Bushra Griffith
Lemon goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be made at home with just two ingredients: lemon juice and goat's milk. The process involves slowly heating up the milk and adding lemon juice to form curdles, which are then strained to form the cheese. This homemade goat cheese can be further enhanced with herbs, nuts, seeds, or honey, and used in various recipes. Lemon goat cheese is perfect as a dip, spread, or appetizer on a cheese board, and it can also be used in pasta dishes, providing a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Appetizer, dip, spread, pasta |
| Ingredients | Goat cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, oregano, dill, chives, honey, salt, pepper, cream cheese, heavy cream, olive oil, basil, chilli flakes, garlic |
| Preparation time | 3 minutes |
| Cook time | 3 minutes |
| Ideal for | Charcuterie board, crackers, veggies, sandwiches, baked potatoes, salad |
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What You'll Learn
Make lemon goat cheese from scratch
Making lemon goat cheese from scratch is a simple process that requires just a few basic ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide to crafting your own delicious lemon goat cheese at home.
Ingredients
- Goat's milk (organic and full-fat is best)
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Cheesecloth
- Non-iodized salt (such as kosher salt or sea salt)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
- Spices (optional)
- Honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Nuts or seeds (optional)
Utensils
- Non-reactive pot (such as stainless steel, enamel, or ceramic)
- Long-handled non-reactive stirring utensil
- Colander
- Bowl
- Thermometer (optional)
Instructions
Start by slowly heating the goat's milk in your non-reactive pot on the stove. Aim for a gentle heat of around 180°F to 195°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy if you have one. You should start to see gentle bubbles and a foamy surface. Once you reach the desired temperature, turn off the heat.
Next, with your long-handled utensil, slowly stir in the lemon juice. For each quart (950ml) of milk, you'll need about 1/3 cup of lemon juice. The milk should start to curdle and thicken. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes.
Line a colander with two layers of damp cheesecloth. Carefully pour the curdled milk into the cheesecloth-lined colander. Gather the cheesecloth around the curds and secure it with a rubber band or twine. Hang this bundle over a pot or jar to allow the liquid (whey) to drip out. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the firmness of your curds.
Once the whey has drained, untie the bundle and transfer the cheese to a bowl. Now, you can season your cheese. Start with salt to taste and mix well. You can also add in your desired spices, such as chile flakes, cumin, or garlic powder. If you want a sweeter cheese, stir in a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, along with dried fruit like Craisins or chopped figs.
Finally, shape your cheese. You can form it into a small wheel, log, or ball. If you're feeling creative, coat the outside with chopped fresh herbs, toasted nuts, or seeds. Press these coatings gently onto the surface.
Your lemon goat cheese is now ready to enjoy! It will taste even better if you refrigerate it for a few hours before serving. This cheese will last about a week in the fridge, and you can also freeze it for up to 6 months to maintain freshness.
Variations and Tips
- If you don't have lemon juice, you can use vinegar or citric acid as the curdling agent.
- To make a creamy whipped version, blend the goat cheese with heavy cream, a dollop of cream cheese, and additional lemon juice for tang.
- For a simple appetizer, serve your lemon goat cheese with crackers, fruit, nuts, and salami on a cheese board.
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Use lemon goat cheese in a pasta dish
Lemon and goat cheese pasta is a light, zesty, and quick dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The ingredients are simple and fresh, and the goat cheese adds a creamy texture to the pasta.
To make lemon and goat cheese pasta, start by adding water and salt to a large pot and bringing it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the packet instructions. In a separate pan, heat some extra virgin olive oil and add chopped garlic. Cook the garlic for about a minute on low heat, then add chilli flakes and cook for another 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, add the cooked pasta, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a little pasta water. Mix everything on low heat. Finally, stir in the goat's cheese and cook for about 2 minutes. Adjust the salt according to your taste and serve with some extra goat cheese and freshly chopped basil leaves.
You can also add other ingredients to the pasta to customize it to your liking. Some people like to add kale, grape tomatoes, or red pepper flakes to give the dish a bit of a kick. If you want to make it even more creamy, you can add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
For a more indulgent option, try drizzling some honey over the pasta along with a pinch of herbes de Provence. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options, to find the perfect base for your lemon and goat cheese creation.
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Use lemon goat cheese as a dip
Lemon goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be used in many ways, one of which is as a dip. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your lemon goat cheese dip:
Firstly, you can make your own lemon goat cheese at home by simply using goat's milk and lemon juice. The process involves slowly heating up the milk and adding lemon juice to form curdles. However, if you're short on time, you can buy pre-made goat cheese and add lemon zest, freshly ground pepper, and herbs to taste.
