How are you feeling about homemade cheeses? Or do you just see this title and skip the post? *wink* That’s understandable, especially if this topic doesn’t interest you!

We do not have a dairy animal. I seek to get raw milk whenever possible, but I have also used store bought whole milk in cheesemaking! If you’re wanting to get your foot wet in the dairy world, the recipes I post are simple and fairly quickly made. Also, they don’t require special equipment! So grab some milk and let’s make some cheese (or yogurt… here is that post).

Ricotta

Her are the basic necessities for making ricotta as well as the instructions to follow. This recipe was derived from The Homemade Pantry cookbook, page 26.

• 1/2 gal whole milk
• 1/3 c fresh lemon juice (though I have used bottled in a pinch)
• opt. pinch of salt

As we have seen before in dairy making, sometimes it helps with things sticking or burning on if you ‘ice’ a pot before heating it. Just place 1-2 ice cubes in the heavy bottomed pot you’ll be using (non-reactive for all dairy making) and let them melt.

Instructions

• Pour milk and lemon juice into iced pot and stir for 5 seconds without touching the bottom of the pot.
• Turn the heat on low-medium and let the milk gradually heat up, eventually reaching 175*F.
• Raise the heat and, without stirring, watch it until it reaches 205*F. This should take between 3-5 minutes. The mixture shouldn’t boil, but it will look ready to erupt.
• Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
• Place a colander over a large bowl and line the colander with cheesecloth or a flour sack dishtowel.
• Scoop the curds into the colander with a slotted spoon.
• Let the cheese drain for 10 minutes and then add the salt if you like.

I actually purchased milk to make ricotta for lasagna this particular day. Sorry I don’t have a photo of the finished product!

Ricotta is an excellent snacking cheese! You don’t need any cracker or bread, just a spoon or some clean fingers!

Have you made cheese? Is that a goal for 2025? I’d love to hear from you!

NEW*** Check out my Facebook page where I am asking a Question of the Week each Thursday! Just click the icon below! What a fun way to get YOUR thoughts!