Greg Lapp and his wife, Deb are livin’ the dream in California. They have a million hobbies, a bunch of animals and a very cool house. Greg sent us a picture of his press, and it is, bar none, the scariest one we’ve ever seen (you’ll see the pic further along)!
What do you do for a living?
I teach choirs and music theory at University High School in Fresno. I also conduct a community chorus, The Fresno Choral Artists. Deb teaches English at Reedley College.
We live on the Kings River in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains just below Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Parks. We have 9 acres here. We have grapes, fruit trees, garden boxes, chickens, dogs, cats, and a llama. It’s pretty great.
How did you get started making cheese?
I have always liked creating. I’m a music teacher and write my own music.
I started into the food/drink making by brewing beer. I planted grapes and now I make my own wine also. I make sourdough bread, olives, pickles, kombucha, etc., and I forage for mushrooms. I’ve started making red-wine vinegar also. It started with some of my wine that went bad, so I just kept letting it go bad. It’s pretty good.
Knowing my interests, a friend bought me a mozzarella kit for my birthday (about four years ago). I found your website, cheesemaking.com, and the rest is history.
Where are you getting your milk?
I have a neighbor with cows. I get raw milk from him sometimes, but I also make cheese from Costco milk. Both work well. I’ve been trying to find a source for goat or sheep milk. No luck yet.
What kind of cheese are you making?
I like making something new almost every time. I’ve really liked cheddar, Brie, Manchego (although I do it with cow milk, so it’s Hispanico).
Currently, I have Cantal aging and Reblochon just starting to age.
Tell us about your press…
My press works great.
Our property is very VERY rocky, so I use what we have. I’ve weighed each rock and marked it with a Sharpie.
I made the frame out of scrap wood I had around and just put rocks on top to whatever weight I want. I do have to be a little careful about making sure they don’t fall over, especially when doing 150lbs like in the picture.
What are your goals?
I like making all the things I make for myself and my friends. It’s fun to take it to parties. I have no interest in going into business with any of it. I don’t want to deal with licensing and all that. I also don’t want to take the fun out of any of it. I make stuff when I want, what I want.
Next, I might want to get a still. Mmmmm! a little whiskey?
Anna says
Thanks for the story!
Impressive cork mural.
As well as the cheese and bread.
I make my own bread and been making some cheese.
Living in southern California in a cabin makes holding the
temperature steady a bit difficult. I noticed you use a refrigerator …
Vinny Hite says
Hello, what milk are you purchasing from Costco that is suitable for cheesemaking?
Thank you,
Vinny
Mike says
Great story!! Very exciting. I got into cheesemaking by way of homebrewing beer and a curiosity to see milk become curds. Great looking cheeses!!
Bob Albers says
I love the cork murals. All the rest looks positively delicious.