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Once upon a time I had a satellite dish. Shocking, I know. I attribute part of my previous weight gain to watching hours of  the Food Network. I was subscribed to countless food magazines, everything from Food Network to Bon Appetit.

Somewhere between my obsession with cooking shows, cooking magazines, helping my dad cook as a kid, and just having Midwestern roots…I learned to become an excellent cook. In fact, my husband’s mom has been the food services director at a local university for almost 30 years. She’s a very, very good cook. When I first cooked for my husband (I think our second date?), he jokingly asked me to marry him…exclaiming “You are the best cook in the world!”

I learned my favorite homemade cottage cheese recipe while watching Alton Brown in all his glorious geekiness (this is a word, isn’t it?). This is ridiculously simple. I adjusted the recipe slightly to make it less salty.

Homemade Cottage Cheese

Homemade Cottage Cheese

Yield: 3 cups

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 58 minutes

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Ingredients

• 2 quarts pasteurized skim milk (the regular store-bought stuff works great)
• 1/2 white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (kosher is important)
• 1/2 cup half-n-half or heavy cream

Instructions

1. Heat skim milk in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until it reaches 120 degrees (too high and your cottage cheese will taste mealy)
2. Remove from heat, and pour in vinegar. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the curd separates from the whey
3. Cover, and leave it for 30 minutes undisturbed (don't take off that lid until it's time!)
4. Pour the mixture into a colander lined with a flour sack or tea towel, letting sit to drain for at least 5-10 minutes. Gather the edges of the cloth together to form a pouch, and then rinse under cold water for 3-5 minutes until curd is completely cooled. You need to squeeze and move the mixture the entire time.
5. Squeeze as dry as possible and put mixture into a mixing bowl.
6. Add salt, stirring to combine. Your curds will be pretty chunky--break these up as you stir.
7. Serve right away, adding the half-n-half or heavy cream to it. If you're not serving it right away, put in a glass container with a lid and place in the fridge, adding the cream just prior to serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 153Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 345mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 0gSugar: 18gProtein: 12g

Each individual's dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual. The reader assumes full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns, and before starting a new diet or health program.

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