Aprile's Kitchen

Making cheese at home can be a fun and rewarding process. Here’s a simple method for making a basic fresh cheese using just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon whole raw milk
• 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Heat the milk: In a large pot, pour in 1 gallon of whole milk. Heat the milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches about 190°F (88°C). Do not let it boil.

2. Add the acid: Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, remove the pot from heat. Slowly add 1/4 cup of white vinegar or lemon juice, stirring gently for about 1 minute. You should see the curds begin to separate from the whey.

3. Let it sit: Cover the pot and let it sit undisturbed for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the curds to firm up further.

4. Strain the curds: Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl. Carefully pour the curds and whey into the strainer to separate them. Let the curds drain for about 5-10 minutes.

5. Rinse and season: Once drained, rinse the curds under cold water to remove any residual whey and to cool them down. Transfer the curds to a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste). Mix gently to combine.

6. Shape and store: If you want to shape the cheese, you can press it into a mold or form it into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

7. Refrigerate: Homemade cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Enjoy your fresh homemade cheese on bread, in salads, or as a topping for various dishes!