Chia & Cheese

Projects this past weekend included cheese, gardening, and wine with friends. But first, a chia pet update...

The Man's Christmas present from his nephews finally grew a coat, which was much easier when the sun started shining regularly. In the meantime, the poor thing grew mold spots.  

Teenage Ninja Turtle Chia Pet

It's the pottery that grows!!!

Okay, onto Cheese.

I get fresh milk from Rene down the road. This weekend I made a batch of Paneer, an Indian-style fresh cheese.

Bring a gallon of milk up to 200 degrees F.

Add 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice, stir. 

Curds will form; take off heat and let rest about 5 minutes.

Scoop curds into a lined colander, then I salted, and put into the cheese press for a few hours.

Here is the finished firm block on the butter muslin. In the bowl is the ricotta cheese I got out of the fresh whey. 

The remaining whey