»Fresh Cheese Foundations

A One Day Intensive in Fresh Cheesemaking

June 30, 2026

Chapman University
Orange, California
 
 

Discover how simple ingredients become exceptional fresh cheeses in this immersive, hands-on one-day workshop. Designed for home cooks, chefs, restaurateurs, and food entrepreneurs, this course combines essential dairy science with practical cheesemaking techniques you can use immediately. 

Participants will learn how milk, cultures, and enzymes work together, explore fresh cheeses from around the world, and produce several fresh cheeses during a guided lab session. No prior cheesemaking experience is required. 

 

person with gloved hand making ricotta

Who Should Attend 

  • Home cooks curious about making fresh cheese from scratch 
  • Chefs and restaurateurs interested in house-made dairy 
  • Food entrepreneurs exploring fresh cheese for retail or foodservice 
  • Culinary educators and dairy enthusiasts 

What You’ll Learn 

Participants will learn to: 

  • Understand milk composition and its impact on texture and yield 
  • Explain the role of cultures, enzymes, and acidification in fresh cheese 
  • Identify major styles of fresh cheeses and their culinary uses 
  • Make multiple fresh cheeses using different coagulation methods 
  • Troubleshoot common fresh cheesemaking challenges 
  • Adapt techniques for home kitchens, restaurants, or small-scale production 

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Registration Fees

Registration: $300
Registration includes 1-day workshop, PDF presentaions of materials covered and supplementatry course materials, lunch and refreshments. 

Enrollment Limited to 18 Participants 
Register Here!

Travel & Accomodations

This course will be held at Chapman University in Orange, CA. 

Orange County (John Wayne) Airport is convenient to Chapman University. The airport is served by American, United, Southwest, Delta, and Alaska Airlines.

Los Angeles International Airport is approximately one hour from the University and is served by a large number of airlines.

Airport Shuttle Service

Ayres/ALO Hotel – Orange
3737 West Chapman Ave.
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 978-9168

Special Chapman Schmid rate available by request. Includes a full hot buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi. The hotel offers shuttle services to and from Chapman University, upon request and availability. Please notify the hotel’s front desk the evening beforehand if you need this service.

If you call directly for hotel reservations, please make sure to indicate you will be attending an event at Chapman University and would like the Chapman-Schmid College discount.

You are not obligated to stay at this hotel and may make alternate arrangements.