Abstract: A process for transferring energy to the contents of a vat. An embodiment transfers an amount of heat energy needed to heat cheese curd and whey inside the vat according to a specified time and temperature. An energy substrate, such as steam and/or water, carries heat energy to a vat jacket. The embodiment calculates the total process energy required to be transferred to the vat contents to cook the cheese in accordance with a recipe. The total process energy is a function of the energy input to the vat minus the energy output from the vat. Small losses of energy from the vat to the atmosphere occur. These small losses are accounted for by use of historical efficiency data for each vat. The historical efficiency is continuously monitored and any deviation from the historical efficiency is factored into the energy transfer calculation for subsequent cheese batches.