About a year ago, I decided I wanted to learn how to make cheese. I love the creative process that making food involves and thought that making cheese would be a cool adventure. I purchased a couple of books and then life got in the way. Last month, I decided to buy a few basic supplies (dairy thermometer, butter muslin and a slotted spoon to removing the curds from the whey) so that I could try it for real. I did not want to go too overboard so I tried to focus on some soft cheeses that were easy. I re-read the directions in the book, bought the milk and tried it today. (Remember: today is Tuesday so my maid was here to clean up after me!!) I tried a basic queso blanco which the book said was good for warm climates. It is a really simple recipe – only milk and vinegar. Since we are in the heart of summer here, I thought I could not miss. The experiment was less than perfect but did not leave me undaunted. One thing that surprised me was the tiny yield. I used four liters of milk (about a gallon) and have a ball of cheese approximately the size of my fist. I have no idea what I am going to do with all the whey that is left over. The worst part of the experiment is that the cheese tastes terrible. I mean really terrible. My next project is lemon cheese. Maybe it will taste better.
3 comments:
oh no! better luck with the flavor of the lemon!
at least you tried it! I've wanted to make cheese for years, but have been too daunted. Well done!
I too have a desire to make cheese, esp after reading _Animal, Vegetable, Miracle_. They make mozzarella in that book (among others, I believe). My dad makes mozzarella on occasion. Maybe try that next? Kudos to you for doing it. Life is getting in the way for me, too....so now my new goal is to make it NEXT summer!
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