Homemade Ricotta
Making Ricotta cheese is simple and the end product is so much better than any store bought variety. This versatile cheese can be used for savory and sweet dishes from filling for ravioli, lasagne and vegetables to ricotta cheesecake. Rennet can also be used to make the cheese instead of lemon juice, buttermilk or white vinegar.
Makes about 3 cups
Ingredients
2 quarts whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (need 2-3)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Pour the milk and cream and salt into a large stainless steel soup pot. Attach an instant read or candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Heat the mixture to 220F. Add the lemon juice and stir only once.
Have ready a fine mesh colander lined with several layers of damp cheesecloth placed over a large bowl.
As the curds form, gather them with a slotted spoon and transfer them to the colander. Allow the curds to drain at room temperature for at least two hours. Transfer the cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within a week.
Note the leftover liquid (whey) can be saved and added to yeast dough.
Variation: After the cheese has drained, pack it into damp cheesecloth-lined small molds. Unmold and serve with warm honey and toasted almond slices for a great dessert or with dried and poached fruit such as white peaches, nectarines or apricots.
This recipe is featured on Season 23 - Episode 2305.
Comments
Paula
Tess
Hope Gordon
debra Colavecchio
Toni Wieland
The written recipe says to add the lemon juice before reaching the 220 degrees and then to stir only once.
However the video shows adding the lemon after the milk and cream and then whisking till it reaches 220 degrees which Mary Ann says can take 10-15 minutes.
What/which is correct for the best result?
Love your show. Thank you.
Holly Palda
Carole
Diane
mary ann
Re
Leave a Comment