Homemade Cheese
Description
Perfect for both special occasions and everyday meals. Let's make "Kosichka" cheese at home. You'll only need three ingredients to make the cheese: milk, starter culture, and salt. The milk is mixed with the starter culture and left to set until it reaches the desired consistency. Next, the cheese is alternately rinsed with cold and hot water, becoming soft and elastic in the process. Finally, "cheese threads" are formed, which need to be salted and braided into a plait. Good luck. Can be served warm or chilled.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Heat the milk to 35 degrees, add the starter culture, mix, and place in a warm spot for 1 hour (to curdle). The mixture will turn into lumps that should be poured into a colander lined with cheesecloth (so the liquid can drain).
- 2
Step 2
Check the cheese by dipping it in hot water. If it stretches easily and doesn't tear, everything is going according to plan. If it tears, leave the cheese for a while longer. Cut the cheese into pieces and cover with cold water for 20 minutes. Then place the cheese in an aluminum container and pour hot water over it (65 degrees). Stir until the cheese becomes elastic and smooth.
- 3
Step 3
Transfer the hot cheese into a funnel suspended over a pot of brine (water + salt). Under its own weight, the cheese flows downward, forming thin strands. Leave it in the "salt bath" for 5–6 hours. Then braid it and store in the refrigerator.