Cheesemaking is an ancient art that has been practiced for thousands of years. While traditional methods of making cheese involve using animal-based rennet, there has been a rising demand for vegetarian alternatives. This demand is partly driven by those who are vegetarian or keep Kosher, but it is also due to modern lifestyles that don’t rely on, or simply don’t have enough of, the young animals that animal rennet comes from.

One reason we have always used vegetarian rennet tablets in our DIY Cheese Kits here at Urban Cheesecraft is because we understand that beginners may not make cheese weekly and animal rennet expires much faster.

Our cheesemaking kits are designed to set aspiring cheesemakers up for success, and we do not want expired or weak rennet to be a factor they must think about or run into at all.

This is not any copycat recipe, now that I've recreated Bitchin Sauce to be adaptable to many diets, I call it Sassy Sauce! Make this tasty dip your way with my customizable base recipe and three variations including chipotle, nacho and herb garden.

Is cheese your love language? Show someone you care with an adorably cheesy gift. Sign up to access the labels and other goodies for cheese lovers from time to time. CLICK HERE to access the labels.

When you make your own yogurt regularly the mix-ins and toppings become an art unto themselves. We hope you enjoy our gingerbread granola recipe below and share it with friends! If you've never made yogurt before, follow our recipe here.

Use our Dairy-Free Sauces Kit to host an epic fondue party! It includes three mixes, all with differently delightful flavor profiles perfect for a fondue party.

I have been busy behind the scenes and I have new cheesemaking classes for you both online at The Fermentation School (Mozzarella and String Cheese for Beginners) and in person hosted by the local wine shop Helioterra here in Portland Oregon (Burrata and Mozzarella plus Wine Tasting!). I also wrote a new book, Cooking with Whey!

In this welcome break from scary virus talk to bacterial fun, I share a recipe for a yogurt cream cheese and our good friends' (www.ferment.works) free e-course on fermenting veggies. Preserving veggies using this healthy and mouthwatering method is especially invaluable right now that we can't shop for fresh food as often.

Also, I finally get to share my Instant Pot Cheese debut. It is available for pre-order now. 30 plus recipes for quick and cultured cheeses/dairy. I got to include 7 dairy-free recipes too! 

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You might be running low on cheese, maybe you're making some like we are! Either way, stretch your cheese stash and enjoy your stockpiled pasta even more with a homemade cream sauce. Dairy and dairy-free options as usual!