How to Make Cheese

Making a basic soft cheese is not hard.

Ingredients and Equipment

• 1/2 Gallon of whole fat milk
• 6 Tablespoons of distilled white vinegar
• A saucepan large enough to hold the milk
• Mesh strainer or colander
• Cheese cloth
• Thermometer
• Storage container

Process

1. Pour the milk into the saucepan and heat it on medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches 180f.
2. Once milk comes up to temp remove the milk from the heat and add the vinegar. Stir briefly then cover and let it set at room temperature for half an hour.
3. Line strainer or colander with cheese cloth, then pour the now separating curds and whey through the cloth.
4. Rinse the curds under cold water, then squeeze out as much liquid as you can.
5. Transfer your new cheese into a container to store. Break up the cheese with a spoon and add salt to taste.

The finished cheese should look similar to crumbled cotija cheese you find in the American South West and Mexico.