Homemade Cheese Delight

This homemade cheese recipe is a simple yet gratifying culinary endeavor that brings the traditional flavors of a classic cheese dish to your own kitchen. With uncomplicated ingredients like whole milk, cottage cheese, and eggs, it offers a wholesome and natural taste which is perfect for those who appreciate artisanal delights. The process involves heating the milk just enough to meld the ingredients together, resulting in a velvety, cohesive cheese mass. This recipe also allows for creativity with the inclusion of caraway seeds, imparting a unique aroma and flavor to the cheese. The method is straightforward, requiring just a few steps, but the outcome is a flavorful delight. It caters to cheese enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on preparation and the gratification of sampling a homemade creation. With a quick preparation time, this cheese can be a delightful addition to any meal or a treat on its own. It's a versatile recipe accommodating various dietary preferences through simple ingredient substitutions or alterations. The final product can be adorned or left plain, highlighting the cheese's natural beauty. Whether paired with fresh bread or served with a side salad, this cheese is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 3 liters whole milk (minimum 2.5% fat)
• 1 kg low-fat cottage cheese
• 100 g butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds

Preparation Time

• Total: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by heating the milk in a large pot. It's important not to boil the milk, but simply to warm it until it's hot.
2. While the milk is warming, use a pestle to finely crush the cottage cheese. Alternatively, you can press it through a sieve for a smoother texture.
3. Gradually add the crushed cottage cheese into the hot milk, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and to help whey separate.
4. Wet a cheesecloth with warm water and line a bowl that comfortably accommodates your cheese mixture.
5. Pour the cheese and milk mixture into the prepared bowl, allowing the liquid to strain out while retaining the cheese solids.
6. Transfer the strained cheese solids back to the pot and place it back on the heat.
7. Add the butter, caraway seeds, and salt to the pot, stirring well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
8. In a separate bowl, beat the three eggs. Slowly incorporate the beaten eggs into the heated cheese mixture.
9. Continue stirring briskly until the cheese forms a smooth, cohesive mass.
10. Press the cheese into a mold or bowl of your preferred shape, pressing down firmly to remove any excess liquid.
11. Once shaped, place the cheese in a cool area to set and chill completely.
12. After the cheese has chilled, carefully remove it from the mold. You can decorate it according to your preference or enjoy its rustic look.
13. Slice or serve the cheese as desired, whether as part of a platter or on its own.
14. For a more flavorful experience, add decorative herbs or nuts on top before serving.
15. Pair with fresh bread, crackers, or salads for a delightful meal.
16. The cheese can also be wrapped in wax paper and stored in the refrigerator for later use.
17. Experiment with different herbs or spices to put a unique twist on the recipe.
18. Enjoy the labor of your cheese-making adventure with friends and family.
19. If you like a smoky flavor, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke during the mixing phase.
20. Once ready, savor the homemade cheese, appreciating the work and love poured into its making.

Tips

• Ensure the milk is not boiled, as this will affect the cheese texture.
• Use a high-quality cheesecloth to effectively strain the whey from the cheese curds.
• For a richer flavor, consider using full-fat milk or butter.
• Season to taste: Adjust the salt or experiment with additional spices like paprika or herbs.

Nutritions

• Approximate Calories: 240 kcal per serving
• Protein: 10 g
• Fats: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g

Variations

• For a vegan option, replace milk with almond or soy milk and use a vegan butter alternative.
• Spice it up with chili flakes or a touch of crushed black pepper for added heat.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or crisp crackers.
• Pair with a light salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice.
• Accompany with a variety of cold cuts or cured meats for a comprehensive platter.

Best Places

• Käsehaus - Renowned for its exquisite cheese selection, offering cheese-making workshops. Location: Heumarkt 1, Vienna, Austria
• Cheese Board Collective - Offers a wide array of artisan cheeses and paired accompaniments. Location: 1504 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, USA
• Fromagerie Berthaut - Famous for traditional cheese creations with guided tastings available. Location: Rue de l'Étang, Bourgogne, France
• Murray's Cheese Shop - Iconic cheese shop noted for its wide selection from around the world. Location: 254 Bleecker St, New York City, USA
• La Fromagerie - A gourmet cheese paradise with a notable European cheese selection and expert staff. Location: Moxon St, London, UK
• Formaggio Kitchen - Specialist cheese shop with aged cheeses and extensive cheese-related products. Location: 244 Huron Ave, Cambridge, USA
• The Melting Pot - Known for a cheesy fondue experience, this spot blends culinary creativity with classic tastes. Location: Geeveston, Tasmania, Australia
• Casa del Formaggio - Offers an immersive cheese experience and is a regional favorite for cheese lovers. Location: Via Venti Settembre, Milan, Italy
• Cheese Culture - A specialty store focusing on both local and international varieties. Location: Queen St, Toronto, Canada
• Brown & Greene - A staple in the local cheese scene with abundant selection and frequent cheese events. Location: Brentwood, Nashville, USA