This recipe for Fresh Ricotta is adapted from the Cafemantic recipe. Everyone who has ever tried it has loved it. It disappears from the table, whether you’re at the restaurant or at home. You’re not going to be hungry for supper if you start with the Fresh Ricotta on sourdough. You know better (don’t you?), but you can’t help yourself! I have a good friend, who will remain nameless, who is measured in everything that she does – she doesn’t eat much, she doesn’t drink much. But the first time she had Fresh Ricotta at Cafemantic, she had seconds. Maybe thirds.
Fresh Ricotta
Ingredients
- ½ gallon whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 T kosher salt
- lemon zest from one or two lemons (or sub 1/4 a preserved lemon; see note below)
- 1 T sugar
- ½ cup white vinegar
Instructions
- Heat the milk – Heat the milk, cream, lemon zest (unless your using preserved lemon according to the note below), salt and sugar until almost simmering (I aim for 205 degrees).
- Make the cheese – Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar (and preserved lemon, if that's what you're using). Let the mixture rest off the heat for 15 minutes until it fully curdles.
- Strain the ricotta – Strain through cheesecloth until the desired consistency.
- Chill – chill for several hours or overnight.
- Serve – Check consistency before serving. It should be easily spreadable. If cheese is too thick, adjust with heavy cream.
Notes
Cafemantic used to be Susan’s favorite local restaurant, and she insisted on eating there every time she visited us from Florida. One time we were standing in line with Susan and Danny, waiting to be seated for yet another fantastic meal, and we noticed a promo poster on the wall. My eye went right to Susan – she was a smiling face in the crowd. Can you find her in the picture below?
Cafemantic has since rebranded and it’s just not the same. I guess nothing stays the same. But this Fresh Ricotta will always be in my repertoire. Fresh Ricotta is nothing like the ricotta you buy at the grocery store. This ricotta is creamy and milky, scented with lemon.
Delicious! A favorite!
Delicious!