto cheese.
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lesson 16.
Cheese Wax
at Homesteader’s Supply
This food-grade cheese wax is used for coating and protecting cheese.
More info or buy at: Homesteader’s Supply.
Needed in lesson 16.
Cheese Wax
at Cultures for Health
Another option for food-grade cheese wax to coat and protect cheese.
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lesson 16.
Natural Wax Paper
This chlorine-free wax paper is useful for shaping butter and waxing cheese.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lessons 3 and 16.
Glass Refrigerator Storage Dishes
Needed for storing cream cheese in the refrigerator.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 17.
Chevre Mold
at Cultures for Health
This tall, narrow cheese mold is useful in shaping soft cheeses. You will need 3-5 of these.
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lesson 18.
Chevre Mold at Homesteader’s Supply
Used to drain and form soft cheeses. You will need 3-5 of these.
More info or buy at: Homesteader’s Supply.
Needed in lesson 18.
Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator
This horizontal airflow unit has removable trays, so it can also be used to ferment foods at a controlled temperature (it even fits half-gallon and gallon-sized jars!
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Optional in lesson 6.
Ingredients
Homesteader’s Supply Cultured Dairy and Cheese Kit
This kit contains the basic supplies and cultures needed for this eCourse.
More info or buy at: Homesteader’s Supply.
Option in all lessons.
Cultured Buttermilk Starter
Needed to make buttermilk, sour cream, and cultured butter.
More info: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lessons 2, 3 and 5.
Abiasa Mesophilic Starter Culture III
Another option for making buttermilk, sour cream, and cultured butter.
More info: Homesteader’s Supply.
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in lessons 2, 3 and 5.
Villi Yogurt Starter
Needed to make room-temperature cultured yogurt.
More info: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lesson 4.
Danisco Feta Starter Culture
Needed to make yogurt.
More info: Homesteader’s Supply.
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in lessons 2 and 15.
Danisco Direct Set Starter MA 11/19
Needed to make semi-soft and fresh cheeses.
More info: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lessons 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 17.
Danisco Mesophilic Direct Set Starter 4002
Needed to make semi-soft and fresh cheeses.
More info: Homesteader’s Supply.
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in lessons 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 17.
Danisco Thermophilic Direct Set Starter TA 61/62
Needed to make mozzarella cheese.
More info: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lesson 14.
Danisco Thermophilic Direct Set Starter MY800
Another option for making mozzarella cheese.
More info: Homesteader’s Supply.
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in lesson 14.
Mild Calf Lipase
at Cultures for Health
Needed to make feta, queso fresco, and mozarella.
More info: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lessons 10, 12, and 14.
Calf Lipase
at Homesteader’s Supply
Needed to make feta, queso fresco, and mozarella.
More info: Homesteader’s Supply.
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in lessons 10, 12, and 14.
Vegetable Rennet Tablets
at Cultures for Health
Needed to make feta, queso fresco, cheddar, Middle Eastern cheese, and mozzarella.
More info: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lesson 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.
Vegetable Rennet Tablets
at Homesteader’s Supply
Needed to make feta, queso fresco, cheddar, Middle Eastern cheese, mozzarella. (Same as tablets from Cultures for Health)
More info: Homesteader’s Supply.
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in lesson 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.
Double-Strength Liquid Vegetable Rennet
at Cultures for Health
This gluten-free, non-GMO Double-Strength Vegetable Rennet is essential for cheesemaking.
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lessons 9, 10, 11, 13, and Appendix II.
Double-Strength Liquid Vegetable Rennet
at Homesteader’s Supply
An essential ingredient for cheesemaking.
More info or buy at: Homesteader’s Supply.
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in lessons 9, 10, 11, 13, and Appendix II.
Piima Starter Culture
Used to make a traditional Scandinavian yogurt .
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
No specific lessons given with this culture.
Dairy Kefir Grains
Necessary for making dairy kefir and kefir-based cheeses.
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lessons 7 and Appendix I.
Calcium Chloride
at Cultures for Health
Used when making hard cheeses with store-bought or goats milk (to give a firmer setting).
