Happiness is....

Happiness is a fat 3 month old.  Even though we are battling yet another cold, this one invited his good friend dry cough.  lovely.

Happiness is also homemade ricotta! I haven't purchased ricotta in months.  Frankly, it is expensive and gross.  But I love cheese, especially fresh cheese.  When I realized how easy it is to make ricotta, the cheese heavens parted.  There are lots of recipes out there.  I used one from Hide the Cheese.  Now it is your turn.....

 First things first.  Get a nice big stock pot and scrub it with cold water.  This will prevent the milk from scorching.  Scorching is bad, I have proof positive of that.... observe.

Next, gather the gang.  Half a gallon of whole milk (I have also used low fat combined with half and half), salt and vinegar.  You can substitute lemon juice for vinegar.  I use white vinegar because I need a lemon tree.

Now plan on babysitting some milk.   You want to bring the milk and a 1 tsp. of salt to a simmer.  Don't boil it, get it going to about 180 degrees.  It will be nice and frothy.

 

 Now for the science experiment, add 3 TBS of vinegar to the mixture.  It will start separating....

 Simmer it for a couple of minutes and at that point you might realize that you forgot to get your strainer, bowl and cheesecloth out.  Quick! Grab a bowl and a strainer.  The cheesecloth makes it easier and cleaner but you don't have to have it.

 And then you get this little pile of love.

 I recommend spooning some into your mouth while the cheese is still warm. 

 If you are making a pasta dish, cook the pasta right in the leftover liquid (is this whey?).  Yum. 

 At this point, the baby starts to fuss and Super Dad comes through to close.  By the time you are done feeding her, this delish is in the oven. 

Super cheese!!!