To make a dip, you can add a dollop of cream cheese, heavy cream, or half-and-half to your lemon goat cheese. This will create a creamy, whipped consistency that is perfect for dipping. You can also add a little lemon juice to enhance the tanginess and improve the creaminess of the dip. Don't be afraid to experiment with the consistency by adding milk, water, or even just using a blender to achieve your desired texture.
For an extra special touch, add some fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, dill, or chives to your dip. You can also coat the outside of the cheese dip with chopped fresh herbs or nuts for a decorative and tasty finish. If you're serving the dip with a cheese board, consider adding some crackers, fruit, salami, or other meats to create a well-rounded snacking experience.
Lemon goat cheese dip is best served after being set out for 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to soften. However, it's recommended to make the dip a few hours to a day in advance to allow the flavors to blend and settle, enhancing the taste.
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Use lemon goat cheese on a charcuterie board
Lemon goat cheese is a perfect addition to a charcuterie board and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Choose Your Base
Start by selecting a cutting board or a large plate as your base. If you're using a wooden board, consider lining it with parchment paper to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety. You can spread the lemon goat cheese across the entire board or create sections for different toppings.
Prepare the Goat Cheese
Take your lemon goat cheese out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will make it easier to spread. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the cheese onto your board, creating an even layer. You can also form the cheese into a log or a ball and coat it with chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, and lemon zest.
Toppings and Pairings
The beauty of a charcuterie board is the variety of toppings and pairings you can choose from. Here are some ideas to complement the tangy and creamy lemon goat cheese:
- Fruits and jams: Dried or fresh figs, apples, strawberries, blackberries, or apricots add a touch of sweetness. You can also include fig jam or any fruit jam of your choice.
- Nuts: Walnuts, chopped toasted nuts, pepitas, or sunflower seeds provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavour.
- Honey: Drizzle some hot honey over the cheese for added sweetness and a bit of spice.
- Spices and herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavour of the cheese, and pepper can add a nice kick.
- Other toppings: Dried cherries, blackberries, chopped basil, grated lemon, and a balsamic glaze can also be drizzled over the cheese for added flavour and visual appeal.
Accompaniments
A goat cheese charcuterie board is best enjoyed with some fresh bread or crispbread on the side. You can also provide individual butter knives for your guests to spread the cheese. If you want to include some meat options, cured meats or salami go well with the lemon goat cheese.
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Make lemon goat cheese with honey
Ingredients
To make your own lemon goat cheese with honey, you will need the following ingredients:
- Goat's milk
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Salt
- Herbs (optional)
Utensils
You will also need the following utensils:
- A non-reactive pot (stainless steel, enamel, or ceramic)
- A long-handled non-reactive stirring utensil
- A colander
- Cheesecloth
- A bowl
- A small bowl
- A ramekin
- A spatula
Method
First, make your own goat cheese using the following method:
- Slowly heat the milk in a non-reactive pot on the stove until it reaches 180 F to 185 F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature, and look out for gentle bubbles and a foamy surface.
- With a long-handled non-reactive utensil, stir in the lemon juice.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. It should curdle and become slightly thicker on the surface.
- Line a colander with 2 layers of damp cheesecloth.
- Gently pour the milk into the cheesecloth.
- Gather the cheesecloth up around the curds and tie it into a bundle.
- Hang the bundle over a pot or jar so the liquid can drip out.
- Untie the bundle and transfer the cheese to a bowl.
- Stir in salt to taste.
- Use your hands to pat and shape the cheese into a small wheel, log, or ball.
Next, turn your goat cheese into lemon goat cheese with honey:
- In a small bowl, stir together the goat cheese, lemon juice and zest, and honey.
- Spoon the mixture into a ramekin and smooth over the top with a spatula.
- Garnish with some lemon zest, a drizzle of honey, and a sprig of thyme or lavender.
You can also coat the outside of the cheese with chopped fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Lemon goat cheese is a type of goat cheese made with goat's milk and lemon juice. It can be made at home with just these two ingredients, or store-bought. It has a tangy flavour and can be used in a variety of dishes.
To make lemon goat cheese at home, you will need goat's milk, lemon juice, a non-reactive pot and stirring utensils, and a food thermometer. Slowly heat the milk in the pot on the stove until it reaches 180-185°F, then stir in the lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, then hang the bundle over a pot or jar to drip out the liquid. Transfer the cheese to a bowl, add salt to taste, and shape it as desired.
Lemon goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be served as part of a cheese board or used as a dip for crackers or vegetables. It can also be spread on bread, toast, bagels, or sandwiches. Lemon goat cheese also goes well with pasta, especially lighter varieties such as spaghetti, linguine, or capellini. It can be mixed with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, dill, or chives, and spices like chile flakes, cumin, onion powder, or garlic powder.
