Creating homemade fresh cheese is a rewarding and enjoyable experience, allowing you to savor the distinct flavor and texture of a truly artisanal product. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, embarking on this culinary adventure is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can craft a variety of fresh cheeses, each with its unique characteristics and versatility. From soft and creamy spreads to firm and crumbly cheeses perfect for grating or topping dishes, the possibilities are endless. So gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and let's embark on a journey to create the perfect homemade fresh cheese.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
HOMEMADE RICH FRESH RICOTTA CHEESE
This is delicious and easy - it almost makes itself. Use it wherever ricotta cheese is called for - in pies, in phyllo, in lasagne etc. Sweeten it with honey for a yummy spread. I got this from Molly O'Neill, who wrote the food section in the NYT for many years. Basically you mix the ingredients, cook for a couple of minutes, and then it drains for half an hour. Then it's done.
Provided by Jangomango
Categories Cheese
Time 12m
Yield 3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large pan, combine the milk, yoghurt and cream and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
- Boil for 2 minutes, or until the milk is very curdled.
- Line a large mesh strainer with a damp kitchen towel or several layers of damp cheesecloth, making sure the cloth extends well over the sides of the strainer.
- Place the strainer over a deep bowl and pour the milk through the strainer.
- Drain 30 minutes, making sure the strainer does not rest in the liquid.
- Gather up the loose ends of the cloth and twist gently to extract more liquid.
- Transfer the curds to a bowl and stir in the salt and nutmeg.
- Discard the liquid (whey).
- The cheese will keep, refrigerated, for 3 days.
HOMEMADE FRESH RICOTTA CHEESE
This is amazingly simple to make, using just 3 ingredients! And it only takes about 20 minutes to make!!! More delicate than storebought and only 1/2 the price. Use this fluffy cheese for lasagna, cannoli, or simple crostini(with a drizzle of eevo or topped with chopped fresh herbs). There's even a reduced fat version! I found this in the May issue of Good Housekeeping magazine.
Provided by Sharon123
Categories European
Time 10m
Yield 2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Line a large strainer or colander with 4 layers of cheesecloth. Place lined strainer in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a heavy bottom 4 quart saucepan, heat milk and 1 teaspoons salt to boiling on medium high, stirring occasionally to prevent milk from scorching.
- Stir in lemon juice; cover and remove from heat.
- Let stand 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, gently transfer curds from the pan to the lined strainer. Drain 3 minutes. Discard whey in bowl.
- If not using right away, transfer ricotta to a clean bowl, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Reduced Fat Ricotta:.
- Substitute 4 cups reduced fat milk(2%) for 4 cups of the whole milk, and follow recipe as above.
- Makes about 2 cups.
HOMEMADE FRESH RICOTTA CHEESE
Usually if you hear the comment, "That's so cheesy" it really isn't a good thing. That phrase indicates something that is undesirable...tacky...dumb...unappealing...silly... cornball....dated. However, if you're using the phrase to describe a food WITH cheese, that is a whole 'nother matter. If you see someone eating Macaroni...
Provided by cassie thornburg
Categories Salads
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- 1. Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth.
- 2. Pour the milk and cream into a stainless-steel or enameled pot such as Le Creuset. Stir in the salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
- 3. Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the ricotta. (I tend to like mine on the thicker side, but some prefer it moister.) Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining whey. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.
HOMEMADE FRESH CHEESE
This is the simplest recipe that I use to make a version of Mexican 'Queso Fresco' and the same recipe for Homemade Ricotta Cheese.
Provided by SUNFLOWER71
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes
Time 1h45m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Pour the milk into a large pot, and heat until the temperature reaches 195 degrees F (90 degrees C), or almost boiling. Stir constantly to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pot. When the milk reaches the temperature, remove from the heat, and stir in the vinegar. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Line a strainer with cheesecloth, and set over the sink or a large pot or bowl. The milk should separate into a white solid part, and a yellowish liquid (whey). Stir the salt into the milk, then pour through the cloth-lined strainer. Let the curds continue to drain in the strainer for 1 hour. Discard the whey.
- After the cheese has finished draining, pat into a ball, and remove from the cheese cloth. Wrap in plastic and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Fresh cheese will usually last about a week.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 97.7 calories, Carbohydrate 7.4 g, Cholesterol 16.3 mg, Fat 5.3 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 65.1 mg, Sugar 7.4 g
Tips:
- Choose fresh, high-quality milk. This will ensure that your cheese has the best flavor and texture.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the milk. This is important to ensure that the milk is heated to the correct temperature for making cheese.
- Be patient. Making cheese takes time. Don't rush the process, or you'll end up with a cheese that is not properly fermented and has a poor flavor.
- Experiment with different flavors. Once you've mastered the basics of cheesemaking, you can start experimenting with different flavors by adding herbs, spices, or fruits to your cheese.
Conclusion:
Making fresh cheese at home is a rewarding experience. With a little practice, you can create delicious, high-quality cheese that is perfect for enjoying on its own or using in your favorite recipes. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
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