First, warm 1 gallon of milk to 200 deg. very slowly. Once it is warm, add 1/2 c vinegar and stir until it starts to separate the curds from the liquid.
Then strain through cheesecloth, (or I use a clean tea towel).
Then add 1 or 2 tsp of course salt and mix in.
Next, tie up cloth and hang to let drip with a bowl under.
After 2 hours or so, you can take your cheese out and enjoy. I cut it in chunks and mix it with sun dried tomato salad dressing for flavor. I use it like feta cheese in salads and pasta, or we just eat it on crackers.
When you are all done, you will have just under 1 gallon of what I call "buttermilk", but it is probably known as whey. Anyway, I use it like buttermilk. So I plan ahead with some ideas to use it up. Like, I make buttermilk pancakes, add it to my bread instead of water or make scones. I have even made buttermilk pancake syrup. It was yummy.
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe Crystal. I can hardly wait to get a gallon of milk to try it out!! Will probably try out various additions for different flavours too. Sounds like it will be quite a versatile recipe. I have never heard of buttermilk pancake syrup. Could you share that as well?
ReplyDeleteLove your web site-am always looking for updates and really enjoy reading about your life on the farm.
Thank you for your comment darafarm.
ReplyDeleteI found the recipe for Buttermilk Syrup on Allrecipes.com. But I will print it here for you and anyone else that wants it.
1 1/2 c sugar
3/4 c buttermilk
1/2 c butter
2 Tbsp corn syrup
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla
In large saucepan, combine sugar, buttermilk, butter, corn syrup and baking soda. Bring to boil, then cook for 7 mins. Take off heat and add vanilla.
I stored mine in a canning jar in the fridge, because when it is cooled, the butter separates to the top and hardens. I would just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to melt it again. Or you could put it in a pot with some simmering water. My daughter and I love this syrup.