‘Stretched Curds’ Cheese Making Workshop | Friday February 20th | With Kristen Allan

$295.00

In this intimate hands-on cheese making class with master cheesemaker Kristen Allan you will learn how to make milky soft pillows of mozzarella and the best of the stretched curd cheeses including: burrata, stracciatella and the creamiest and dreamiest buttermilk ricotta. We'll also explore creative ways to use the leftover whey, ensuring nothing goes to waste and how to incorporate our freshly made cheese into a shared lunch, celebrating the flavours of the season and the satisfaction of food made by hand.

Bookings for this class will close on the 10th of February

In this intimate hands-on cheese making class with master cheesemaker Kristen Allan you will learn how to make milky soft pillows of mozzarella and the best of the stretched curd cheeses including: burrata, stracciatella and the creamiest and dreamiest buttermilk ricotta. We'll also explore creative ways to use the leftover whey, ensuring nothing goes to waste and how to incorporate our freshly made cheese into a shared lunch, celebrating the flavours of the season and the satisfaction of food made by hand.

Bookings for this class will close on the 10th of February

  • Back in Australia for a limited time from her new base in Scotland, where she’s been teaching her celebrated cheesemaking skills across the UK, Kristen will guide a small group through each step of the process. Learn, make, and taste in this intimate and inspiring workshop.

    What you’ll learn to make:

    • burrata - everyone's favourite bundle of deliciousness, with an oozy filling of creamy stracciatella

    • stracciatella - fine stringy strands of mozzarella, mixed with cream and salt. The decadent filling of burrata

    • milky soft pillows of mozzarella

    • the creamiest and dreamiest buttermilk ricotta. 

    Throughout the day, enjoy a shared lunch and plentiful snacks, with time to pause, ask questions and learn from Kristen’s deep experience.

    Your menu for the day:

    Fig leaf wrapped buttermilk ricotta

    Whey and potato focaccia

    Tomato, fig and herby salad

    Stracciatella with beets and hazelnuts

    Leafy green salad 

    Figs with whipped ricotta and honey

    Whey fermented peach soda

    (Menu may change due to seasonal availability)

  • 9:30 – 4:30 (approx)

    Please arrive at  between 9:00 – 9:15 for meet and greet, morning coffee and readiness for a sharp start at 9:30.

  • A hands-on workshop but no experience needed, just a joy of cheese!

  • Kristen Allan is a master cheese maker and was marthadale’s first cooking tutor in March of 2024!

    Kristen now lives in the UK and will bless us with her promised return to our little space on the Bellarine for a followup workshop during her very brief stint back on Australian soil!

  • Expert guidance in the craft of stretched curd cheeses with a true master. You’ll receive all notes, cultures, recipes and generous hands-on time.

    Enjoy morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea with refreshments offered throughout the day. We will gather around a shared luncheon table featuring produce from the Marthadale garden and of course cheese… and more cheese.

    Return transfers for foot passengers to and from the Sorrento/Queenscliff ferry can be arranged if needed, allowing you to settle in and let the day’s learning unfold at a relaxed pace. Email us at hello@marthadale.com.au to organise.

    And to take home, the cheeses you have made along with the option to purchase a few extra treats if you wish.

  • Bring along your favourite apron and perhaps aim for a little flair… there will be a prize for the most memorable one.

    A carry bag and selection of containers for your take home cheeses. (A refrigerator style bag may be a good option if weather warm and you have a little way to travel)

    A notebook is also helpful, along with your love of all things cheese and a healthy appetite.

    If you feel inspired to continue your cheese making at home, Kristen will have a small selection of cultures and equipment available to purchase. There is no expectation to buy, simply an offering should you wish to take something home, along with the option to pick up a few bottled marthadale goodies.

If you have any queries please contact Jennie at hello@marthadale.com.au

We will contact you closer to the day with any further information you may require.

Occasionally, workshops may need to be cancelled or rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, you’ll be offered the option to transfer your booking to a new date (if available) or receive a full refund.

If,  for whatever reason you are unable to attend please advise for alternative arrangements. The small class offered on this day is dependent on the confirmed numbers as I am sure you will appreciate. Together,  every endeavour will be made to fill your place and have refund offered.