How to Make Ricotta Cheese - Ready To Use In About 15 Minutes

When you need ricotta cheese to make lasagna, ravioli, or just to serve as is, it is sometimes hard getting to a store that has fresh ricotta in stock. However, most groceries always have fresh whole milk and lemons in stock. Once you see how easy and quick it is to make your own ricotta, you will never settle for tart older ricotta, or those hideous grainy or gelatinous packaged ricotta again.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• slotted spoon
• colander
• good quality saucepan (see Cookware tips)
• cheesecloth
• - To Make 1 1/2c ricotta
• 8c whole milk
• 1t salt
• 3T lemon juice

1. * Line a colander with 4 layers of cheesecloth and set it in the sink.
   * Strain the lemon juice if it is from fresh lemons.
   * Bring milk and salt to simmer in a good quality (see Cookware tips) large saucepan over med-high heat.

2. * Add the lemon juice to simmering milk.
   * Let simmer until curds form, about 1-2 min.

3. * Gently scoop ricotta curds out of the liquid with a slotted spoon, and transfer them to the cheesecloth lined colander.
   * Let the curds drain for 1 minute, then transfer to a bowl. That's it! Your homemade ricotta is now ready to be used.

Tips & Warnings

• Making your own ricotta places you in a unique position to control the milk that goes into it. This is a good chance to increase the healthy factors by selecting organic milk. Organic farming methods eliminate the use of toxic chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and use less fossil fuels. It is also a much happier life for the cows.
• Horizon says on their web site that their farmers are "...committed to the humane treatment of animals. Our cows are raised and nurtured with respect for their natural behaviors and are kept in good health by giving them 100% vegetarian, certified organic feed, fresh air and pasture."
• Stoneyfield says on their web site "No antibiotics or artificial growth hormones are allowed. Instead, the farmers rely on good nutrition and minimal stress to keep the cows healthy, happy and productive. The cows eat only 100% organic feed, grown without toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers."
• You should use good quality Cookware that is designed to reduce scorching.
• If the milk becomes scorched, you will need to start over.

Resources

• Horizon Organic Dairy Products
• Stonyfield Organic Dairy Products
• Cookware (saucepan) comparisons