Artistic Embossing For A Baby Swiss

[Duntov]

Today I made a Baby Swiss for my daughter's upcoming birthday.  I decided it needed to be a little special.  I found some laser cut patterns at a local art supply store and decided to give them a try.  I sterilized them with high heat, alcohol and then applied two coats of cream coat to be safe.   I may try some Annatto coloring in the brine followed by one or two applications of olive oil and paprika to highlight the designs.

Here are the results so far.

[Fritz]

Very cool, original and innovative! Congrats 

[wattlebloke]

Nice work! you could maybe let the cheeses get covered in a coat of blue, and then cut back the surface to leave it only in the embossed areas

[Andrew Marshallsay]

Well done John.
Have a cheese for a nifty and original idea for tarting up your cheeses.

[Al Lewis]

Great job John!  A cheese for your creativity!!

[Duntov]

Thanks every one for the positive comments and cheeses!

Here is stage two of my attempt to kick it up a notch.  I made a wrap out of cut up sushi mats and held it in place with sterilized stainless steel clamps.  I think another way one could tie the wrap tightly with twine.  It is possible that the Shermanii culture may generate it's own pressure due to the swelling from hole development.  I am now using a brine that I have tinted with Annatto coloring for a daily wipe down.  It should start getting a very nice bulging shape in about a week.

[Al Lewis]

Looks beautiful!  Hope it tastes as good!!

[awakephd]

John, a cheese for you for the wonderfully creative forming of the cheese!

[jasperfarm]

Wow, looks great, love the ribbing on the sides too.  Is it still aging?

[Frodage3]

You are one creative person. Awesome! 

[awakephd]

How about an update on how this has fared after swelling from the Shermanii?

[Andrew Marshallsay]

Careful! If you make it too pretty you won't want to eat it.

[Mermaid]

Wow beautiful!!!!!!!!!!

[Duntov]

How about an update on how this has fared after swelling from the Shermanii?

Surprisingly, it didn't swell.  Not sure why but it went over well and tasted great!

[Al Lewis]

I found some of these in the local hobby shop and picked them up.  Can't wait to try them.