Homemade Farmer's Cheese
- 1 gallon milk whole fat, or half cream and half milk
- 1/4 cup buttermilk cultured
- 1 tablespoon rennet solution, diluted according to the package directions
- In a wide pot set over low heat, warm milk, or a combination of half cream and half milk, to 80 degrees.
- Use the freshest cream or milk, and prefer to use not ultra-pasteurized.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 1/4 cup cultured buttermilk and 1 tablespoon rennet solution.
- Cover loosely and set aside at warm room temperature (about 75 degrees) for 8 to 12 hours.
- The mixture is set when there is a layer of thick curds, like Greek yogurt, on top of clear whey.
- Pull the curd away from the edge of the pot to check.
- Line a colander with a large square of cotton cloth, at least 2 feet per side.
- Don't use cheesecloth, as the weave is too loose.
- A large tea towel or bandannas.
- With a slotted spoon, transfer the curds into the lined colander.
- Gather up three corners of the cloth and use the fourth corner to wrap around the others, tucking in the end to make a knot.
- Hang over a floor drain, bathtub or sink in a cool place and allow it to drip for about 8 hours.
- When the dripping stops, untie and check the consistency.
- It should be like soft cream cheese.
- If it is still wet, mix it with a rubber spatula, retie it, and allow it to drip a little longer.
- When the cheese is ready, scrape it into a bowl and mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
- Taste and add more salt if you like.
- Chill until firm.
- The cheese may be shaped into logs and rolled in fresh herbs or coarsely ground colourful peppers.
- Or it may be mixed with minced chives and minced garlic to your own taste.
- The cheese will keep, wrapped or in a container, for 2 weeks, and will become more tangy.
- Or it can be shaped into 4-ounce logs, wrapped well, and frozen for up to 6 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
gallon milk, buttermilk cultured, rennet solution
Taken from recipeland.com/recipe/v/homemade-farmers-cheese-51998 (may not work)