Fresh cheese

Fresh cheese: A simple and healthy delicacy

Who doesn't love the aroma of fresh cheese? This simple and quick fresh cheese recipe, made in a slow cooker, will bring you joy every day. Fresh cheese is not only a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, but it is also a healthy food, rich in protein and calcium. Over time, cheese has been a staple food in many cultures, used in both savory dishes and desserts.

Today, I will teach you how to make fresh cheese at home using just a few simple ingredients. By using your slow cooker, you will achieve delicious cheese with a perfect texture without too much effort.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 liter of cow's milk (use fresh, quality milk for the best results)
- 60 ml of vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works excellently)
- 400 g of Greek yogurt (choose a yogurt with high fat content for creamier cheese)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (salt adds a pleasant taste and helps preserve the cheese)

Step by step for perfect fresh cheese:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. It is important that the milk is at room temperature and the yogurt is fresh. Use a 2.4L slow cooker to achieve uniform and well-cooked cheese.

2. Adding ingredients to the slow cooker: Pour the cow's milk into your slow cooker. Then, add the vinegar and gently stir with a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients. The vinegar will help coagulate the milk, forming the cheese.

3. Cooking: Set the slow cooker to the "Low" cooking mode and let it work its magic for 4 hours. It is important not to open the lid during this time to maintain a constant temperature.

4. Adding the yogurt: After 4 hours, open the lid and add the Greek yogurt. Mix well to integrate the yogurt into the coagulated milk mixture. This step will give your cheese a creamy texture and rich flavor.

5. Seasoning: Add the salt and mix again. Taste the mixture and adjust the amount of salt if necessary.

6. Cooling and draining: Use a fine sieve or cheesecloth to drain the excess whey. You can let the cheese drain for 30 minutes, then transfer it to an airtight container.

7. Serving: Fresh cheese can be served immediately or you can let it cool completely before storing it. It is delicious on toasted bread, in salads, or as an ingredient in cooked dishes.

Practical tips:
- If you like a tangier cheese, you can add a little lemon juice along with the vinegar.
- For flavored cheese, you can add herbs like dill or basil before letting it drain.
- Make sure all utensils used are clean to avoid contaminating the cheese.

Nutritional benefits:
Fresh cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins. It is a healthy ingredient that can support muscle development and bone health. Additionally, Greek yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use soy or almond milk?: This recipe is optimized for cow's milk, but you can experiment with plant-based milk, although the result will be different.
2. How can I store fresh cheese?: Store the cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume it within 5-7 days for the best results.
3. What other recipes can I make with fresh cheese?: Fresh cheese is perfect for use in salads, spreads, sauces, or even in fruit desserts.

Possible variations:
- You can add spices like garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper to give your cheese a different flavor.
- Instead of Greek yogurt, you can use natural yogurt or skyr for a lighter version.

Serving suggestion:
For a delicious snack, combine fresh cheese with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, drizzling with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Now that you have learned how to make fresh cheese at home, all that's left is to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Cook with love and inspiration, and don't hesitate to share this recipe with your loved ones. Bon appétit!