A hands-on cheese making course focusing upon dairying techniques through the ages. We shall be making butter and different styles of cheese from historical cheese recipes. No prior knowledge is expected.

Set in the fabulous old kitchen at Stansted House, this course is ideal for all the family and includes a tasty lunch.

What a fantastic day! Authentic period dairy, engaging Historian Tutor – with fascinating anecdotes, totally hands-on (hands butter soft moisturised but still bearing cheesy whiff!), super local lunch, and proud array of my own butters and cheese to take home!

Did you know that traditionally dairy products are seasonal? Just like fruit and vegetables there is a correct time to milk cows, make butter and cheese. Every country house cook would know when and how to make and store the dairy products and what to do when there they were scarce. On this course in a wonderful period setting of the Stansted Kitchen, come and learn these tricks of the trade and make some butter and a simple soft cheese. Tread the steps of the kitchen staff gone by and discover why dairy maids made the ideal mistress!!

Participants will need old clothes, closed in shoes and to bring air tight tubs or containers for their produce.

Catherine Flower-Bond has degrees in History and Heritage with further studies in Theology. She writes, teaches and researches a wide range of historical topics including Religious Observance during the Reformation and lectures in Tudor women’s social history. She has worked with many heritage sites for many years and actively participates in historic cooking demonstrations for the public at many local venues. She has also appeared in historical television programs such as BBC four’s Christina of Codicote, If Walls have Ears, Going Medieval, The Mud Men, The Hairy Bikers and BBC2 Ready Steady Cook.