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lessons 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.
Calcium Chloride
at Homesteader’s Supply
Used when making hard cheeses with store-bought or goats milk (to give a firmer setting).
More info or buy at: Homesteader’s Supply.
Cheese Making Kit item.
Needed in lessons 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
Useful for making baked goods, such as sweet breads, pies, and cookies.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 2.
Soft Whole Wheat Berries
Grind soft wheat berries to create whole wheat pastry flour.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 2 (if not using pre-ground flour).
Spelt Flour (sprouted)
A great alternative to wheat in baked goods.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 2.
Spelt Berries
An excellent choice for creating sprouted flour.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 2 (if not using pre-ground flour).
Coconut Oil, unrefined
A traditional cooking fat, excellent for baking, sautéing, and frying.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lesson 2.
Real Salt
This unrefined sea salt is high in trace minerals and imparts a wonderful flavor.
Alternatives: Himalayan Sea Salt or Celtic Sea Salt.
Needed in most lessons.
Aluminum-free Baking Powder
The best (and safest) baking powders are free of aluminum and GMOs.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Alternative: Bob’s Red Mill Baking Powder.
Needed in lesson 2.
Sucanat or Rapadura
Unrefined sugar cane, a natural sweetener. Used to make sweetened cream, flavored cream cheese, and kefir ice cream.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Needed in lessons 2, 7 and 17.
Vanilla Beans
Use vanilla beans to make your own vanilla extract.
More info or buy here.
Follow Wardee’s instructions for making vanilla extract.
Needed in lesson 7.
Cocoa Powder
Needed for making flavored cream cheese and kefir ice cream.
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Alternative: use dutch process cocoa powder.
Needed in lessons 7 and 17 .
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
This cold pressed, 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, is made from hand-harvested olives grown on a family farm in California.
More info or buy at: Chaffin Family Orchards.
Needed in lessons 7 and 11 .
Cheese Salt
This kosher flake salt dissolves easily and does not contain iodine (which can interfere with the cheese aging process).
More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.
Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.
Needed in lesson 14.
Danisco ABY-2C Thermophilic Yogurt Culture
This direct-set yogurt culture makes fabulous yogurt. Does not culture at room temperature (needs 100 to 110 degrees F).
More info or buy at: Homesteader Supply.
Optional in lesson 6.
Beef Gelatin
Needed to make thick raw milk yogurt (an optional recipe in Lesson 6).
More info or buy at: Amazon.com.
Alternative: Great Lake’s beef gelatin.
Optional in lesson6.
Other Links
Getting Started
- Private Member Area
- Get Access To The Cultured Dairy and Basic Cheese eCourse Videos
- Wardee Harmon, lead teacher and owner of “Traditional Cooking School by GNOWFGLINS”
- Wardee’s book: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fermenting Foods
- “Kitchen Stewardship”
- Erin from “Traditional Cooking School by GNOWFLINS”
- “Fundamentals I eCourse”
- “Fundamentals I eBook”
- “Cultures for Health”
- “Homesteader Supply”
- “Local Harvest”
- “Real Milk”
- “Resources”
- “Craigslist”
- “Freecycle”
- “Mad Millie”
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
- None
Lesson 3
- None
Lesson 4
- None
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
- “Kitchen Stewardship”
- “What to do with your yogurt? Homemade Yogurt Recipes”
- “4 Tips to Eat Yogurt with Little to No Sweetener”
- “7 Excuses for Not Making Homemade Yogurt — Debunked”
- “How to Make Whey and Yogurt Cheese”
- “Raw Yogurt Experiments and Failures”
Lesson 7
Lesson 8
- “Fundamentals I eCourse”
- “Fundamentals I eBook”
- “lacto-fermentation category”
- “Lacto-Fermentation eCourse/eBook”
- “Kitchen Stewardship”
Lesson 9
- None
Lesson 10
Lesson 11
- None
Lesson 12
Lesson 13
Lesson 14
- None
Lesson 15
- None
Lesson 16
- None
Lesson 17
- None
Lesson 18
- None
Questions?
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