There's something about cheese... What's even better, it's not difficult to make. And, most of the ingredients come from the Dollar Store.
Turn the burner on high and stir the milk until the temperature reaches 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Stirring constantly is a must, for it prevents the milk from scalding.
When the temperature reaches 195 degrees Fahrenheit, slowly pour in 1/4 cup of white vinegar. The milk will begin to curdle and resemble small pebbles.
Place a colander in large mixing bowl,
Line it with a cloth like flour sack cloth (only $1.00 at the Dollar Store),
And ladle the curd into the cloth-lined colander with a slotted spoon.
Twist the cloth around the curd and close it with a rubber band, then hang the cloth-wrapped curds over the bowl to drain.
Let the curds drain for at least four hours, then unwrap.
This is a versatile cheese that can be served with bread, eaten on its own, or crumbled over pasta. According to Barbara Skapa of Echo Ridge Cheese, Queso Blanco cheese "does not melt when diced and stir-fried".
Equipment that can be purchased at the Dollar Store:
Slotted spoon (the one pictured above was purchased at the Dollar Store over a year ago and is no longer available, though other models are)
Flour sack cloth
Colander [plastic]
Mixing spoon
Measuring cup
Rubber bands
Variations
Try adding diced onions, pressed garlic, chives, or other spices. If you have access to raw milk, substitute it for pasteurized milk. The resulting cheese will be richer and more flavorful.
A note about flour sack cloth
Wash the cloth before use. After using the cloth to make cheese, wash it thoroughly with soap and hot water before throwing it into the washer. This prevents the rest of your laundry from smelling like whey or spoiled milk.
Cultured cheese
Making cultured cheese is fun and delicious, though it does require three ingredients not found at the Dollar Store. If there is an interest, a blog devoted to Fromage Blanc can be created.
*As milk at the Dollar Store is sold in pint containers, it is more economical to buy a gallon of milk elsewhere. Buy whole milk only.
QUESO BLANCO
(White Cheese)
Ingredients:
1 gallon of whole milk*
White vinegar
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Parsley
White vinegar
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Parsley
Equipment:
5-quart pot
Mixing spoon
Measuring cup
Slotted spoon
Colander
Large bowl
Cloth
Rubber band
Digital thermometer
Pour the milk into the pot and add the garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley to taste.
Turn the burner on high and stir the milk until the temperature reaches 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Stirring constantly is a must, for it prevents the milk from scalding.
When the temperature reaches 195 degrees Fahrenheit, slowly pour in 1/4 cup of white vinegar. The milk will begin to curdle and resemble small pebbles.
Place a colander in large mixing bowl,
Line it with a cloth like flour sack cloth (only $1.00 at the Dollar Store),
And ladle the curd into the cloth-lined colander with a slotted spoon.
Twist the cloth around the curd and close it with a rubber band, then hang the cloth-wrapped curds over the bowl to drain.
Let the curds drain for at least four hours, then unwrap.
This is a versatile cheese that can be served with bread, eaten on its own, or crumbled over pasta. According to Barbara Skapa of Echo Ridge Cheese, Queso Blanco cheese "does not melt when diced and stir-fried".
Equipment that can be purchased at the Dollar Store:
Slotted spoon (the one pictured above was purchased at the Dollar Store over a year ago and is no longer available, though other models are)
Flour sack cloth
Colander [plastic]
Mixing spoon
Measuring cup
Rubber bands
Variations
Try adding diced onions, pressed garlic, chives, or other spices. If you have access to raw milk, substitute it for pasteurized milk. The resulting cheese will be richer and more flavorful.
A note about flour sack cloth
Wash the cloth before use. After using the cloth to make cheese, wash it thoroughly with soap and hot water before throwing it into the washer. This prevents the rest of your laundry from smelling like whey or spoiled milk.
Cultured cheese
Making cultured cheese is fun and delicious, though it does require three ingredients not found at the Dollar Store. If there is an interest, a blog devoted to Fromage Blanc can be created.
*As milk at the Dollar Store is sold in pint containers, it is more economical to buy a gallon of milk elsewhere. Buy whole milk only.
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