WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2023 | 6:30 PM
with Laura Cochran and PJ Hinkel of Sweet Freedom Cheese
Cheesemaking is part art, part science and often viewed as a difficult process. Laura Cochran, Head Cheesemonger at Sweet Freedom, and Chef PJ Hinkel, Director of Culinary Experience, will break down the mystery of curds and whey as she demonstrates how easy it is to make butter and fresh ricotta. In this hands on class, you will learn basic milk composition and characteristics important in the cheesemaking process as you create cultured butter and ricotta from scratch. Participants will also learn the ingredients and tools necessary for making cheese. Then enjoy your creations as you enjoy the butter and ricotta on fresh bread alongside sustainable summer jam created by Chef PJ. Recipes will be provided.
*All class ticket sales are final. No refunds or credit transfers to other classes are available.*
MEET THE CHEFS:
Chef Laura Cochran, Sweet Freedom Head Cheesemonger
Chef Laura grew up in Fayetteville and attended the University of Arkansas, earning a degree in French. After 10 years in collegiate administration, Laura pursued a long-held dream to attend culinary school, during which she began her career in cheese at Sweet Freedom Cheese. Graduating from Brightwater in 2020 with a degree in Food Studies and emphasis in Artisanal Foods, Laura holds certifications as a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, WSET Wine & Spirits Level 1, and ServSafe Food Manager and recently became a Certified Cheese Professional from the American Cheese Society. Her favorite part of the culinary world is learning about foods sourced and produced using old-world style techniques, particularly honey cultivation, bread making, and (of course) cheesemaking.
Chef PattyJo Hinkel, Sweet Freedom Director of Culinary Experience
Building on her experiences working in the food industry, Chef PattyJo moved from her home state of Wyoming to Arkansas in the fall of 2017 to attend Brightwater culinary school where she graduated with a triple-threat of degrees in Culinary, Artisanal Foods, and Pastry Arts in 2020. She holds certifications as a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, WSET Wine & Spirits Level 1, ServSafe Food Manager, and Specialty Coffee Association barista. PJ joined the team at Sweet Freedom Cheese in 2019 after completing her culinary internship and is the Director of Culinary Experience, leading the kitchen team in creating gorgeous cheese-focused dishes and show-stopping cheese & charcuterie boards.