Kefir Cheese Recipes

KEFIR CHEESE

Steps:

• Pour the kefir into a 1 quart food storage bag (like a Ziploc), squeeze out the air, seal, and place in freezer. I placed it in an upright container to try to maintain a more compact shape.
• When frozen (6 hours or so), strip off the plastic and place in a cheese bag or in a colander lined with four or so layers of cheesecloth or with butter muslin. Place over a bowl and let the whey drip. I do this on the counter, but it's cool here right now. This will take 8 to 12 hours.
• Remove cheese and store in refrigerator. It should be good for at least a couple of weeks. Use plain or flavor with herbs, garlic, etc. You could also add some cream to make it creamier.

KEFIR FARMER CHEESE

Steps:

• Line a fine-mesh sieve or colander with three layers of damp cheesecloth and set it over a large bowl. Pour the kefir into the cheesecloth-lined sieve. Allow it to drain for 24 hours in the refrigerator or on a cool countertop; transfer the drained kefir to a small heatproof bowl or pot and place this in a larger pot. Set it on the stove and fill the larger pot with enough water so that it's even with the kefir in the bowl, but not high enough that the water can spill over the sides of the bowl and into the kefir. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat off and let cool, while sitting in the water, to room temperature. When cool, line another fine-mesh sieve or colander with three fresh layers of cheesecloth and pour the kefir into the colander, letting the liquid drain off.
• When the liquid has mostly drained, bring the corners of the cheesecloth together, forming a ball, and give the remaining cheese a good squeeze, holding the corners tightly. (Discard the liquid.) Use kitchen string or butcher's twine to tie the corners of the cheesecloth together and hang the kefir over a sink or bowl overnight (unrefrigerated in a cool kitchen, away from sunlight). In the morning, it will resemble densely packed cottage cheese. Transfer the cheese to a sealed container and store in the refrigerator.

LABNEH (LEBANESE CREAM CHEESE)

Steps:

• Line a large colander with a cheesecloth. Stir salt into the yogurt, and pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth. Set the colander in the sink or bowl to catch the liquid that drains off. Leave to drain for 24 hours.
• After draining for the 24 hours, transfer the resulting cheese to a bowl. Stir in the olive oil. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.