Fresh Cheese: Creative Ways To Use It

Fresh cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to grilled dishes. It is a great substitute for cream, adding a rich and creamy texture to your meals. Fresh cheese is made from fresh curds that have not been pressed or aged, resulting in a mild and slightly savoury flavour. It is perishable and should be consumed within a few days. Some common types of fresh cheese include halloumi, ricotta, burrata, feta, mozzarella, and paneer. Fresh cheese can be paired with a variety of ingredients, such as herbs, spices, garlic, and citrus gratings. It also goes well with crackers, pasta dishes, rye bread and various beverages like white wine, beer, and sparkling wines. Making fresh cheese at home is a simple process that requires milk, a milk splitting agent like lemon juice or vinegar, and a few basic kitchen tools.

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How to make fresh cheese at home

Making cheese at home is a fun and rewarding experience. It might seem intimidating at first, but it's actually quite simple and easy to do. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make fresh cheese at home:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• 2 gallons of fresh milk (cow, goat, or even buffalo milk can be used)
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar or any acidifier such as white vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Large pot
• Strainer or colander
• Cheesecloth or any fine cloth
• Bowl

Instructions:

Begin by heating the milk in a large pot over medium heat. Stir the milk constantly and gently to prevent it from scorching and burning at the bottom of the pot. Heat the milk until it reaches a temperature of around 175-195°F (74-90°C).

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the pot from the heat and slowly stir in your chosen acidifier. Continue stirring gently for about 10 minutes. You will notice that the milk starts to curdle and separate into curds (white solid part) and whey (yellowish liquid).

Let the mixture sit uncovered for at least 5 minutes and up to 20 minutes to allow the separation process to complete. You should see white clumps of curd suspended in a pale translucent whey.

Now, it's time to strain the curds. Line a mesh strainer with a cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Carefully pour the curds into the prepared strainer and let it strain for at least 20 minutes for pressed cheese or an hour for fresh curds.

After straining, gently stir in salt to taste. For pressed cheese, gather the curds into a ball in the middle of the cloth, shape them, and place them back in the strainer. Put a heavy object like a can or pan on top and let it sit until the desired texture is achieved.

Your homemade fresh cheese is now ready! You can store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about a week. Enjoy your cheese as a snack or use it in various dishes like pizza, salads, or even a warm lentil salad with crispy lardons and a mustardy vinaigrette.

Making cheese at home is a delightful and satisfying experience, and you can experiment with different types of milk and flavourings to create your own unique varieties.

Pairing fresh cheese with wine or beer

When it comes to pairing fresh cheese with wine or beer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to consider the intensity of both the cheese and the beverage, aiming for a balance where neither dominates the other. Lighter cheeses pair well with lighter-bodied wines, while bold and powerful cheeses are better matched with wines of similar intensity. For example, a fresh goat's curd with delicate dairy flavours would be overpowered by a full-bodied, intense wine like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Instead, opt for a lighter-bodied wine that complements the cheese's freshness.

When it comes to specific cheese and wine pairings, there are some classic combinations to consider. For a Mediterranean flair, try pairing a glass of Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese, or Sauternes with blue cheese. If you're a fan of Pinot Noir, its red berry fruit notes pair beautifully with the nutty flavours of medium-firm cheeses like Gruyère. Another option is to match the crisp, red fruit flavours of a Provence Rosé with the mellow taste of Havarti. This combination creates a graceful balance without overpowering either element.

For those who enjoy sweeter wines, the lightness of Moscato and other sweet whites can be a delightful pairing with pungent cheeses. The fresh, acidic fruit of a Moscato d'Asti, for instance, refreshes the palate after indulging in heavier cheeses like Gorgonzola. Additionally, the bold character and velvety fruit of a Malbec complement the nutty, caramelized flavours of aged Gouda. This pairing strikes a harmonious balance between indulgence and approachability.

While wine and cheese pairings are more commonly discussed, beer can also be a wonderful companion to fresh cheese. The carbonation and bitterness of beer can cut through the richness of creamy cheeses, providing a refreshing contrast. Lighter beers, such as pilsners or wheat beers, can complement milder cheeses, while stronger cheeses may pair well with more robust beers like stouts or IPAs.

Ultimately, the world of cheese and beverage pairings offers endless possibilities for exploration and experimentation. Whether you're enjoying a simple snack or crafting an elegant dinner, don't be afraid to venture beyond the classic combinations and discover your personal favourites.

Using fresh cheese in salads

Fresh cheese is a great addition to any salad, providing protein, calcium, and flavour. When choosing a cheese for your salad, it's important to consider its texture and flavour profile, as well as how it will complement the other ingredients.

For a classic combination, you can't go wrong with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. This Caprese salad is a timeless favourite that never gets old. The sweet, salty, and tangy flavours of the ingredients blend beautifully. For a twist on this classic, try adding some fresh mozzarella pearls marinated in herbs and olive oil, along with croutons, for a textural contrast.

