If you received our March dinner party box, you were given a cheese making kit. If you have done your dinner party already, which hopefully you have because it's a fun way to spend some quality time with loved ones, then you probably have made one of the four different cheeses that can be made with this kit.
I thought this kit was fantastic because they give you enough to make 8 batches of cheese. So that means you can make all four kinds of cheese more than once if you want to. Some of you may not be familiar with certain cheeses in this kit so I wanted to break it down for you and give you some recipes outside of the box.
Ricotta
Ricotta cheese is a type of fresh, creamy, and slightly sweet cheese that originated in Italy. It is made from the whey leftover after making other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone. The whey is heated to a specific temperature, and then an acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice) is added to it, which causes the whey to curdle and form small, soft, white curds. The curds are then scooped out and drained, often using a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Ricotta cheese has a grainy texture and a mild flavor, and it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine, such as in lasagna, cannoli, and cheesecake, but it can also be used as a topping for toast, mixed with herbs as a spread, or served alongside fruit for a simple and delicious dessert. Check out these recipes using ricotta you may have not thought about.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese is a type of soft, stretchy, and mild-flavored cheese that originated in Italy. It is traditionally made from the milk of water buffalo, but nowadays it is often made from cow's milk. The cheese-making process involves adding rennet, an enzyme that causes the milk to coagulate and form curds. The curds are then cut into small pieces and heated in hot water until they become stretchy and pliable. The cheese is then formed into balls, which are often sold in brine to keep them moist and flavorful. Mozzarella cheese has a pale white color and a slightly elastic texture that makes it perfect for melting on pizza or in pasta dishes. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and can be used in a wide variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and even as a snack with fresh tomato and basil.
Burrata
Burrata is a type of fresh Italian cheese that is similar to mozzarella, but with a creamy, buttery interior. It is made from a mixture of mozzarella and cream, which is heated and then stretched into a thin sheet. The sheet is then wrapped around a mixture of mozzarella and cream, forming a pouch-like shape that is tied at the top to seal in the filling. The cheese is then immersed in brine to add flavor and help preserve it. When cut open, the creamy interior spills out, creating a rich and decadent texture.
Burrata cheese has a delicate and mild flavor, with a slightly sweet and buttery taste. It is typically served fresh and at room temperature, often with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and black pepper, and accompanied by crusty bread, fresh tomatoes, and basil. It can also be used as a creamy and luxurious addition to salads, pasta dishes, or as a filling for ravioli or other stuffed pasta dishes.
Mascarpone
Mascarpone is a type of Italian cream cheese that is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet. It is made from fresh cream that is coagulated using an acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar) rather than rennet. The mixture is then heated until the curds separate from the whey, and the curds are drained and whipped with a small amount of cream to create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Mascarpone cheese has a high fat content and a delicate flavor, with a texture that is similar to soft butter. It is often used as an ingredient in desserts, such as tiramisu and cheesecake, but it can also be used as a spread on toast, mixed with herbs as a dip, or as a topping for fresh fruit. Its versatility makes it a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.
I hope this helps you with ideas for your cheese making kit. If you have made some cheese yet or had your dinner party we would love to see! Tag us on Facebook or Instagram with your pictures.
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