Cheese-making is an ancient art that has been practiced for centuries.
While the methods have changed, cheese making remains a part of many cultures. Cheese-making in Italy is one example that dates back to the Neolithic age and continues to be popular today, with many types of cheeses available for sale. If you want to make your cheese, here are some tips and tricks!
First, you will need to gather your supplies. You will need milk, an acid for curdling (vinegar, lemon juice), a cooking pot, cheesecloth or coffee filters, and a container with a lid to store the cheese in.
Finally, you must choose which type of cheese to make! There are many options – here are some recommendations:
Ricotta – requires whole milk and vinegar. It is another traditional Italian cheese that goes great in many dishes! It can be used to make lasagna or stuffed shells. If you want to try something more modern, why not try this incredible cheese!
Fontina – also requires whole milk but no vinegar; instead, use powdered citric acid.
Mozzarella – requires whey leftover from other cheeses or 2 quarts of fresh cultured buttermilk per gallon of cow’s milk.
Parmesan – hard Italian-style grating cheese that can be made with whole or skimmed cow’s milk
Now you are ready to start making your cheese! If you are an experienced home cook, follow the recipe. If you are new to cooking, here are some tips:
Be sure to sterilize equipment before beginning. The process of separating curds from whey requires heat. Be careful not to burn yourself when dealing with hot surfaces. Boiling water can cause steam burns if it sprays in your eyes, so be sure to wear goggles when stirring boiling liquids.
Once the curds and whey have separated, you can drain off the whey – use a cheesecloth, coffee filters, or colander to strain the liquid.
Sprinkle salt on either side of your cheese after draining if desired; this will help preserve it for longer storage in a refrigerator.
If you wish to add herbs for flavor, now is the time! Chop your favorite flavors and mix in with a spoon or by hand.
Finally, place your fresh cheese into an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. The shelf life of homemade cheese can vary from just a few days up to several months, depending on what type of cheese was created. Homemade cheeses last longer when stored in a refrigerator, so plan accordingly if you plan to make it in advance.
A great recipe, for example, includes whole milk, lemon juice, and vinegar.
Be sure to follow all standard safety precautions when cooking with hot surfaces and keep an eye on children around pots of boiling liquids. Remember that cheese-making is a very detailed process; if you are new to cooking, it might be best to practice with other foods first before tackling this type of recipe!
Remember that these kinds of food should be eaten with caution because they have a high fat and cholesterol level; you should ask your doctor if your diet allows this type of food.