Italian Cottage Cheese

Photo: flickr user Ewan-M

Ingredients

8 cups milk

1/2 cup whipping cream (optional)

2 cups buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Heat milk and, if desired, whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat to 190 degrees. (Do not boil.) Add buttermilk, stirring until large curds form.

Line a colander with several layers of cheesecloth or a coffee filter; pour mixture into colander. Let stand 20 to 30 minutes to drain. Press cheese mixture slightly to remove remaining liquid.

Invert cottage cheese onto a serving dish; sprinkle with salt. Cover and chill 8 hours. Serve with fresh fruit, if desired.

This recipe yields 1 1/2 cups.

Yield: 1 1/2 cups