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Makes
1 generous cup (225 grams)
Author Notes
This is not your traditional Italian ricotta cheese. Ricotta is Italian for "twice-cooked" or "to cook again" and is usually made from the whey you get from making another cheese, such as mozzarella or a hard cheese. For proper ricotta, whey is heated, with or without additional vinegar, and the new cheese is strained. Whole milk is never used.
This recipe is a variation on my basic farmer cheese, with added cream for a smoother, creamier consistency that works well for filling pasta shells or topping pancakes. Use really fresh milk for the best flavor and longevity.
From The Farmette Cookbook, © 2016 by Imen McDonnell. Reprinted by arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications Inc., Boulder, CO. www.roostbooks.com. —Imen McDonnell
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Ingredients
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3 cups
(750 milliliters) whole milk
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1 cup
(250 milliliters) heavy cream
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1/2 teaspoon
coarse sea salt
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3 tablespoons
lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Directions
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Pour the milk, cream, and salt into a 3-quart stainless steel saucepan, and heat the milk to 190° F (88° C), stirring occasionally to keep it from scorching on the bottom. Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice, slowly stirring once or twice. Let the pot sit for 5 minutes. The milk will separate and form curds and whey.
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Line a sieve with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour the curds and whey into the sieve, and let strain for at least 1 hour.
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Eat right away or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. (Fresh ricotta will keep in the fridge for one week.)
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