Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a type of cheese made from the milk of goats. It has a creamy texture and tangy flavor that makes it a popular choice for salads, pastas, and appetizers. Making goat cheese at home is a surprisingly simple process that requires only a few ingredients and equipment. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making delicious goat cheese from scratch.
Ingredients:
List of ingredients:
- 1 gallon of goat milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of mesophilic culture
- 1/4 teaspoon of liquid rennet
- 1/4 cup of cool water
- Salt (optional)
Equipment:
List of equipment:
- Stainless steel pot
- Dairy thermometer
- Long knife or curd cutter
- Cheesecloth
- Colander
- Cheese molds (optional)
Step 1: Heating the Milk
1. Pour the goat milk into a stainless steel pot and heat it gently over low to medium heat until it reaches 86°F (30°C). Use a dairy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
2. Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and sprinkle the mesophilic culture over the surface. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes before stirring in a gentle up-and-down motion.
Step 2: Coagulation
1. In a small bowl, combine the liquid rennet with 1/4 cup of cool water. Stir gently to mix.
2. Pour the rennet mixture into the warm milk and stir for about 30 seconds to distribute the rennet evenly.
3. Cover the pot and let the milk sit undisturbed at room temperature for 12-18 hours, or until a clean break forms when you insert a knife or your finger into the curd.
Step 3: Cutting the Curd
1. Once the curd has set, use a long knife or curd cutter to make vertical and horizontal cuts in the curd, forming small cubes.
2. Allow the curd to rest for 5-10 minutes to heal, then gently stir the curds for 10-15 minutes to release more whey.
Step 4: Draining and Salting
1. Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a large pot or bowl to catch the whey.
2. Ladle the curds into the cheesecloth-lined colander and let them drain for 6-12 hours, or until they reach your desired consistency. You can add salt to the curds during this time, if desired.
Step 5: Forming the Cheese
1. Once the curds have drained, transfer them to a mixing bowl and gently stir to break them apart.
2. Pack the curds into cheese molds, or shape them into a log or ball by hand. Allow the cheese to rest for another 6-12 hours to continue draining and developing flavor.
Step 6: Aging (Optional)
1. If you prefer a more tangy and complex flavor, you can age the goat cheese in the refrigerator for 1-4 weeks. Simply wrap the cheese in wax paper or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge.
Step 7: Enjoy!
1. Once your goat cheese has reached its desired level of moisture and flavor, it is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it on a cheese board with crackers and fruit, crumble it over salads, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes.
2. Store any leftover goat cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
Now that you know how to make your own goat cheese at home, you can experiment with different flavors and textures to create your own unique varieties. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results of your homemade goat cheese!
