How Do You Make Homemade Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta can be made quite easily at home for a fraction of the cost. To prevent the milk from scorching it is helpful to rinse your pot with cold water first. Add the gallon milk to your cooled pot. Set to medium heat, heating the milk up slowly and stirring occasionally. Watch for bubbles around edges when these form check your temperature. You will want it to reach 180-185 degrees. When your milk is 180-185 degrees remove from heat. Stir in juice from whole lemon. The milk will begin to curdle when you add the juice. Cover and allow to sit undisturbed for at least 1 to 2 hours. Dampen your cheese cloth and place in strainer. Slowly pour the mixture through the cloth lined strainer. Gather the ends of your cloth twist or tie. Hang the cloth containing your cheese over a pot or bowl allow to drain another 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Place finished Ricotta into a bowl and tightly seal, use immediately or store in refrigerator up to 7 days.