If you're a fan of goat cheese, there are numerous salad options to explore. For a sweet and earthy flavour profile, pair goat cheese with beetroot. The creamy, buttery cheese complements the crisp, fresh veggies in this combination. For a more complex salad, try an arugula goat cheese salad with juicy tomatoes, sweet cranberries, crunchy almonds, and a tangy dressing. The sharpness of the arugula is balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes and cranberries, while the almonds add a hearty texture. Another option is a strawberry pecan goat cheese salad, which combines juicy strawberries with mild, buttery goat cheese and crunchy pecans.

Feta cheese is another versatile option for salads. It pairs well with fresh veggies and has a tangy, salty flavour. Try a Greek salad with feta vinaigrette by tossing together tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a rich, tangy vinaigrette for a flavourful experience. For a lighter option, an Israeli salad with feta is a refreshing choice, dressed with lemon and olive oil. Feta also goes well with croutons, and you can even make feta croutons by coating feta in flour, egg, and panko before frying in olive oil.

Blue cheese is a popular choice for salads, adding a strong punch of flavour. It shines when paired with sweet and toasty elements, such as a green salad with sliced pears and candied nuts or apples, celery root, and toasted almonds. Blue cheese also complements a steak salad with bacon vinaigrette, cranberries, toasted walnuts, and bitter greens.

For a unique twist, consider pan-fried goat cheese medallions in your salad. The melted cheese adds a delightful texture to the crisp, fresh veggies and crunchy nuts. Toss it with a zingy vinaigrette to elevate the flavours.

When selecting a cheese for your salad, it's best to avoid overly soft or buttery cheeses like Brie, as they may not provide the desired textural contrast. Instead, opt for cheeses that can be crumbled, shredded, cubed, or shaved, adding interesting textures and flavours to your salad.

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Using fresh cheese in hot dishes

Fresh cheeses are versatile and can be used in a variety of hot dishes. They add a creamy texture and a mild flavour that pairs well with many ingredients. Here are some tips and ideas for using fresh cheese in hot dishes:

Melting Fresh Cheese

Some fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, and feta, will not fully melt no matter how much heat is applied. If you are using a cheese that does melt, such as cheddar, be mindful of how long you cook the dish, as the heat reduces moisture. The longer you cook it, the drier it will become. If you are adding cheese to a hot dish, such as pasta, toss the cheese in just before serving, so it does not settle at the bottom of the dish.

Pasta

Fresh cheeses like ricotta, cream cheese, and mascarpone can be added to pasta dishes. For instance, you can make a creamy pasta sauce with mascarpone or ricotta. Alternatively, you can crumble fresh goat cheese or feta over pasta for a tangy, savoury touch.

Pizza

Fresh mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza, providing a soft, creamy texture and a mild flavour. You can also experiment with other fresh cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Fresh mozzarella and goat cheese are excellent choices for grilled cheese sandwiches. For a gourmet twist, try a Caprese-inspired grilled cheese with mozzarella, basil, and blackberries.

Salads

Warm salads can feature fresh cheeses like halloumi. Grill some halloumi and serve it with vegetables or fruits like apricots or kiwis. Fresh mozzarella is also a popular choice for Caprese salads, pairing well with tomatoes and basil.

Soups

Cheese can add a creamy texture and flavour to soups. For example, a broccoli and rice casserole soup can be made richer with the addition of cheese. Cheddar is a good choice for a chunkier soup, while a cream cheese or mascarpone can be used for a smooth, creamy soup.

Storing and serving fresh cheese

Storing fresh cheese requires some care. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella and feta have the shortest shelf life. If you plan to eat it on the same day, you can leave it on the countertop. Otherwise, refrigerate it, but be aware that it will dry out and change texture the longer it is stored. Freezing is not recommended for fresh, high-moisture cheeses.

To store fresh cheese, unwrap it from its original packaging and rewrap it in parchment, cheese, wax, or regular paper. You can also use a special type of thick paper coated on one side with a combination of wax and polyethylene, known as cheese paper. If you are storing softer, creamier cheeses like goat cheese or fresh mozzarella, use a resealable container. Do not use plastic wrap, as this can cause the cheese to sweat and negatively affect its flavour. If you are storing cheese for a longer period, you can use vinegar on cheesecloth or a paper towel to prevent mould.

When serving fresh cheese, it is best to let it temper for an hour or two before serving. You can cover it with a bowl or tent it with plastic wrap during this time. If you have sliced the cheese, be aware that it will dry out more quickly. If you have a large block of cheese, you can break off a couple of pieces and serve the wedge with a knife for guests to slice themselves.

If your cheese has developed mould, you can cut off the mouldy part and eat the rest of the cheese. However, if it is a fresh cheese, it is best to throw it away.

Frequently asked questions