This week on Cutting the Curd, Diane Stemple is joined in the studio by two newly graduated Certified Cheese Professionals, Amy Thompson and Elena Santogade. Amy Thompson is the head cheesemonger at Lucy’s Whey in the Chelsea Market, and Elena Santogade is the head cheesemonger at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. Hear how Amy and Elena studied for the certification exam, and learn about the different subjects that are on the test. How has passing the exam furthered their careers in cheese? Later, hear Amy and Elena’s cheese suggestions for the Thanksgiving dinner table! Hear what cheeses are ideal for cooking, for dessert, and as appetizers! This episode has been brought to you by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

“My advice to anyone who is taking the exam this year would be to really relate it back to the reality of being a cheese professional- to relate everything back in the body of knowledge to your daily work.” [14:30]

— Elena Santogade on Cutting the Curd