Meet the Producer: Leslie Kozupsky

Creating the first-ever at-home Mozarella Cheesemaking Kit was a natural step for Leslie Kozupsky, founder of Roaring Brook Dairy, who is no stranger to the cheese world. She spent 30 years working in the cheese business, inspired by her father, Henry Voremberg, the founder of Swissrose International, a forerunner of cheese importers. (It was sold to DCI a few years ago.) Kozupsky’s brother is the founder and co-owner of Jana Foods, another a cheese importer. “I think cheese is in my blood,” Kozupsky says.

Her inspiration for the kit came from a desire to share the art of cheesemaking with fellow cheese lovers. The Mozzarella Cheesemaking Kit includes just about everything needed for the process, including a detailed instruction manual; users just need to pick up one gallon of milk. The kit, which conveniently doesn’t require refrigeration, has enough goods to make about four pounds of fresh mozzarella, one pound at a time. “It makes a unique gift for the foodies in your life,” Kozupsky adds.

Kozupsky shares more with foodspring.com:

Did you often make mozzarella at home before you created your kit?
After I researched and realized that it was possible to make it at home, I made mozzarella all the time. My family had it served at almost every meal for months.

Who is your culinary idol and why?
My mother-in-law. She’s a fantastic cook, and never uses a recipe. She showed me that cooking can be fun and a way to bring family together.

What’s your guilty food pleasure?
Red licorice.

Best meal ever?
When my daughter was around 13, she made me a lobster dinner for my birthday. The lobster was practically bigger than her!

If you weren’t producing mozzarella-making kits, what would you be doing instead?
Playing tennis.

Aside from your product, what three items can you always find in your kitchen?
Coffee, interesting cheeses and my BlackBerry or iPad.

—Denise Shoukas

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