German Caraway Cheese and Fresh Homemade Cheese

Authentic German Caraway Cheese and Fresh Homemade Cheese Recipe

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

German Caraway Cheese and Fresh Homemade Cheese are two delicious and traditional recipes that are perfect for cheese lovers. The Caraway Cheese has a unique flavor from the caraway seeds, while the Fresh Homemade Cheese is creamy and versatile. Both recipes are easy to make and will impress your family and friends.

History

Caraway Cheese has been a popular dish in Germany for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The addition of caraway seeds gives the cheese a distinct flavor that pairs well with the creamy texture. Fresh Homemade Cheese, on the other hand, has been a staple in many households for generations. This simple recipe allows you to create your own fresh cheese at home, perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

1 cup dry-curd cottage cheese
1 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp salt
2 cups sour cream
2 tbsp caraway seeds

Fresh farmhouse cheese

8 cups homogenized whole milk
1 cup buttermilk
1 rennin tablet
cream or sour cream or milk (optional)

How to prepare

Caraway cheese

Ensure that the farmhouse cheese is well drained using cheesecloth (do not add any cream to the cheese after draining).
Place the butter, baking soda, and salt in the top of a double boiler over simmering water.
Once the butter has melted, add the cheese and continue cooking, whisking occasionally, until the cheese has melted, approximately 1 hour.
The butter and cheese will be separated.
Beat in the sour cream and caraway seeds until the mixture is well blended.
Pour the mixture into a large loaf pan or a crock.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until the cheese becomes firm.
Turn out onto a serving dish, if desired, bring to room temperature, and serve.

Fresh farmhouse cheese

Warm the whole milk and buttermilk over low heat in a large saucepan or stockpot until they reach 90°F (32°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Pour 0.25 cup of this mixture into a glass measuring cup and heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds on high, or until it reaches 115 °F; alternatively, heat the 0.25 cup milk in a small saucepan until it reaches the same temperature.
Crumble the rennet tablet into the warm milk in the measuring cup and stir to blend.
Pour this mixture back into the large saucepan and stir well.
Remove from the heat, cover the pan, and let the mixture sit overnight, for at least 14 hours.
In the morning, return the pan to the heat and remove its cover.
For a larger curd cheese, bring the mixture to 130°F (54°C) or 140°F over medium heat; for a smaller curd cheese, bring the mixture to about 115°F (46°C) over low heat.
Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, at the desired temperature for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the curds have separated from the whey.
Meanwhile, line two colanders with a double thickness of cheesecloth.
Tie or clip the cheesecloths to the perimeters of the colanders to prevent them from slipping. Gently pour half of the mixture through one colander and half through the other.
Allow the whey to drain off the cottage cheese for about 1 hour.
Spoon the drained cheese into two 1 pt (473 ml) containers.
Stir in some fresh cream, sour cream, or whole milk, if desired, for a softer consistency and flavor.
The cheese will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Variations

For a twist on Caraway Cheese, try adding herbs or spices such as garlic or dill. Fresh Homemade Cheese can be flavored with herbs, honey, or fruit for a sweet or savory option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Caraway Cheese, be sure to cook the cheese mixture slowly over low heat to prevent it from burning. Stirring occasionally will help the cheese melt evenly and create a smooth texture. For Fresh Homemade Cheese, be patient when letting the curds separate from the whey. This process takes time but is essential for creating a creamy and delicious cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Caraway Cheese can be served with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables. Fresh Homemade Cheese is delicious on its own or added to salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Both recipes require slow cooking and patience to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Stirring and monitoring the temperature are key steps in creating these delicious cheeses.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have caraway seeds, you can use fennel seeds or cumin as a substitute. For Fresh Homemade Cheese, you can use lemon juice or vinegar instead of buttermilk to curdle the milk.

