Fromage Blanc Cheese Recipes

Steps:

• bring milk to 175 degrees or just below simmering (little bubbles on sides, steam rising) on low heat in a heavy bottom pan, stirring gently to prevent skin from forming or bottom from scorching.
• add buttermilk and lemon juice and stir gently, if it does not start to curdle in 30 seconds add another tsp of lemon juice.
• let sit for 10 min, in the mean time line a strainer with 4 layers of cheesecloth.
• ladle the curds and whey into your lined strainer and let drain for 5 min.
• gather up the cheesecloth and tie with a string onto your wooden spoon to hang over the pot for 30 min.
• snip off the top of the cheesecloth and remove the new cheese from the cloth.
• mix in salt and press into a pretty little mold like the ones you use for mini quiches. you could line that with cheesecloth as well just for texture and easy of removing from the mold.
• can be served fresh or chill overnight *recommended* covered with plastic wrap. turn out onto the serving plate and serve drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with pepper or fresh chopped herbs.
• can be made in bigger batches and cooked with or just serve on special occasions with nice crackers or bread.

Steps:

• In a large, heavy saucepan, add the milk and the cream for a richer fromage blanc. In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and lemon juice and stir to combine well. Add the buttermilk-lemon juice mixture to the milk and begin to heat the milk, over low heat and very slowly, to 175 degrees F. While the milk is heating, stir only twice, making 2 strokes each time, with a heat-proof spatula or other flat utensil. Check the temperature often. As soon as the temperature reaches 175 degrees F, remove the pot from the heat and allow to sit, undisturbed, for 10 minutes.
• Line a large colander with 2 layers of fine cheesecloth and set over a large bowl. Gently ladle the curds and whey into the colander and allow to drain until the drips of whey slows, about 2 minutes. Tie the corners of the cheesecloth together to form a hanging pouch, and hang pouch over a bowl and allow to drain until the cheese reaches the desired consistency.
• Serve as is, with preserves, honey or fresh fruit, or add salt or fresh herbs, to taste, and enjoy as a savory appetizer. If a rich cheese is desired, spoon or pour a bit of heavy cream over the top before serving. Also, if a very smooth product is desired, beat the cheese briefly with an electric mixer before serving.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 1 week. If cheese is marinated in oil with fresh herbs, it will keep, refrigerated, for up to 1 month.

Steps:

• Combine first four ingredients until well coated with butter. Press into bottom of 4 inch ring molds. Chill.
• Combine 1/2 cup sugar and fromage blanc in large bowl, whisk over a hot water bath until sugar has dissolved. Squeeze all water out of gelatin sheets and add to warm fromage mixture, stir until gelatin has dissolved. Cool slightly over a water bath until slightly thickened. Whip yolks in mixer with second 1/2 cup of sugar until thick and pale, fold into fromage mixture. Carefully fold in whipped cream. Fill 4-inch ring molds, smooth tops and chill until set.
• Serve with strawberry mint salsa.
• Bring sugar and water to a boil in a heavy sauce pan. Brush down sides of pan with a water to prevent sugar from crystallizing. Cook until amber in color and water has evaporated. Carefully stir in butter with a wooden spoon until completely blended. Quickly stir in almonds and remove from heat. Immediately pour onto a greased 1/2-inch sheet pan. Cool.
• Yield: 3 cups