What Are Some Interesting Facts About Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is actually a type of soft cheese made from cows milk or goats milk.
The most common types include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Brie, and Camembert.
While all these cheeses originated in different areas around Europe, they share one thing in common: theyre all made from unpasteurized milk.
This means they dont undergo any heat treatment before being put into the form of cheese, and theyre therefore naturally more susceptible to bacterial growth.
In fact, blue cheeses contain high levels of lactic acid bacteria, which can cause off-flavors and spoilage over time.
And this is why they must be kept in cool, dark conditions to prevent them from developing harmful bacteria.
So how do you keep your blue cheese safe?
Here are some tips for storage that will ensure your prized possession stays fresh and delicious forever!
Infuse It With Booze And Pair With Fruit
Beat your cream cheese with a splash of Tuaca or another liqueur , then use it to top fresh fruitor invert the idea and use a bit of whipped, lightly sweetened cream cheese to layer under drunken prunes, bruleed bananas, poached pears, or macerated strawberries for an easy dessert. Layer them in a glass with crushed cookies or graham crackers for a fancier trifle thats no more difficult to make.
Can You Make Cream Cheese At Home
Making cream cheese at home is way easier than you probably think. You just have to add salt and an acid to cream and/or milk. When the mixture coagulates, strain it so you’re left with just curds. Run the curds through a food processor until they’re smooth and creamy.
Chef John’s cream cheese recipe starts with yogurt, so there’s no need for any additional acids. The result is “more flavorful and tangier than regular cream cheese,” according to Chef John.
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How To Make Cream Cheese At Home
Cream cheese is like a thicker, creamier cousin of ricotta cheese . Like most cheese, it is milk that separates into solid curd and liquid whey forms. Curds are the solids that cheesemakers press, inoculate with cultures, and form into different types of cheese. Whey is the liquid left over once the curds have separated.
Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce
I love this recipe, and Im so excited to show you how to make pasta sauce with cream cheese. There is a really important trick, and thats to mix in a bit of the starchy pasta water.
Be sure that youre using salted pasta water, because you want the starchy water to add flavor, texture, and body to the sauce. This is the magic ingredient that stops cream cheese pasta from drying out and its a really important step.
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What Happens When You Freeze Cream Cheese
Cream cheese can be frozen, but when it defrosts, the texture will change. This is because ice crystals form during the freezing process. Cream cheese is approximately half water, emulsified with cheese curds. The ice crystals break down the emulsion, causing the water and cheese curds to separate, leaving a grainy, crumbly consistency once the cream cheese is thawed.
So if you’re hoping to have cream cheese to use later to spread on your bagel, the crumbly texture is not going to be too appetizing. However, if you plan to bake with cream cheese or use it in soups or sauces, freezing cream cheese can be a good idea.
Bottom line: Consider using frozen cream cheese where it will blend in well so the texture goes unnoticed. Otherwise, you’ll want to opt for fresh, refrigerated cream cheese.
How To Make Keto Ice Cream
Heat up ¼ cup of the heavy cream in the microwave, then pour the instant coffee over the top.
Whisk in the coffee granules until dissolved, then set aside to cool.
Add the remaining heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, allulose and vanilla into the bowl of a food processor.
Blend until well combined.
Pour in the cooled coffee and heavy cream mixture and continue blending.
Sprinkle the xanthan gum over the top and blend.
Add in the chopped chocolate and pulse briefly, then remove the blade and mix using a silicone spoon.
Poor the mixture into a freezer safe glass container, cover and allow to chill in the freezer for at least 2-3 hours or until it reaches the consistency of ice cream.
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Tips For Making A Cheeseball
If this is your first time making a cheeseball, I have a couple of tips that will help.
- First, youll want to start with softened cream cheese. It allows for easier mixing and prevents it from getting lumps. I recommend pulling the cream cheese out of the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for an hour before making this recipe.
- Second, make sure not to rush the refrigeration time to firm the cream cheeseball up. Its important that it has at least an hour, preferably more, so that its guaranteed to hold its shape when ready to serve.
Does Cheesecake Freeze Well
You can easily freeze cheesecake so long as its made with full-fat cream cheese. What I like to do is either freeze the whole thing by wrapping the cream cheese lemon bars pan and all in plastic wrap then add foil to the top of that to make sure the bars dont get freezer burn. You can keep them in the freezer for about a month. Or, you can freeze individual slices of the lemon bars with a shortbread crust. Cut them as instructed, then put the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Put the tray into the freezer to freeze the lemon bars individually. This will take about 6 hours or overnight. When they are frozen, you can take them off the tray and wrap them individually in plastic wrap then put them all in an airtight, freezer-safe container. This way, you can take one out at a time and not eat them all at once. To thaw, put the pan in the fridge overnight and then cut them as directed. Eat within two days . Once theyre thawed, do not refreeze them.
