2 -3 litres skim or whole milk (goat or cow), full cream or raw milk (2 - 3.25 quarts)
200 ml mesophilic culture (10% by volume) or ¼ tsp mesophilic powder culture for 2 litres or ½ tsp for 3 litres, or ¼ tsp mesophilic pellets (Hensen R703)
2-3 drops of liquid Rennet
In a clean pot, pasteurize milk at 62 C or 145 F and hold for 20 minutes, if using raw milk
Cool milk down to 20-24 C in a cool water bath
Add 200 ml mesophilic culture (10% by volume) or ¼ tsp mesophilic powder culture for 2 litres or ½ tsp for 3 litres, or ¼ tsp mesophilic pellets (Hensen R703). Mix well into the milk.
Add 2-3 drops of liquid rennet and stir well.
Cover the pot and allow the milk to set at room temperature until a firm curd forms. It will take 14-16 hrs.
Once a firm curd has formed and one can see some clear whey on the top of the curd, pour the entire curd into a cheesecloth draining bag and let drip for 8-12 hrs until bag feels slightly damp.
Remove the cream cheese from the bag and store in a clean container, salt and herb to taste. You can use fresh or dry herbs. Product will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Posted: 7/7/2009 1:04:39 PM