Meeting the Cheese Maker: Podere il Casale

Early morning found our group on the bus again, headed to the region of Val d'Orcia in Tuscany near Pienza.  This is the area where the best Pecorino cheese is made, and we were headed to Podere il Casale an organic farm.  Our bus driver made a few wrong turns, but we finally headed down a bone shattering rutted road, towards the farm.  A torrential rain was falling, and the weather had turned cold, I was waiting for it to snow.

Our group was epic, they were ready for anything

We were met by the owner of the farm, Ulysses.  He came to this area in 1991 from Switzerland, wanting to start a farm and to make cheese.  He began our tour by telling us a bit about himself, the farm and then inviting us to see the animals.

After explaining the sustainable practices on the farm, Ulysses led us all back to a warm room where he would make some cheese for us.  Pecora is the Italian word for sheep, thus the name Pecorino for the cheese.

After donning his lab coat, Ulysses began the cheese making demonstration.  

Adding Rennet

Cheese!

Cheese molds

Curds and Whey

Shaping the cheese

Putting the cheese into the molds

 Once the cheese was made we were taken to the dairy where the cheeses are aged.

Fresh cheese

Very old cheese

After the visit to the dairy it was on to the dining room for our lunch.  A selection of various aged cheeses, and condiments to serve with them began the meal and from there we were treated to delicious courses from the farm.  

Once we'd had our lunch, and thanked our host, we were off to a walk about in Montepulciano.  The rain continued to fall, but our group was intent on getting the most out of our days in Umbria.  So grateful to have been able to share my favorite places with them.  Ciao for now.

Morning Stroll to Mercato Trionfale

Finally getting over jet lag, Dr. C. and I decided to take a walk after our cappucino and cornetto at Caffe Della Commari and ended up at the new Trionfale Market in Prati.  It is literally around the corner from the apartment we are staying in, and of course, for me it was like being in a culinary Disneyland.  I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Romanesco, although the photo doesn't do this one justice, they were almost as big as basketballs

Yarn as far as the eye could see, good for my other addiction

One big fish

Some serious beef

Not sure I'm in for the whole burger thing, one on the left arugula and cheese, one on the right prosciutto and cheese

Fava bean season is now!

Sorrento lemons

Softballs sized mozzarella di buffalo

Beautiful pastries

The aromas of freshly caught fish, and shellfish mingled with the scents of cheeses, meats, and freshly baked breads, and pastries, were all part of the scene.  Friendly vendors, and shoppers kind enough to let me take photos of all their wares.

Baccala, salted cod fish--not my fave

Serious sausage from Norcia

Gorgeous greens

this gentleman thought I wanted to take his photo, it was really the wild asparagus to the left!

I'd say this day is beginning well, and later on I get to see our friends at Noi Salon---desperate for a hair cut and some time with Rick Breco.Ciao for now.