Karen McAthy is founder and co-owner of Blue Heron Creamery, a dairy-free, plant-based artisan cheese and vegan foods company in Vancouver, BC, which creates authentic and cultured non-dairy cheeses. McAthy is a sought-after educator in the world of plant-based food and award-winning author. www.blueheroncheese.com

"I knew the moment I walked into Karen McAthy's cheese shop a few years ago that this lady knew what she was doing. Karen has spent the last few years honing her craft and understanding the new science of making cheese from plants, and demonstrates it for us here in her beautiful new book, which elevates vegan cheese to a whole new level. Brava, Karen—I only wish I lived closer to your shop!" — Miyoko Schinner, founder and CEO, Miyoko's Creamery, author, Artisan Vegan cheese "For years, Karen has been a source of inspiration and guidance to many who are delving into the world of great vegan cheese. Her expertise, matched with her generosity in sharing her knowledge and skill, makes this volume a must-have in the collection of any culinary aficionado!" — Margaret Coons, founder/CEO, Nuts for Cheese"If you don't use dairy products, or are vegan, here is a true culinary prize for you! The Art of Plant-based Cheesemaking delivers the real goods like no other. You'll enjoy cheese and other cultured, dairy-free products with the richness of texture, the depth of flavor, and the myriad health benefits of a plant-based diet. " — Vesanto Melina, MS, Registered Dietitian, author, Becoming Vegan and Kick Diabetes Cookbook, lead author, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Position Paper on Vegetarian Diets "Karen is a food magician! I've been a fan of her plant-based cheeses for years, and none other compare. She reveals the careful food science behind her art on these pages, so we can all try creating delectable vegan cheeses in our own homes. Let's eat!" — Em Von Euw, cookbook author, creator, This Rawsome Vegan Life "Karen McAthy has been at the forefront of artisanal plant-based cheese since the beginning. Her influence is felt everywhere as she strides to bring traditional cheesemaking techniques to vegan cheese. The Art of Plant-based Cheesemaking is the best resource for home chefs seeking to delve into the world of real cheesemaking with plant-based ingredients. If vegan cheese analogs have left you wanting, Chef Karen's cheeses will leave you wanting for more." — Aaron Adams, owner and chef, Farm Spirit and Fermenter"I'm not sure if I've ever met someone who has so much passion, drive, and knowledge for one specific field. Karen has all of these attributes coming out of her cheesy pores. Coming from me, I don't think I can give a bigger compliment actually. She blew my mind with her amazing plant-based dairy products. I've tasted thousands of cheeses, but trying her products opened up a new world to me. This book is incredibly informative. It's technical and fun at the same time. It's a must-read for anyone who loves plant-based dairy products or anyone who likes cheese. Karen is an icon and artist in her field and this book may just be her Sistine Chapel. BUY THIS BOOK." — Afrim Pristine, owner, Cheese Boutique

• ForewordPrefaceIntroduction Chapter 1: On History and Definitions Cheese, a Product and a Process Terminology: Cheese Versus Cheeze Cheeze, Cheese, Crossover Methods: Definitions and BoundariesChapter 2: Equipment, Sanitization, and Food Safety Food Safety and Sanitization Tools and Equipment IngredientsChapter 3: Making Quick Non-Cultured Cheeze Non-Cultured Soft Cheeze Soaking nuts, seeds, and legumes Non-cultured Semi-firm or Set Cheezes Starches Gelling agentsChapter 4: Fermentation and Culturing: Role in Cheesemaking Lactic Acid Fermentation LAB Acidification Rejuvelac Making rejuvelac Kefir: Water Kefir Versus Dairy Kefir Experimentation Water kefir as bulk starter Making water kefir Making coconut kefir using water kefir Back slopping Other Starter Cultures Probiotic capsules Miso Sauerkraut brine Tempeh culture Mesophilic direct-set cultureChapter 5: Fresh Cultured Cheeses Forming and Aging for Short-Term Aging Coconut Kefir-based Cheeses Lactic Acid (cultured) Almond Curd Feta-style cheeses Longer-Aged Cheeses Cashew and coconut havarti/gouda-style cheeses Cheddar-style cheesesChapter 6: Mold Ripened Cheeses and Affinaging Before You Start White Mold Ripened Cheese Blue Cheese Method Affinaging Salt: dry salting, brining (soaking), washing Oil curing/leaf wrapping/bandaging Cold smokingChapter 7: Recipes: Putting Your Cheeses to Work More Cultured Foods (that are not cheese) Something Sweet Something SavoryAppendix 1: Resources Ingredients Tools and EquipmentAppendix 2: Record-keeping Cheesemaking Culturing Log Cheesemaking Observation LogAppendix 3: Common Issues for Starter Cultures Appendix 4: Choosing a Base Appendix 5: Preparing Dry Beans Index About the Author A Note about the Publisher