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So What Is Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting fresh cheese made from cow’s milk, meaning it’s unaged. To produce it, lactic acid bacteria is added to cream, causing the pH of the cream to decrease, driving the fat away from the liquidin short, curdling it. At this point the mixture is heated, stabilizers added, and voilayou’ve got cream cheese.
Cream cheese is similar to Neufchâtel, a fresh French cheese also made of cow’s milk, typically sold in the shape of a heart . The main difference lies in the fat content: cream cheese traditionally contains cream, and thus has a higher fat content than its French counterpart, which is made only with milk. While they are quite similar in flavor, don’t sub in Neufchâtel for cream cheese willy-nilly the differing fat contents could cause some discrepancies.
Today, cream cheese is one of America’s most widely-consumed cheesesprobably because its mild flavor means it’s used in a myriad of sweet and savory applications. While most of us will pick up foil-wrapped blocks to use in spiced cheesecakes, creamy, savory dips, or to just to spread on toasted bagels, ambitious burgeoning cheesemakers may try to make their own. Regardless, now that you know what it is, use cream cheese to give a tangy richness to these 18 recipesboth sweet and savory.
Whole Milk Evaporated Milk Or Milk Powder
Whole milk, evaporated milk and milk powder are all quick and easy substitutes for sour milk in baking since they can save your recipe in a pinch.
You can use whole milk or evaporated milk for cakes, cookies, and quick bread. Aside from baking, these ingredients can be added to soups or sauces, in which case you should let them sit for 15 minutes first.
Milk powder is better for those who like to plan ahead and fill their pantry with long-term ingredients since it has a longer shelf life than whole milk or evaporated milk.
Its better to use whole milk than low-fat milk, although you wont get the same tangy flavor as sour cream. For this reason, whole milk is an excellent sour cream alternative if you wish to avoid the sharp taste of sour cream.
Compared to sour cream which is 20% fat, whole milk and evaporated milk are 8% fat, while milk powder is 27% fat.
Whole milk, evaporated milk, or milk powder alone wont enhance the flavor of your baked goods since they arent acidic. But you can fix this issue by adding a bit of lemon juice or vinegar.
Use 1 cup of whole milk, evaporated milk or milk powder and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to replace 1 cup of sour cream.
In the next section, check out heavy whipping cream.
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How To Make Homemade Cream Cheese
This Homemade Cream Cheese could not be easier to make, because everything you need to make rich, creamy, and tangy cream cheese is most likely already in your fridge.
Believe it or not, my Homemade Cream Cheese is actually made with milk. I use whole milk in this recipe to get the richness we all know and love in a thick cream cheese. It starts with milk, then I use lemon juice. Thats right: these 2 ingredients create a reaction which curdles the cheese. Then its just the process of straining the cheese from the whey, and what I have left is the beginnings of my cream cheese.
After blending thoroughly, I transfer the mix to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This way, I always have cream cheese waiting on me for baking, cooking, and of course, spreading onto a freshly toasted bagel!
Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast With Strawberries And Whip Cream
French toast is a dessert that moonlights as a breakfast food, but the mask comes off with this recipe, revealing a decadent dessert with rich and creamy flavors.
Cream cheese stuffed french toast with strawberries, and whipped cream is what every plate of French toast wishes it could be.
Every bite includes strawberries mixed with cream cheese inside a delicious golden and flavorful french toast topped with strawberries, powdered sugar, and your favorite maple syrup.
Folks, trust us, IHOPs got nothing on this recipe.
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Swirl It Into Brownies
Our Cream Cheese Swirl Brownie recipe calls for a full brick of cream cheese, but even a little bit swirled on top makes them specialand more importantly, gives you a great excuse to make brownies in the first place. In the same vein, its great for stuffed banana bread half a block is all you need!
What Is Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, neutral-tasting cheese made from cow’s milk and cream. Its subtle sweetness, mild tanginess, and silky smooth texture make it extremely versatile: Spread it on a bagel, mix it into cookie dough or cake batter, or use it as a base for your next creamy frosting.
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, standard cream cheese must contain 33 percent milkfat and its moisture content cannot exceed 55 percent.
Inexpensive and easily accessible, you can find blocks or tubs of cream cheese in the refrigerated dairy aisle of most U.S. grocery stores.
