Classic Ricotta

Name: Classic Ricotta
Yield: 2 c.
Ingredients: 8 c. whole milk; Kosher salt; 3 tbsp. distilled (white) vinegar; 2 tbsp. lemon juice; 1 c. ricotta; 2 tsp. crushed red pepper; 1 tsp. smoked paprika; 2 tbsp. honey; 1/2 tsp. orange zest; 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon; 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil; 1 clove garlic, crushed with press; black pepper

By The Good Housekeeping Test KitchenPublished: Feb 1, 2016

Mike Garten

Yields:

2 c.

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Rich and creamy ricotta is easy to make with just three ingredients.

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Ingredients

8 cups whole milk
Kosher salt
3 Tbsp. distilled (white) vinegar
2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Hot 'N' Smoky Ricotta

1 cup ricotta
2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 tsp. smoked paprika

Spiced Citrus Ricotta

1 cup ricotta
2 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. orange zest
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Savory Herb Ricotta

1 cup ricotta
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1 clove garlic, crushed with press
black pepper

Directions

1. Step 1In 4-quart saucepot, combine whole milk and 1 teaspoon salt. Heat on medium until temperature of milk reaches 185 degrees F to 190 degrees F on candy thermometer (about 20 minutes), stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2Remove from heat. Stir in vinegar and lemon juice. Let stand 20 minutes. Line colander with 2 layers cheesecloth and set over large bowl. Ladle curds into colander. Let drain 5 minutes. Use ricotta immediately or refrigerate in container up to 1 week.
3. Step 3Hot 'N' Smoky Ricotta: Stir together ricotta, red pepper and smoked paprika.
4. Step 4Spiced Citrus Ricotta: Stir together ricotta, honey, orange zest and ground cinnamon.
5. Step 5Savory Herb Ricotta: Stir together ricotta, bacon, basil, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.