I call this Easy Peasy Squeezy (or spreadable) Cheese
If you're a cheese lover, this simple, basic, 2 ingredient cheese recipe will be a hit for sure. It's a flexible and affordable option to those expensive store-bought brands.
To get started, you'll need a few tools:
Cheesecloth or lint-free cotton cloth
1 medium to large-sized strainer/sieve
1 large pot capable of holding 1 Gallon / 4L of liquid
1 large bowl capable of the same capacity as the pot.
1 wooden spoon for stirring
A thermometer capable of at least 150 Deg Fahrenheit, a candy thermometer is ideal for this.
A 3/4 cup measuring cup
4 wooden or plastic clothespins
Jars for saving the whey
For ingredients you'll need:
1 Gallon / 4L Jug of 3.25% milk or raw milk
3/4 cup 5% white vinegar.
Your choice of herbs and spices.
To make the cheese, follow these seven steps:
Step 1 – Place the large pot and milk on the stove & bring slowly to a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, use low to medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid scorching milk.
Step 2 – When milk has reached 120 Degrees Fahrenheit, remove from heat.
Step 3 – Gently stir in 3/4 cup of 5% white vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes off the burner.
Step 4 – Place a strainer or sieve in/over a large bowl and place a lint free cotton cloth, or cheesecloth in the strainer or sieve and hold in place with clothespins.
Step 5 – Strain pot contents through the cloth/cheese cloth and strainer to separate whey from curds.
Step 6 – Let the mixture sit until the whey stops dripping from the sieve/strainer. Bonus Whey tips at the end of the recipe. For thicker or firmer cheese, you can squeeze out more whey by hand.
Step 7- When your cheese reaches the consistency or firmness you want, place it in a smaller bowl and mix in herbs and spices to taste. Let it stand in the refrigerator for 24 hours for the best flavor.
Bonus tip: Save the whey!
You can use the whey:
- In pancakes
- In soups
- You can water your plants with it
- If done with raw whole milk, you can try reheating the whey, add more vinegar, & repeat for more cheese!
And there you have it, a basic seven-step recipe for cheese. Enjoy!