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How To Soften Cream Cheese
If you have time, all you have to do is let the cream cheese sit out on the counter at room temperature until its soft. If youre in a rush, place the unwrapped cheese on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 15 seconds. If its not soft enough, add 5 seconds at a time until fully softened. Check here for step-by-step instructions.
How To Make Whipped Cream Cheese
It is also very easy to make your own whipped cream cheese. You will need a heavy-duty stand mixer and some cream cheese.
You can also whip by hand if you dont have a stand mixer, but it will take significantly more time and elbow grease.
Simply cut the cream cheese into small pieces and add it to the bowl of your stand mixer. Start whipping on low speed until the cheese is broken up and then increase the speed to medium-high and whip until light and fluffy.
Make sure that you do not use soft or nonfat varieties of cream cheese they are too thin for whipping. Instead, choose a high-fat content brand such as Philadelphia Cream Cheese or Extra Creamy Cream Cheese.
A large bowl helps whip the thick mixture into shape!
You may want to place it in another room while mixing so there arent any distractions from other family members who might be trying out their new kitchen gadgets nearby.
The first step is simply adding cold water until it reaches room temperature before starting with regular milk this ensures that all ingredients mix together well. Secondly, cream cheese and milk are whipped together on medium-high speed for about two minutes until the mixture becomes thick, white, and fluffy.
Lastly, you will want to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor before turning off the machine voila! Done in three easy steps.
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Which Pasta Should I Use
My favorite pasta to use for this recipe is spaghetti. It kind of reminds me of an easier and more affordable version of fettuccine Alfredo. I prefer long noodles with this sauce, so angel hair and linguine would both make great options, too. If you want to use a short pasta, Id recommend penne, elbow macaroni, or bow tie .
Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Bars
Something magical happens when you cross cheesecake with chocolate chip cookies. You get this incredible recipe for chocolate chip cookie bars made with real cream cheese!
Imagine a layer of sweet and creamy cream cheese sandwiched between two layers of freshly baked chocolate chip cookie dough.
No need to pinch yourself. Its not a dream, but rather a recipe you can make in under an hour!
For a topping, you should try melted caramel and cool whip.
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Watch This Video To See How I Made This Fresh Summer Fruit Crostata
This is actually much easier than you might think. I know Phyllo dough can seem daunting, and hard to work with, and it can be! But, the beauty of this dessert is the rustic nature of it, so its okay if it looks more rustin than refined.
The combination of the lemon cream cheese filling and the fresh fruit is so refreshing for summer. If you are not a fan of cream cheese, you could add whipped cream, cool whip or any pastry cream that you love. You could even use a boxed pudding mix. The options are endless!
What Is Blue Cheese
Blue cheese was born out of necessity, as the name suggests.
When cows were first introduced to Europe, they were fed hay instead of grass.
This made them sick, making it difficult to produce milk.
To solve this problem, people started using moldy bread to feed them instead.
The moldy bread caused the milk to ferment and turn into a yellow-green liquid called curds.
This curdled milk was then heated until it became solid and formed into blocks that resembled the color of blue cheese.
To make blue cheese, these curds are mixed with salt and left to sit for between 24 and 72 hours.
After this time, the cheese is cut into cubes and pressed together before being placed in large vats where it sits for another two to three days.
Once it has had enough time to settle, the blue cheese is removed from its vat and set aside to cure.
There are many different varieties of blue cheese on the market today, each one boasting their own unique flavors and textures.
Some are smooth, others have a crumbly texture, yet others are firm and dense.
They all differ in how long they take to mature and how much salt they contain.
Some blue cheeses are very salty, some are milder, and others are sweet.
These cheeses are typically aged for anywhere from four months to two years or more.
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Optional: Cream Cheese Starter Packets Or Cultures
If you want to go the route of purchasing a starter culture, youll be able to make cream cheese out of heavy cream alone. Packets usually contain strong cream cheese starter bacteria as well as a coagulating enzyme such as rennet. These packets can be hard to find, so this recipe is based on easily found home ingredients.
Heavenly Cream Cheese Desserts
Who doesnt love cream cheese? Its delicious as a spread, and it makes just about any recipe taste even better.
As for cream cheese desserts? They take sinful to a whole new level.
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Cream cheese desserts are the perfect treats that give you the balance of sweet and tangy that youre looking for.
Aside from the classic cheesecake, youll find that there are a variety of cream cheese desserts, from cakes to cookies to parfaits.
Ive rounded up the best cream cheese desserts that will win over the hearts of anyone who tries them. Take your dessert game to new heights by trying out these amazing recipes.
Sweet dreams are made of cheese!
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