Fromage Blanc Soft Cheese Recipes

HOMEMADE FROMAGE BLANC

Steps:

• In a large, heavy saucepan, add the milk and the cream for a richer fromage blanc. In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and lemon juice and stir to combine well. Add the buttermilk-lemon juice mixture to the milk and begin to heat the milk, over low heat and very slowly, to 175 degrees F. While the milk is heating, stir only twice, making 2 strokes each time, with a heat-proof spatula or other flat utensil. Check the temperature often. As soon as the temperature reaches 175 degrees F, remove the pot from the heat and allow to sit, undisturbed, for 10 minutes.
• Line a large colander with 2 layers of fine cheesecloth and set over a large bowl. Gently ladle the curds and whey into the colander and allow to drain until the drips of whey slows, about 2 minutes. Tie the corners of the cheesecloth together to form a hanging pouch, and hang pouch over a bowl and allow to drain until the cheese reaches the desired consistency.
• Serve as is, with preserves, honey or fresh fruit, or add salt or fresh herbs, to taste, and enjoy as a savory appetizer. If a rich cheese is desired, spoon or pour a bit of heavy cream over the top before serving. Also, if a very smooth product is desired, beat the cheese briefly with an electric mixer before serving.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 1 week. If cheese is marinated in oil with fresh herbs, it will keep, refrigerated, for up to 1 month.

HERBED FROMAGE BLANC

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the fromage blanc, sour cream, scallions, dill, chives, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour (or overnight) for the flavors to blend. Serve in a small bowl surrounded by crackers and/or fresh vegetables like crudites.

TARTE AU FROMAGE

Steps:

• Pate Brisee:Pulse flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor until combined. Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. With machine running, add 1/4 cup ice water in a slow, steady stream, just until dough holds together. To test, squeeze a small amount together; if it is crumbly, add up to 1/4 cup more ice water, a little at a time. Do not process more than 30 seconds. Divide dough in half; flatten into disks. Wrap each in plastic; refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 2 days, or freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before using.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to a 12-inch round. Fit dough into a 9 1/2-by-2-inch round fluted tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing dough up to rim of pan. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees with rack in center. Place pan on a rimmed baking sheet. Line dough with parchment, pressing it into corners and edges; fill with dried beans or rice. Bake until edges are golden, about 30 minutes. Remove parchment and beans or rice. Continue baking until crust is light golden brown, about 10 minutes more. Transfer sheet to a wire rack and let cool completely.
• Filling:Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar and flour. In another medium bowl, whisk together farmer cheese, creme fraiche, egg yolk, salt, and vanilla; using a wooden spoon, stir in butter, followed by sugar mixture.
• In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Increase speed to medium-high and gradually add remaining 1/3 cup sugar. Continue beating until medium glossy peaks form, about 4 minutes. Fold half the egg whites into cheese mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining egg whites.
• Transfer filling to tart shell. Bake until filling is just set (it should barely wobble when very lightly shaken), 45 to 55 minutes. Transfer sheet to a wire rack; let cool 1 hour. Tart is best served slightly warm but can also be served at room temperature.

FROMAGE BLANC/FARMER'S CHEESE

Steps:

• bring milk to 175 degrees or just below simmering (little bubbles on sides, steam rising) on low heat in a heavy bottom pan, stirring gently to prevent skin from forming or bottom from scorching.
• add buttermilk and lemon juice and stir gently, if it does not start to curdle in 30 seconds add another tsp of lemon juice.
• let sit for 10 min, in the mean time line a strainer with 4 layers of cheesecloth.
• ladle the curds and whey into your lined strainer and let drain for 5 min.
• gather up the cheesecloth and tie with a string onto your wooden spoon to hang over the pot for 30 min.
• snip off the top of the cheesecloth and remove the new cheese from the cloth.
• mix in salt and press into a pretty little mold like the ones you use for mini quiches. you could line that with cheesecloth as well just for texture and easy of removing from the mold.
• can be served fresh or chill overnight *recommended* covered with plastic wrap. turn out onto the serving plate and serve drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with pepper or fresh chopped herbs.
• can be made in bigger batches and cooked with or just serve on special occasions with nice crackers or bread.