Fun Food

There are just some food that is fun to make, fun because it’s easy to make, requires little to no measuring, and the outcome, the most important part is fun food. Recently I made ricotta cheese for the first time, and it was so good, so easy, and so much fun I’ve made it again, and I foresee making it often. I’ve made mozzarella cheese, but that requires getting cheese curd. I’ve made (or attempted to) goat cheese from my friend Pat’s goats, but this is by far the quickest and easiest. You will love it, your kids will love it, and your kids could even make it ifthey are tall enough to reach the stove.

To make the ricotta, you’ll need:

• 4 cups of whole milk
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1-2 tsp kosher salt
• 3 TBL white vinegar
• Cheesecloth

1. In a heavy stainless pan bring the milk, cream and salt to a boil
2. While the milk heats line a colander or strainer with 3 ply of dampened cheesecloth
3. Once the milk mixture has come to a boil, remove it from the heat and stir in the vinegar
4. Let that sit for 3-6 minutes
5. Pour mixture into the strainer and let drain until the mixture is a bit looser than you like it— it is going to tighten up when you cool it

You can serve it warm, and it is so good, but you can also chill it and keep it in the fridge for up to three days.

I served it with toasted pine nuts and drizzled with olive oil. It would also be good with toasted pecans or walnuts and honey, chopped candied nuts, or, on a spoon! Once you make this I doubt you’ll ever buy ricotta cheese again!