- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup buttermilk
- A pinch of salt
HEAT THE MILK
Heating the dairy is what enables the compounds in the buttermilk to culture the other dairy into cheese. Combine all of the ingredients in the pot and place it over medium heat. Don’t rush the boil here, let it come up nice and slowly, stirring it often. As it begins to heat up, you’ll notice that the milk will start to look “curdled” and separate – that’s exactly what you want.
Once the milk is just about at a boil, the curdling with continue and the lumps will get larger. At this point, reduce the heat to very low and leave the pot alone for 2 minutes – stirring with only break up the curds, so resist the temptation!
LET IT DO ITS THING
After 2 minutes on very low heat, remove the pot from the stove and cover it with a tea towel. Let the milk sit at room temperature, undisturbed, for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, line a fine mesh strainer with a double layer of cheesecloth, allowing any excess to hang over the edge, and place it over a large bowl.
STRAIN IT
At this point, after having rested for 1 hour, visibly large curds will have formed.
Using a small handheld strainer or slotted spoon, carefully transfer the curds to the prepared strainer to let them drain. Pouring the curds out at this point will break them up, so maintain their consistency by using the spoon to gently transfer them. Once most of the curds are moved over, slowly pour the whey through the strainer as well. Fold the overhanging edges of cheesecloth over top of the ricotta.
DRAIN IT & SERVE IT
Let the ricotta drain at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (for a drier cheese, place it in the refrigerator and allow it to drain overnight). Your fresh ricotta is now ready to be served! Trust me – few things in life are more satisfying than warm, freshly made ricotta with some extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
WAIT, WAIT – THE WHEY!
No need to throw out all of that flavor! (Not to mention the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes it still has.) Use the whey that drains off from th