Legend has it that cheese was invented 5,000 years ago by a desert nomad hauling a saddle-pack full of milk. Regardless of its exact origin, cheese is more than a simple dairy product—it is often the work of skilled artisans and has been, at certain times in history, a status symbol. This video serves up a generous slice of cheese knowledge and cooking advice. Investigating the birth of the phrase “big cheese,” the rescue of cheese supplies during the Great Fire of London, and the advent of processed cheese, the program also shares secrets from chef Paul Merrett: an Italian twist on cheese fondue, a great sauce for macaroni and cheese, and a delicious ricotta and lemon cheesecake. Produced by the Open University. (30 minutes)