Fermenting Milk – Making Yogurt At Home
Some time ago, I began to do some research and was astonished at just how easy it can be to make yogurt. However, I did run into a few problems the first couple of times I made it but since then, have perfected my yogurt making at home.
Applejack – Or Apple Melomel Recipe
Many might remember the song by Dolly Parton with the lyrics: “He lived by the apple orchard in this little orchard shack His real name was Jackson Taylor but I called him Apple Jack” Well, Applejack is actually a melomel made with honey and of course, apples and probably has ancient roots in Europe. If [...]
Winemaking
I’ve seen a number of advertisements online suggesting that you can make wine for free. There are “experts” who apparently claim they can tell you how to make wine at no cost to yourself. Can you really do this? Well… yes and here’s how: First, let’s assume you have a vessel of some sort like [...]
Recipes
Not all fermented products are made for sipping and leisurely enjoying over dinner or beside a fireplace in the company of good friends. Some fermented products make excellent cooking ingredients, so that the Chateau-Neuf-de-Pape is even more enjoyable while eating dinner with friends Although I don’t like cooking on a daily basis, I do enjoy [...]
Tutorials
A hydrometer and test cylinder are among the most important tools for any winemaker. Used to measure specific gravity to monitor fermentation and sugar levels, these two items are very inexpensive (about $15.00 for the hydrometer and test cylinder) and there is no good reason that any winemaker should be without them. Although it is [...]
Yeast
Lalvin EC-1118 yeast is considered one of the best all round yeast strains. It is a wide temperature range that it can work within, and a high tolerance for alcohol – up to 18% by volume. With very compact lees, it makes for racking wine off the lees a much easier job. Due to its [...]
Glossary
"Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever." --Aristophanes
Latest Blog Posts
Happy Thanksgiving To My American Readers
Sometimes I hear that some Americans think it odd that we Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving near the beginning of October. We do – however, that is no reason for me to not wish my American readers a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday! I appreciate your visits and comments and am thankful for you! I hope the rest of [...]
Is It Zehrs, Neilson, Or What? Leaky Milk Bags
Why are my milk bags leaking? The Neilson brand of milk I buy from Zehrs seems to leak while other brands do not.
Cheese & Drugs – What’s The Connection?
Smuggled cheese a big business? Looks like it, at least in Canada.
I didn’t let my failure the first time at trying to make home made butter defeat me. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again… so I did. Here’s the story about the second attempt. Now for some wine and buttered crackers.. mmmm!
My Bitter Battle Trying To Beat Out Butter
Well, I tried to make butter. Home made butter. It was supposed to be easy. I have blisters on my hands and as far as I can tell, no butter – but a very thick and stiff whipped cream that I’m not sure what to do with.