Honestly, if you haven’t screamed "Just fold it in!" at a family member in a kitchen, have you even lived through the 2020s? It’s arguably the most quoted thirty seconds of television in the last decade. We’re talking about that specific brand of chaos that only Moira and David Rose could deliver.
It starts with a simple goal. Enchiladas. Specifically, Moira's mother's recipe. But what began as a quest for "culinary prowess" in Season 2, Episode 2, titled "Family Dinner," quickly spiraled into a semantic nightmare that defines the Rose family's entire struggle with reality.
Why "Folding the Cheese" Became a Cultural Reset
Most sitcoms rely on puns or slapstick. Schitt's Creek went deeper. It hit on a universal truth: we all have that one thing everyone else seems to know how to do, but we are too embarrassed to admit we don't. For the Roses, it was a basic cooking term.
The scene works because of the escalating friction. David, played by Dan Levy, is trying to be the "diligent" assistant. Moira, played by the incomparable Catherine O’Hara, is pretending she’s an expert to save face. When the recipe demands they "fold in the cheese," the logic breaks.
"What does that mean? What does 'fold in the cheese' mean?" David asks.
"You fold it in," Moira replies, with a confidence that only someone who hasn't touched a spatula in thirty years can muster.
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It’s a masterclass in circular logic.
The Science of the "Fold" (and why David was right to be confused)
Let’s be real for a second. In actual cooking, "folding" is a specific technique. You use a rubber spatula to gently turn a heavier mixture over a lighter one (like whipped egg whites or, in this case, shredded cheese) to incorporate it without deflating the air or overworking the batter.
But here’s the kicker: you don't usually "fold" cheese into a heavy enchilada sauce. You stir it. You melt it. You sprinkle it. The fact that the recipe—Moira’s supposed family heirloom—used the word "fold" was the first sign of disaster. David's confusion wasn't just him being difficult; it was a rational reaction to a nonsensical instruction.
- Stirring: Circular, aggressive movement.
- Folding: A "cut-and-lift" motion using the flat of a spatula.
- The Rose Method: Staring at the bowl until it smells like burning.
The Real Story Behind the Scenes
Dan Levy has mentioned in various interviews, including a notable chat with PeopleTV, that this scene was one of the most fun to film because it relied so heavily on the chemistry between him and O’Hara. They weren't just reading lines; they were playing off each other’s genuine frustration.
Interestingly, the "broken cheese" line was a bit of a happy accident in the delivery. When David says, "I don't know how to fold broken cheese like that," he’s hitting peak Rose—treating the cheese like a delicate fabric or a piece of high-end stationery rather than food.
Why We Are Still Obsessed
People love this scene because it’s a perfect metaphor for the "fake it 'til you make it" culture. Moira is so committed to the bit of being a nurturing mother and a capable cook that she’s willing to let the kitchen burn before admitting she doesn't know what a verb means.
It’s also about the shift in their family dynamic. This was Season 2. They were still prickly. They were still fighting the town. But they were trying. Even if the enchiladas were a disaster (and they were), they were doing it together.
How to Actually "Fold" (For the Davids out there)
If you find yourself in a kitchen and a recipe tells you to fold something in, don't panic. You don't need to fold it like a piece of paper.
- Take a flat spatula.
- Cut through the middle of the mixture to the bottom of the bowl.
- Lift the bottom mixture up and over the top.
- Rotate the bowl 90 degrees and repeat.
Basically, you’re being "gentle" with the ingredients. It’s the opposite of Moira’s aggressive, defensive stance.
Put the Spatula Down
Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by a task that "everyone else" seems to understand, just remember David Rose. He didn't know how to fold the cheese, but he eventually co-owned a successful boutique and found the love of his life.
The lesson? It’s okay to not know. It’s even okay to scream about it in a kitchen. Just maybe keep a fire extinguisher nearby if you’re cooking with a Moira.
To truly master the "fold" without the drama, try practicing with something low-stakes like pancake batter or a chocolate mousse. Use a silicone spatula—it’s more flexible than a wooden spoon and helps you get under the mixture without "breaking" the air bubbles. If all else fails, just order takeout and tell everyone it’s a family recipe you passed on to the restaurant.
Next Steps for Your Kitchen Confidence:
Check out the original clip on YouTube or Hulu to study Catherine O'Hara's specific hand gestures; they are technically incorrect for cooking but 100% correct for comedy. Once you've had a laugh, try a basic "folding" recipe like a souffle to see why the technique actually matters for texture. Don't worry—the cheese won't stay "broken" for long.