Homemade ricotta ... And leftover whey? page

[Zanna]

So I made my 1st batch of homemade ricotta this weekend for an eggplant lasagna. Super easy and it was so delicious.
Double batch quantities here to result in two cups of ricotta.

6 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp salt

Combine in pot, bring to 190 degrees F or to a very gentle simmer, stirring all the while to keep from scalding. Once at the right temp (and this is quick), remove from heat and add 6 teaspoons lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes. Place two to three layers of cheesecloth in a strainer over a deep bowl, and pour the milk/cream/lemon juice mix into the cheese cloth. Let sit for one hour for soft curds, two hours for a more cream cheese texture.

It is delicious - everyone said it was the best lasagna they'd had - you could definitely taste the difference in the ricotta. I used it after straining for 90 minutes and it had a hint of lemony flavor from the lemon juice. If. I waited two hours, it would be perfect for cheesecake.

This was so easy to do but here is my question . . . What to do with all of the whey left over? I know I should something but I am not sure what. Does anyone have ideas?

[Ferti]

Nourishing Traditions Cookbook uses the whey in lacto-fermenting vegetables and in condiments to keep them fresher longer (mayo, ketchup etc). I give it to my chickens when I think of it. Thanks for the recipe.

[camel]

Make more cheese!!!
How To Make Great Ricotta Cheese From Whey


Or, drink it in smoothies, for added protein. Some people add it to recipes of baked goods in olace of the liquid for addded nutrition, but I don't eat that stuff.

[camel]

Nourishing Traditions Cookbook uses the whey in lacto-fermenting vegetables and in condiments to keep them fresher longer (mayo, ketchup etc). I give it to my chickens when I think of it. Thanks for the recipe.

I think that the good bacteria is not alive in cooked whey, so it would not have the fermenting ability anymore.

[Ferti]

I think that the good bacteria is not alive in cooked whey, so it would not have the fermenting ability anymore.

Wasn't thinking about it being cooked, only thought about whey. Very right.

[MeatSleepRepeat]

I've never attempted to make my own cheese. I always thought it would be too hard.

And if its as good as it sounds, I'll probably just attack it with a spoon

[Terez]

Hi Zanna,

Thanks so much for the recipe! When you say:

add 6 teaspoons lemon juice and let sit

Do you stir the lemon juice into the whole mixture and let it sit, or do you literally just add it and wait (without stirring)?

Editing to add:
When you say:

Double batch quantities here to result in two cups of ricotta.

Do you mean the recipe you're giving yields one cup of ricotta, and to double it if we want two cups.

In other words: Eight cups of milk and cream yields one cup of ricotta???

Terez

[Zanna]

Hi Zanna,

Thanks so much for the recipe! When you say: Do you stir the lemon juice into the whole mixture and let it sit, or do you literally just add it and wait (without stirring)?

Yes, you add the lemon juice and gently stir until incorporated. Very gently stir it, you don't want to re-integrate the curds and whey that separated during the cooking.

Editing to add:
When you say: Do you mean the recipe you're giving yields one cup of ricotta, and to double it if we want two cups.

In other words: Eight cups of milk and cream yields one cup of ricotta???

Terez

My recipe is doubled, to get 2 cups yield of ricotta. Original recipe called for 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup cream and 3 tablespoons lemon juice. I needed to double it to have enough for lasagna and an appetizer.

[Zanna]

Make more cheese!!!
How To Make Great Ricotta Cheese From Whey

That's a great idea - make more cheese!

[ChocoTaco369]

Interesting. Did you use citric acid? I have a whole bottle, unopened, that I could use. I'm assuming you used lemon juice because you didn't have powdered citric acid?