Christine Hmiel prepared ingredients and tools to make mozzarella in her kitchen in Albany, N.Y.  Christine Hmiel prepared ingredients and tools to make mozzarella in her kitchen in Albany, N.Y.  Ms. Hmiel is one of a growing number of people venturing into the making of dairy products. First step: Pour fresh milk into a pot.  Ms. Hmiel is one of a growing number of people venturing into the making of dairy products. First step: Pour fresh milk into a pot.  Here, Ms. Hmiel stirs the milk as she heats it to 90 degrees.  Here, Ms. Hmiel stirs the milk as she heats it to 90 degrees.  Here, Ms. Hmiel and Kate Mancini, right, gather curds, which serve as base for the cheese.  Here, Ms. Hmiel and Kate Mancini, right, gather curds, which serve as base for the cheese.  Ms. Hmiel removes the partially formed mozzarella from a bowl.  Ms. Hmiel removes the partially formed mozzarella from a bowl.  Ms. Mancini sprinkles salt onto the cheese. The salt will be kneaded in.  Ms. Mancini sprinkles salt onto the cheese. The salt will be kneaded in.  Ms. Hmiel places a bowl of salted mozzarella into the microwave. She heats it up so it can be kneaded more.  Ms. Hmiel places a bowl of salted mozzarella into the microwave. She heats it up so it can be kneaded more.  Ms. Hmiel kneads the ball of cheese until it has a shiny, smooth texture.  Ms. Hmiel kneads the ball of cheese until it has a shiny, smooth texture.  She places the homemade mozzarella cheese ball in a pot of cold water to cool it down.  She places the homemade mozzarella cheese ball in a pot of cold water to cool it down.  The women taste their homemade cheese.  The women taste their homemade cheese.
A growing number of people are venturing into making dairy products. Mozzarella, chèvre, yogurt and butter are joining pickles, preserves and beer as home do-it-yourself projects that even non-foodies will try.