How to Make Basket Cheese

The first cheeses were made at home for fresh consumption, and basket cheese is one version of this simple food. Basket cheese is named simply after the container it is put in to drain and ripen. Most basket cheese is eaten fresh, soft and unsalted, but you can also salt it lightly and let it set for a longer time to obtain a firmer cheese. Both result in a more or less soft, spreadable cheese. Cultures all over the world have their own version of this mild cheese. Cream cheese and Italian ricotta are variations on this theme, so is Mexican queso panela or queso de la canasta. India has paneer and Canada has its poutine, made with the unpressed fresh curds. Even yogurt is a form of soft, unripened cheese. Middle Eastern lebne straddles the line between the two. Once you get the knack, you'll be able to keep this delicious spreadable cheese on hand for whenever you want it.

Things You'll Need

Large kettle, at least 6 quarts
Cooking thermometer
1 gallon milk
2 tsp. rennet
1 tbsp. kosher or sea salt (optional)

Cheesecloth
Basket to hold about two quarts
Small plate, slightly less wide than the basket
1 to 2 lb. weight (can of tomatoes or any heavy object of the right size)

Instructions

Heat the milk to lukewarm, between 85 and 90 degrees F. Stir in the rennet. Turn off heat and let set for about 40 minutes.
Turn the heat back on low and heat milk again for about 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to pull the curds to the side of the pot. Keep gently separating the curds with the spoon for about 10 minutes
Line the basket with three to four layers of cheesecloth. Use the spoon to remove the curds from the pot with the slotted spoon and place into the lined basket. Fold the cheesecloth over the top of the basket from all sides to cover.
Place the basket and curds in it back into the pan with the whey. Immerse in the whey and press the curds firmly into the basket with your hands.
Remove the basket from the whey. Place basket in the sink so it can drain. Set the plate on top of the wrapped cheese. Place the weight on top of the plate. Press this way for 2 hours.
Remove the cheese and unwrap it. Turn over, sprinkle with salt to taste, and rewrap. Return, top side down, to the basket and continue pressing for 1 1/2 hours longer. Remove the cheese from the press, remove the cheesecloth, place cheese in a closed container and refrigerate.

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