Patterns - how to?

[ArnaudForestier]

Stupid question, but how do cheesemakers get the pretty patterns in their cheeses?  For instance, Gianaclis Caldwell's Elk Mountain, tomme-styled cheese with the pretty colander pattern?  Pre-press (e.g., 30, 60 and 90 minute press and flip) with cheesecloth, and finish out press without cheesecloth, in the appropriate mold?

[linuxboy]

Yep. Elk Mountain I believe drains longer before the final mold. Something like 3+ hours. Same idea though. Stabilize, then shape, then brine. Depending on moisture, can at times do after brine.

[ArnaudForestier]

Thanks Pav.