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Prep Time: 1440 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 1440 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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The original indigenous cheese of New Orleans that has just about been abandoned by all of the large commercial enterprises that had gobbled up our local dairies during the latter part of the twentieth century. New Orleanians sprinkle the end product liberaly with sugar and half-and-half, topped fresh fruit or better yet, make Creole Cream Cheese Ice Cream. Note: If you've never experienced Creole Cream Cheese, the closest consistency probably would be that of Greek yogurt and could be eaten as such. This is one for the New Orleans natives. Ingredients:
2 quarts skim milk, room temperature |
1/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature |
12 drops liquid rennet or 1/4 tablet dry rennet |
Directions:
1. Pour milk into a completely sanitized, 3 to 4 quart container, preferably stainless steel. Cover milk and place it in the warmest spot in your kitchen or on top of a warmed clothes dryer, until it reaches a temperature level between 70 - 80 degrees F. The milk may be heated slowly on the stove on very low heat, but do not allow its temperature exceed 80 degrees F.
2. When milk reaches the correct temperature, pour the buttermilk into a small bowl and add the liquid rennet, or if you are using dry rennet, dissolve the 1/4 tablet in the buttermilk. Pour buttermilk into warmed milk with skim milk. Stir mixture well and set it aside, covered with cheesecloth, to allow the liquid to form solid, but very soft, curds. Good drainage is necessary. The container should not be placed near heat or directly exposed to an airflow. The cheese should form curds in 24 to 36 hours. Avoid stirring or the curds will break.
3. When the curds are formed, line a large strainer or colander with cheesecloth and carefully pour the curds into the cloth. Place the strainer or colander over a bowl to hold the watery whey as it drains from the curds. When the curds no longer drip water, the cream cheese is ready to be chilled in the refrigerator. Keeps refrigerated for about 2 weeks.
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