but I’m always still amazed at how a few simple steps transforms a gallon of milk into this:
And I always feel really satisfied when I load my fridge up with a fresh new batch.
Learning how to make cottage cheese is next on my project list (I will, of course, share with you if I manage this successfully.).
Janknitz
Thursday 3rd of December 2009
I tried making a farmer's cheese last night and it was so darn easy and fast I couldn't believe it. Inexpensive, too, because it's just the cost of the milk and yogurt and a small amount of vinegar. I'm not sure why William thinks it's more expensive to make than buy.
Basically, you add 1 cup yogurt (homemade works great) to 4 cups milk and heat it until it curdles--just over 180 degrees (I use the microwave--easy peasy). Then add 2 tsps. of white vineagar and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to coagulate (I hate that word and try not to think of it too much!). Finally, strain through several layers of cheesecloth. (The cheesecloth can be washed and reused).
This was so easy it was amazing, and the resulting cheese has a clean, fresh flavor.
If you are going to eat the cheese alone (like cottage cheese) or in a savory dish you can lightly salt it for more flavor.
So go for it! I'm sure you will wonder why you ever waited.
staciokas
Wednesday 2nd of December 2009
Use whey instead of other liquids when making bread. Adds protein and makes the resutling bread lighter. I also feed it to my dog and have given it to my chickens.
Battra92
Tuesday 1st of December 2009
When I went to Cabot Creamery on my Vermont vacation this year they said that the whey they have was collected and sold to make protein additives for other foods. I'm not sure what you can do with the homemade stuff ...
Diane
Tuesday 1st of December 2009
For you, William B: I have been working on making a Greek-style version of homemade yogurt, so I have lots of whey. I use it in smoothies and in oatmeal or grits instead of water. I'm sure once you get started, you'll think of lots of other good uses for this nutritious by-product. Hooray for homemade yogurt!
Battra92
Tuesday 1st of December 2009
WilliamB: Gotta love those old Joy Of Cooking cookbooks. They really have everything in there, don't they?