Claremont Farm launches cheese and sausage-making courses

May 11 2011 by Jade Wright, Birkenhead News

CLAREMONT Farm is launching a series of courses for people looking to take self-sufficiency a step further.

The farm’s first cheese-making class was on Sunday and another is planned for later in the summer.

A sausage-making course will take place later this month.

Farmer Andy Pimbley said: “We're delighted to have Paul Peacock from City Cottage running these fantastic courses, helping us all to become more self sufficient.

“I love cheese and we sell a lot through the shop, who knows, this course may inspire a Wirral cheese maker. How good would that be?

“It’s a great opportunity for people who want to be more self sufficient but don't have the skills.”

The cheese course will teach budding cheese-makers how to make cheesecake cheese and brie.

The session will also cover the importance of hygiene, plus the art of clotting cheese and how different factors alter the texture and flavour of the cheese.

There’s a chance to modify basic cheeses to make others, like Boursin or Roule.

The sausage making course will teach participants how to make the perfect banger.

It will look at the vital ingredients, plus the use of the various sausage skins and their characteristics.

There’s also a chance to learn how to grind meat and make a sausages far tastier than shop bought ones.

Andy says: “Who doesn't love sausages? But we’re always dubious about what is in them.

“The perfect solution is to make your own and you'll never have to worry again.

“Paul is often a guest on Radio 4's Gardeners’ Question Time, so not only will you get one on one tuition from someone who has been doing this for a long time, you can pick his brains about any issues you have in your garden or allotment.”

On May 27, Claremont Farm is hosting an asparagus evening with Andrew and The Vegi-table team.

It’s a chance for an evening stroll across the fields to learn all about asparagus and other crops on the farm.

Then it’s back to Claremont Kitchen where Mo Hall and Sarah Kearns will treat your taste buds to a vegetarian taste sensation.

The cheese making course runs on Sunday August 14. The cost is £60 per person which includes lunch and all refreshments.

The sausage making course is on Sunday May 29 and Sunday July 17. The cost is £45 per person.

The Asparagus Evening is on Friday May 27, from 7-10pm, £35 per person.

To book your place on either course or the Vegi-Table event e-mail Andrew at thefamily@claremontfarm.co.uk or call him on 07785783408.