Say Cheese! An Interview with Cheese Carving Artist Sarah Kaufmann + Delicious Cheese-Centric Recipes

Have you ever looked at a block of cheese and seen… art? Sarah Kaufmann, also known as The Cheese Lady, does just that. A master cheese carver, Sarah transforms ordinary blocks of cheddar, swiss, and provolone into incredible sculptures. From whimsical animals to intricate landscapes, her creations are a testament to creativity and skill. Today, we’re diving into the cheesy world of Sarah Kaufmann with an exclusive interview, plus we’ll explore some mouthwatering recipes that celebrate cheese in all its glorious forms. Get ready for a cheese-filled adventure!

An Interview with Sarah Kaufmann, The Cheese Lady

Interviewer: Sarah, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us. Your cheese carvings are truly remarkable. How did you get started in this unique art form?

Sarah Kaufmann: Well, it all started with a challenge! I was working in the dairy industry, promoting Wisconsin cheese, and someone suggested carving cheese. I thought, “Why not?” I started with a simple heart shape, and I was immediately hooked. The possibilities seemed endless.

Interviewer: That’s an amazing origin story! What kind of cheese do you prefer to work with, and why?

Sarah Kaufmann: I mostly use cheddar cheese because it is a good, firm cheese, and it holds its shape well. It’s also widely available and relatively easy to work with. However, I’ve carved with many different types of cheese, including Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, and even some flavored cheeses. The key is finding a cheese that is firm enough to hold the details but not so dry that it crumbles.

Interviewer: What tools do you use for your cheese carvings?

Sarah Kaufmann: I use a variety of tools, starting with larger knives and scrapers to remove the bulk of the cheese. Then, I move to smaller, more precise tools like loop tools, clay sculpting tools, and even dental picks for the fine details. It’s all about control and precision. It’s important to keep my tools clean and sharp.

Interviewer: What is the most challenging cheese sculpture you’ve ever created?

Sarah Kaufmann: That’s a tough one! I would say the most challenging was probably a life-size Harley-Davidson motorcycle made entirely out of cheddar cheese. It was incredibly complex, with lots of intricate details. It took several days to complete and required a team of people to help me move it. The logistics of keeping that much cheese cold and stable during the carving process were also a major challenge.

Interviewer: Wow, a motorcycle made of cheese! That’s incredible. Do you have any tips for aspiring cheese carvers?

Sarah Kaufmann: Absolutely! Start with simple shapes and practice your knife skills. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – cheese is forgiving! Also, keep your cheese cold to prevent it from melting. Most importantly, have fun and let your creativity flow.

Interviewer: What inspires your creations?

Sarah Kaufmann: Everything around me! I find inspiration in nature, animals, people, and even everyday objects. I also love incorporating themes that are relevant to the event or celebration for which I’m carving. It’s always exciting to create something unique and memorable.

Interviewer: Where can people see your work?

Sarah Kaufmann: I travel all over the country carving cheese at fairs, festivals, corporate events, and private parties. People can also see my work on my website, [insert Sarah Kaufmann’s website here], and on social media [insert Sarah Kaufmann’s social media handles here].

Interviewer: Thank you so much for your time, Sarah. It’s been fascinating learning about your art. Now, let’s move on to some delicious cheese recipes!

Cheese Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Now that we’ve explored the art of cheese carving, let’s celebrate cheese in its most delicious form: food! Here are some recipes that showcase the versatility and flavor of cheese.

1. Classic Mac and Cheese (Elevated!)

Forget the boxed stuff! This homemade mac and cheese is creamy, decadent, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, your preference)
* 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
4. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
5. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and stir to combine.
8. Pour macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish.
9. Optional: Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
11. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Mac and Cheese:

* Use high-quality cheese: The flavor of your mac and cheese will only be as good as the cheese you use. Don’t skimp on quality!
* Don’t overcook the macaroni: Slightly undercook the macaroni, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
* Make a smooth sauce: Whisk the flour and butter together thoroughly to avoid lumps in your sauce.
* Add a little kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a delightful kick to your mac and cheese.
* Experiment with different cheeses: Try using different combinations of cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile. Gouda, Havarti, and Fontina are all excellent choices.

