Vat, Stockpot Or Pan - Where Buy?

[Gina]

My largest pot is 4 gallons and I dont lift it when full either. Since it's relatively small in cheese-making terms, I fill as close to the top as possible, allowing room for adding things of course, but sometimes the liquid is almost at the brim. I also stir slowly, and only rarely have spill accidents. I am short (5'4"), but also strong, though I would not risk lifting the pot because it's usually too full. Also the stove-top (I use direct gas heat) is a bit too high for me to try to lift something so heavy safely. When I use my 3 gallon stock pot, I dont lift it when full either.

Like Karen, when it's time to move the pot, lots/most of the contents already have been removed. I use a nice 1 quart all metal ss 'pot' - similar to a large measuring cup - to more quickly ladle things.

[CdnMorganGal]

I found a good quality 22qt stock pot, with 3 ply metal bottom - which distributes the heat fairly evenly, at Walmart

[FarmerJd]

I make 24 gallon batches and never have to lift the pot when full. I drain the whey down with a gallon pitcher then scoop the curds out with a giant screen scoop. But I still really want a chain hoist like Wayne's just for the aesthetic value.

[wharris]

But I still really want a chain hoist like Wayne's just for the aesthetic value.

I think the best part, is the ratcheting sound as i crank it under load. It sounds truly medieval, like something straight out of the Spanish Inquisition.

[Gina]

So the MacBeth witches were cheese-makers? Who knew???

Double, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and rennet bubble...

[linuxboy]

I think the best part, is the ratcheting sound as i crank it under load. It sounds truly medieval, like something straight out of the Spanish Inquisition.

No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!

Round about the cheese vat go:
Raw milk fresh and white as snow.
Powdered creatures in death’s moan
Ransomed through the frozen zone
Young calf stomach sleeping got,
Mix thou first i’ the charmed pot.

Double, double, toil and trouble,
fire burn and rennet bubble

Calcium chloride, just a flake,
In the cauldron boil and bake;
Pinch of pepsin from a hog,
Save the whey for a hungry dog,
Lipase for an extra zing
Gather up the curds and wring
'till in twain and twixt they cling
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

Double, double, toil and trouble,
fire burn and rennet bubble

Pack the curds into a loaf,
Shape and mold that tasty oaf
Waiting slyly for the dark
T' slather it with salt and marc
Bitter herb of ghostly brew
Stinging nettle, sprig of rue,
Slivered in the moon's eclipse,
Pepper dust and  blackened tips,
(Finger o' whiskey for the lips)
Tongue of truth and gift of gab
Make the gruel thick and slab.
Add thereto an enzyme's chaudron,
For the ingredients of our cauldron.

Let the coolbot work its good,
Then the charm is fit for food.

[Gina]

LOL, who needs the Spanish Inquistion when we have Linuxspeare? 

[FarmerJd]

Linuxboy, this is clearly a sign that you don't have enough to do. Unbelievable. LOL

[Boofer]

I love it. What melody goes with those lyrics?

It really entices you into taking some cheese, crusty bread, and wine, ale, or stronger spirits (brandy...perhaps?) in hand.

Thank you for that, linuxboy!

-Boofer-

[linuxboy]

Linuxboy, this is clearly a sign that you don't have enough to do. Unbelievable. LOL

Sometimes, my friend, writing poetry is the only thing that keeps me going.

Boofer, that's me taking liberty with Shakespeare's Macbeth, Act 4. I preserved the entire rhyme scheme and meter, and reused words and phrases where possible. Sadly, I think none of the original scores from those Elizabethan times remain.

[9mmruger]

Absolutely awesome Linuxboy. 

[mtncheesemaker]

Very good, LB!

[wharris]

No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!
...
Double, double, toil and trouble,
fire burn and rennet bubble

It takes real literary courage to mix Shakespeare and Monty Python. 

Words fail me.  Suffice it to say that was an impressive post.

[Gina]

That's better than mixing religion and Monty Python.

(Warning, video contains blasphemy, strong language, violence, and humor.)

"Blessed are the Cheesemakers"

Life of Brian- Sermon on the Mount Scene

[DeejayDebi]

Quite good Linix! A pleasure to read.