Queso Fresco

Serves	Total Time
24	3.50 hours

Ingredients

1 gallon whole milk
0.67 cup lemon juice or vinegar
some salt

Cookware

1 colander
1 cheesecloth
1 large pot
1 instant-read thermometer
1 slotted spoon or wire skimmer
1 plastic wrap

Instructions

Step 1

Line colander with four layers of cheesecloth or 2 layers of food-safe paper towels and set over large bowl.

Step 2

Heat whole milk in a large pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it registers 165 to 180°F on an instant-read thermometer. Add the lemon juice or vinegar 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring gently after each addition. Stop adding the acid when the curds separate from the whey: you will see white clumps of curd suspended in a pale translucent whey. Let sit uncovered for at least 5 minutes and up to 20 minutes while the separation finishes.

Step 3

Using slotted spoon or wire skimmer, transfer curds to prepared colander, cover exposed top with plastic wrap, and allow to drain until desired texture is reached, about 20 minutes if using for pressed cheese (see step 3), or an hour for fresh curds.

Step 4

Gently stir in salt to taste. Using slotted spoon or wire skimmer, transfer curds to prepared colander, cover exposed top with plastic wrap, and allow to drain until desired texture is reached, about 20 minutes if using for pressed cheese (see step 3), or an hour for fresh curds. Gently stir in salt to taste.Using slotted spoon or wire skimmer, transfer curds to prepared colander, cover exposed top with plastic wrap, and allow to drain until desired texture is reached, about 20 minutes if using for pressed cheese (see step 3), or an hour for fresh curds. Gently stir in salt to taste.Using slotted spoon or wire skimmer, transfer curds to prepared colander, cover exposed top with plastic wrap, and allow to drain until desired texture is reached, about 20 minutes if using for pressed cheese, or 1 hour for fresh curds.

Step 5

Gently stir in salt to taste.

Step 6

For pressed cheese, gather curds into a ball in the middle of the cloth and press them into a hockey-puck shape. Tie the cloth closed around the cheese.

Step 7

Place the bound cheese back in the colander and place a heavy can or pan on top.