Take a cheese class

Surprisingly, some fancy (and pricey) cheeses are easy to make, even for beginners—especially if you have a good teacher. Each November and May, one of the West’s finest cheese shops, Foster & Dobbs in Portland, hosts a DIY cheesemakers group. Open to newbies and more experienced cheesemakers alike, the event always features a knowledgeable cheesemaker demonstrating a quick-to-make fresh cheese—such as ricotta, paneer, feta, mozzarella, fresh goat cheese, or crème fraîche. You’ll get the recipe, learn about equipment and resources, and meet fellow cheese fans. A modest donation may be requested.

Until you get to a class, here are some of our favorite recipes to try at home:

• Ricotta 
• Crème fraîche
• Fresh chive cheese