Fresh Ricotta Cheese

 I made ricotta cheese. Yes, I made cheese! It's way easier than it sounds.  You only need a few ingredients & some basic kitchen tools.  Learn how I made it after the jump!

Ingredients:

• 5 cups whole milk (I used organic milk. & YES, you must use whole milk or your cheese will come out rubbery & not creamy at all, so use the fatty stuff.)
• 1 cup heavy cream (yes, more fat but worth it)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• salt to taste

Tools you'll need:

• 1 large pot
• 1 large bowl
• 1 large strainer
• 1 cheese cloth

 Make it:

1. In a large pot over medium heat bring the milk & cream to a boil.  Stirring often as to not scorch the milk on the bottom.
2. When the mixture comes to a boil, add salt &  lemon juice. Cook (while stirring) the mixture for 3 minutes. This will curdle the milk & cream & ultimately make your cheese!
3. Remove mixture from heat. Place a cheese cloth in a strainer over a large bowl.  Pour the it into a cheese cloth covered strainer.  Squeeze out all the extra liquid & you are left with cheese! 
4. Remove cheese from the cloth.  Serve right away or seal in an air tight container for later use!