Thursday, March 31, 2011

Homemade RICOTTA CHEESE...Just 3 ingredients. Really!

Cheese, oh my!!  I have yet to find a cheese I don't like!!  And to learn I could make my own 'fresh cheese' from just 3 ingredients!!--GET OUT!!! I love how this tastes:  fresh, lemon-y. Well worth the effort if you are serving it with hors d'oeuvres...(I wouldn't take the time though if you are making a lasagna)

Ingredients

I gallon whole milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
Kosher or sea salt


Instructions

Heat the milk with the lemon juice in a stainless steel or other nonreactive pot over medium-low heat only until the curds separate from the whey; do not let the milk scorch.

Line a colander with three layers of cheesecloth. Pour the mixture into the colander. Bring the ends of the cheesecloth together and tie them securely with kitchen twine. Tie the twine to a wooden spoon handle. Rest the spoon with the cheesecloth over a deep bowl. Depending on the consistency you desire, allow the bag to hang for 2 to 3 hours in the refrigerator. The longer you leave it, the stiffer the curds will become.

When it is ready, unmold the cheese. Season with salt and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. You might also season the ricotta with minced chives or green garlic, cracked black pepper, and a little olive oil.

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