2. Baked Brie with Honey and Walnuts

This appetizer is elegant, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

* 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
* Crackers or baguette slices for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the Brie cheese in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle the Brie with honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
4. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the Brie is soft and melted.
5. Serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices.

Variations:

* Add fruit: Top the Brie with sliced apples, pears, or berries.
* Use different nuts: Pecans, almonds, or pistachios can be used instead of walnuts.
* Try different sweeteners: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey.
* Add herbs: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary for a savory twist.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a Twist

Elevate your classic grilled cheese with gourmet cheeses and unexpected ingredients.

Ingredients:

* 2 slices of bread (sourdough, brioche, or your favorite)
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 1/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
* 1/4 cup shredded Fontina cheese
* Optional: Caramelized onions, sliced tomatoes, or prosciutto

Instructions:

1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Top with Gruyere cheese, Fontina cheese, and any optional ingredients.
4. Place the other slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Grilled Cheese Upgrade Ideas:

* Fig and Prosciutto: Add fig jam and prosciutto for a sweet and savory combination.
* Apple and Cheddar: Use sharp cheddar cheese and thinly sliced apples for a classic pairing.
* Pesto and Mozzarella: Spread pesto on the bread and use fresh mozzarella for an Italian-inspired grilled cheese.
* Spicy Jalapeño and Pepper Jack: Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.

4. Cheese Soufflé

This impressive dish is surprisingly easy to make and is perfect for a special occasion.

Ingredients:

* 3 tablespoons butter
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg
* 4 large eggs, separated
* 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 6-cup soufflé dish.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
3. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute, or until sauce has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Let cool slightly.
6. Whisk in egg yolks one at a time, until smooth.
7. Stir in Gruyere cheese and Parmesan cheese.
8. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
9. Gently fold one-third of the egg whites into the cheese mixture to lighten it.
10. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined.
11. Pour into the prepared soufflé dish.
12. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
13. Serve immediately.

Soufflé Success Tips:

* Use room temperature eggs: Room temperature eggs will whip up to a greater volume.
* Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing will deflate the egg whites and result in a flat soufflé.
* Avoid opening the oven door: Opening the oven door during baking can cause the soufflé to collapse.
* Serve immediately: Soufflés are best served immediately after baking, as they will deflate over time.

5. Cheese and Charcuterie Board

A cheese and charcuterie board is a delightful way to entertain guests. It’s customizable, visually appealing, and offers a variety of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

* Assortment of cheeses (e.g., cheddar, brie, goat cheese, blue cheese)
* Assortment of cured meats (e.g., prosciutto, salami, chorizo)
* Crackers, baguette slices, or breadsticks
* Fruits (e.g., grapes, berries, apples, pears)
* Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
* Olives
* Jams, honey, or chutneys
* Optional: Pickles, mustards, dried fruits

Instructions:

1. Choose a large platter or board.
2. Arrange the cheeses on the board, leaving space for the other items.
3. Arrange the cured meats around the cheeses.
4. Fill in the remaining space with crackers, baguette slices, fruits, nuts, olives, jams, honey, and other accompaniments.
5. Get creative with the arrangement and have fun!

Tips for the Perfect Cheese and Charcuterie Board:

* Variety is key: Offer a variety of cheeses, meats, and accompaniments to appeal to different tastes.
* Consider the textures: Include a mix of soft, creamy, and hard cheeses, as well as different textures of meats and accompaniments.
* Think about the colors: Use colorful fruits, vegetables, and jams to create a visually appealing board.
* Offer pairing suggestions: Provide suggestions for pairing different cheeses and meats with the accompaniments.
* Don’t overcrowd the board: Leave some space between the items to make it easier for guests to select what they want.

Conclusion

From the artistry of cheese carving with Sarah Kaufmann to the delectable recipes that celebrate cheese in all its forms, we hope you’ve enjoyed this cheesy journey! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, there’s a cheese recipe out there for everyone. So, grab your favorite cheese, get creative, and enjoy the delicious possibilities.

Remember to check out Sarah Kaufmann’s website and social media to see more of her incredible cheese carvings. And don’t forget to share your own cheese creations with us using the hashtag #CheeseLovers!