Simple Fresh Goat Cheese Food

SIMPLE FRESH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat milk until it reaches 180 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Let stand until set, about 15 seconds. If milk does not set, add a little more lemon juice.
• Line a colander with several layers of cheesecloth. Ladle set milk into colander. Tie the four corners of cheesecloth together; hang on the handle of a wooden spoon set over a deep bowl and let drain until it is the consistency of slightly dry cottage cheese, 1 to 2 hours. Transfer to a bowl and fold in salt and herbs, if desired. Store in an airtight container, refrigerated, up to 1 week.

SIMPLE HOMEMADE GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• in a a non-reactive pot on med-high, bring milk up to just below boiling while stirring gently but constantly. you'll see a bit of foam starting to form.
• add the vinegar and stir gently. if the milk doesn't curdle and separate cleanly right away then let it heat a few min longer or add a touch more vinegar a tsp at a time.
• drain in a strainer lined with several layers of cheesecloth or an old pillowslip that has been bleached and rinsed very well. that liquid you're pouring off is whey, btw, and useful. you might want to catch it in a big bowl.
• move your cheese to a mixing bowl and stir in salt to taste. add heavy cream to make it smoother if desired.
• you can press into mini quiche dishes (line with more cheesecloth so you can un-mold cleanly) and refrigerate overnight to solidify if desired. you can also form into a log and roll it in herbs or marinate it in flavored olive oil. be sure to wrap tightly before storing for up to two weeks but i doubt it will last that long! the whey can be used for baking or boiling in place of water to add some extra protein and vitamins. you can also give it to your pets or water your plants or lots of other things. make a protein shake with some fruit perhaps. happy cheese making!

FRESH GOAT CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl with a fork, mash goat cheese with enough cream to make a spreadable consistency. Add basil, green onion, garlic, and salt, to taste. Mix well. Garnish with fresh nasturtium flowers, if available, and serve with warm tortillas alongside. To eat, spread a few spoonfuls of goat cheese mixture inside a tortilla and roll up.

FRIED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a medium pot heat canola oil to at least 375 degrees. Using hot water to keep the knife clean cut the goat cheese log into 1-inch circles. Have 3 separate dishes, one with the flour, one with 2 eggs beaten, and 1 with the breadcrumbs. Dip one round first into the flour and shake off the excess. Next, dip the round into the beaten egg, and then into the breadcrumbs. Repeat process until all rounds are coated with the breadcrumbs. Carefully fry the rounds in the oil until golden brown, approximately 30 seconds. Drain rounds on paper towels. Serve rounds topped with a little honey.

QUICK AND EASY FRIED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Mix the bread crumbs and grated cheese in a bowl.
• Dip the cheese slices into the eggs, and then into the breadcrumb mixture.
• Refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Deep fry for about two minutes, or until the outside is golden.
• Enjoy!

MARINATED FRESH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Place cheeses in a jar; add oil to cover. Add peppercorns, thyme, and dried chile peppers to taste. Cover jar tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Drain before serving.