THE STORY
Maplebrook Farm cheeses are made daily by skilled old-world cheese artisans. We make our own curd from the milk of cows that are rBGH free and that graze in the green mountains of Vermont. Our cheeses are made in small batches using all natural ingredients with no preservatives.
Our cheese is a 100% Vermont product. When you buy this product, you are directly helping to support small dairy farms of Vermont. All our cheese is made from whole milk that has been pasteurized. A gluten free product and there is no corn in the vegetable rennet we use.
Our Story
In 2003, while visiting Manchester, Vermont, Johann Englert had a flash-back to her college years. A cluster of fresh mozzarella balls sitting on the counter of Al Ducci’s Groceria reminded her of a groceria she and her mother had visited while traveling in Italy. The cheese artisans at Al Ducci’s produced genuine, Old World mozzarella. Johann could not find that level of quality in Boston and bought 20 balls of mozzarella on the spot. She asked Mike Scheps, the owner’s son and third generation cheesemaker, if he would be able to supply her with small quantities. Little did they know, a business was born.
After sampling those 20 balls, 5 out of 6 gourmet shops in Boston wanted more of this genuine mozzarella. Johann and Mike were onto something. Business boomed as the operation moved from a kitchen to a small store to the purchase of a building. They developed an apprenticeship program to teach new employees the art of making perfect mozzarella. The program started with 3 local Vermonters and has grown to include 20 employees who are making small batches of cheese and wrapping them by hand every day of the week.
From those first 20 mozzarella balls to the current 20,000 produced weekly, Maplebrook Farm has established itself as a premier artisan cheese producer distributing products up and down the East Coast.
LOCATION
Maplebrook Farm
Johann Englert, Michael Scheps
453 East Road
Bennington, Vermont 05201
802-440-9950
info@maplebrookvt.com
OUR PRODUCTS
Truffled Burrata
Strands of fresh pulled mozzarella are soaked in cream, mixed with earthy black truffles and then enveloped in a pocket of fresh mozzarella. Packed in a sea salt brine, our Truffled Burrata is loaded with flavor and will add just the right amount of decadence to any meal. Available in three sizes: 2oz, 4oz and 8oz.
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Stracciatella
Stracciatella, also known as the “goodness inside Burrata” is made by soaking hand-pulled strands of mozzarella in cream overnight. A unique substitution for traditional Mozzarella, Stracciatella is the perfect addition to any summer cheese platter.
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Smoked Feta
We have taken our tried and true whole milk feta and added the subtle smoky flavor of our cherrywood chips. Behold! Cheese bliss. Starting with fresh 100% Vermont whole milk, we create creamy wheels of feta, add a bit of sea salt, and then create a delicate skin of smokiness; a perfect addition to your cheese board. It slices wonderfully, melts beautifully, and even crumbles well for a new spin on your favorite salad topping.
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Ricotta Alta
Ricotta “Alta” (the top) is a basket drained ricotta made from top portion of our kettles. Creamy in taste and silky in texture, this cheese sets itself apart from our standard ricotta. The basket drained style is ideal for a party cheese plate. Spread on crackers or scoop from the basket with a spoon, this velvety cheese has trouble staying in the fridge.
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Hand Dipped Ricotta
Hand dipped the old fashioned way from our kettles, Maplebrook Farm’s ricotta bursts with flavor. Our Ricotta is unique for its smooth delicate texture, full flavor, and outstanding quality. It is perfect for all recipes, whether savory or sweet. Try it on toast with cinnamon and sugar for a simple breakfast treat, or bake it into a lasagna for a traditional Italian family favorite.
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Whole Milk Feta
Is made in small batches using the highest quality cow’s milk from local Vermont farms. Finished with just the right amount of sea salt, the feta is creamy, smooth and has a silky texture.
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Cheddar Bites
Small chunks of buttery cheese pulled from the vat before formed into blocks of cheese to be aged.
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Whole Milk Ricotta
Made in small batches, hand dipped and hand packed. This ricotta is smooth and has a delicate texture like no other you have ever tasted.
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Scamorza & Smoked Scamorza
Scamorza is a dried Mozzarella that is made by producing a fresh mozzarella ball, which is tied about 1/3 of the way from the top, creating a pear-shaped cheese. It is hung to dry and mature for a few hours, and is then ready to enjoy or move on to be smoked over cherry wood.
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Burrata
Authentic Puglian Burrata, made by hand, is a stuffed mozzarella that is filled with stracciatella (shredded fresh mozzarella that is soaked in a creamy base). We also make our Stracciatella as a separate, stand-alone product.
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Smoked Mozzarella
Using an electric smoke generator with dampened cherry wood chips creates a delicate flavor without a thick skin.
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Fresh Mozzarella
Various sizes, including, Ciliegine, Bocconcini, and Ovoline, are formed using imported Italian equipment. Small balls are packed in a light sea salt brine.
Ciliegine – 1/2 oz. ball
Bocconcini – 2 oz. ball
Ovaline – 4 oz. ball
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Fresh Handmade Mozzarella
Hand-stretched and made in small batches by skilled cheese artisans.
Ciliegine – 1/2 oz. ball
Bocconcini – 2 oz. ball
Ovaline – 4 oz. ball