Cheese, Please
By Anna Gorman
Ahh cheese. I'm going to be honest, I'm one of those people who could wax poetic about my favorite varieties and applications for longer than I care to admit. However, I don't feel as bad because I'm fully aware that I am not alone; the world is totally and completely full of cheeseheads. But I also know that most people have no idea what goes on when cheese gets made...or how easy it is to make at home! All it takes is some milk, good bacteria, and patience. Continue reading if you want to learn how to make your own cheese, and how to turn it into a Holiday appetizer that's sure to please!
INSTRUCTIONS
Make Your Own Cheese
EQUIPMENT
1 gallon whole milk
1 thermometer*
1 packet Fromage Blanc (C20) cultures*
1 pot with a lid
1 wooden spoon
1 large colander*
1 cheese mold*
1 large metal bowl*
1 metal ladle*
1 large piece of cheesecloth*
*Available for purchase at Fairfax Backyard Farmer
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat 1 gallon of milk to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Add 1 packet of C20 culture and let rehydrate for 2 minutes, then stir to dissolve the cultures.
2. Cover the pot and let sit at room temperature (72 degrees Fahrenheit) for 12 hours. To tell if it's finished, the cheese curds will have coagulated and solidified, pulling away from the sides of the pot.
3. Gently ladle the curds into the colander lined with folded cheesecloth. Let the curds drain for 4-8 hours, depending on your desired consistency. If you'd like, following initial draining you can move your curds into the mold of your choice to continue draining and take its form.
4. Refrigerate and enjoy plain, or scroll down for another tasty recipe!
RECIPE
Fromage Blanc Cranberry Dip
Ingredients
1 cup FBF Fromage Blanc
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Hot water
Bread, crackers, apples (for dipping)
instructions
1. Place the dried cranberries in a bowl and pour enough hot water to leave them fully submerged. Cover the bowl with a plate or pot lid and let sit for 20-30 minutes, or until rehydrated.
2. Drain the cranberries and place them in a blender. Spin them for about 1 minute, adding a little bit of water if necessary to achieve a relish-like consistency.
3. Assembly is where you can have some fun with it. You can layer the two in a clear container, or just swirl the cranberry relish on top, as pictured. The tang of the cheese and the sweetness of the cranberries pair perfectly together, and are a beautiful addition to any fall table. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
This recipe for cranberry relish is just what I made using what I had on hand. If you have another favorite recipe for cranberry relish or one you like to get at the store, go right ahead and use that! I like to use ones that have a little hint of orange in them. For this recipe I used Orange Flavored Dried Cranberries from Trader Joe's.