Make Ahead Tips

Both cheeses can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Caraway Cheese on a cheese board with fruits, nuts, and crackers for a beautiful presentation. Fresh Homemade Cheese can be shaped into balls or logs and rolled in herbs or spices for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Caraway Cheese pairs well with dark bread, pickles, and mustard. Fresh Homemade Cheese is delicious with fresh fruit, honey, or olives.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Both cheeses should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat Caraway Cheese, let it come to room temperature before serving. Fresh Homemade Cheese can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Caraway Cheese: 200 calories

Fresh Homemade Cheese: 180 calories

Carbohydrates

Caraway Cheese: 2g per serving

Fresh Homemade Cheese: 3g per serving

Fats

Caraway Cheese: 15g per serving

Fresh Homemade Cheese: 10g per serving

Proteins

Caraway Cheese: 8g per serving

Fresh Homemade Cheese: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Caraway Cheese: Calcium, Vitamin A

Fresh Homemade Cheese: Calcium, Vitamin D

Alergens

Both recipes contain dairy and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Both Caraway Cheese and Fresh Homemade Cheese are rich in protein and calcium, making them a nutritious snack or addition to meals.

Summary

German Caraway Cheese and Fresh Homemade Cheese are two delicious and versatile recipes that are perfect for cheese lovers. Whether you're looking for a savory snack or a creamy addition to your favorite dishes, these recipes are sure to impress. Enjoy the unique flavors and textures of these traditional cheeses at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for German Caraway Cheese and Fresh Homemade Cheese. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a quaint little village in the German countryside. As I wandered through the bustling market square, my nose was greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread and aged cheeses.

I followed my nose to a small, family-run cheese shop nestled in the corner of the market. The shop was filled with wheels of cheese in various shapes, sizes, and colors. The owner, a friendly elderly woman with a warm smile, noticed my curiosity and invited me to sample some of her offerings.

I eagerly accepted her invitation and tried a few different cheeses, each one more delicious than the last. But it was the German Caraway Cheese that truly captured my taste buds. The sharp, tangy flavor of the cheese paired perfectly with the earthy notes of the caraway seeds, creating a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced.

I couldn't resist asking the owner for the recipe, and to my surprise, she agreed to share it with me. She led me to a small table in the back of the shop and pulled out a tattered old notebook filled with handwritten recipes. As she flipped through the pages, she explained the history and tradition behind each dish.

The recipe for German Caraway Cheese was simple yet elegant, requiring only a few basic ingredients: fresh milk, rennet, caraway seeds, and salt. The key, she explained, was to use high-quality milk and to let the cheese age for just the right amount of time to develop its full flavor.

I scribbled down the recipe in my own notebook, making sure to capture every detail and instruction. The owner smiled and wished me luck as I thanked her for her generosity. As I left the shop, I couldn't wait to try my hand at making the cheese at home.

Back in my own kitchen, I set to work gathering the ingredients and following the steps of the recipe. I heated the milk to just the right temperature, added the rennet to help it curdle, and patiently waited for the curds to form. Once the curds had set, I carefully cut them into small pieces and let them drain in a cheesecloth-lined colander.

After a few hours, the cheese was ready to be seasoned with salt and caraway seeds. I gently mixed in the ingredients, making sure to distribute them evenly throughout the cheese. Then, I transferred the cheese to a mold and pressed it to remove any excess moisture.

I placed the mold in a cool, dark place to age, checking on it regularly to ensure it was developing the right flavor and texture. Weeks went by, and I watched as the cheese slowly transformed from a simple curd into a fragrant, flavorful wheel of German Caraway Cheese.

When the cheese was finally ready, I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends. I served it alongside fresh bread, sliced apples, and a glass of wine, savoring each bite as if it were a taste of the German countryside itself.

From that moment on, German Caraway Cheese became a staple in my kitchen, a recipe that I would cherish and pass down through the generations. And as I continued to explore new flavors and techniques in my cooking, I knew that I would always hold a special place in my heart for that fateful day in the village cheese shop.