Blue Cheese Pasta Sauce and Walnut Pasta) Slow The Cook Down from slowthecookdown.com
Introduction
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is known for its distinct flavor and aroma. It is a popular ingredient in salads, dips, sauces, and other dishes. In this article, we will provide you with a recipe for making blue cheese at home.
Ingredients
To make blue cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
1 gallon of whole milk
1/4 teaspoon of mesophilic culture
1/4 teaspoon of rennet
1/2 cup of cheesecloth
1 tablespoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of blue cheese culture
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Milk
Pour the whole milk into a large pot and heat it over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 86°F.
Step 2: Add the Culture
Once the milk has reached the desired temperature, add the mesophilic culture and stir well. Cover the pot and let it sit for 1 hour.
Step 3: Add the Rennet
After 1 hour, add the rennet and stir for 1 minute. Cover the pot and let it sit for 1 hour.
Step 4: Cut the Curd
After 1 hour, check the curd by inserting a knife at a 45-degree angle. If the curd breaks cleanly, it is ready to be cut. Cut the curd into 1/2 inch cubes.
Step 5: Cook the Curd
Heat the curd to 100°F over the course of 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the curd is at 100°F, maintain the temperature for 1 hour while stirring the curd every 10 minutes.
Step 6: Drain the Curd
Place a cheesecloth over a colander and pour the curd into it. Tie the corners of the cheesecloth together and hang it to drain for 4-6 hours.
Step 7: Add the Salt and Blue Cheese Culture
After the curd has drained, remove it from the cheesecloth and place it in a bowl. Add the salt and blue cheese culture and mix well.
Step 8: Age the Cheese
Place the cheese in a container and cover it. Let it age for 2-6 months in a cool, dark place. During this time, the blue cheese mold will develop.
Nutrition
Blue cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. It is also high in fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation. One ounce of blue cheese contains approximately:
100 calories
8g of fat
6g of protein
7% of the daily recommended intake of calcium
15% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B12
Conclusion
Making blue cheese at home may seem intimidating, but it is a fun and rewarding process. Follow the steps outlined in this recipe and you will have a delicious and flavorful blue cheese to enjoy in no time. Remember to consume blue cheese in moderation due to its high fat and sodium content.
