Joannas Easy Homemade Ricotta Recipes

HOMEMADE RICOTTA

Steps:

• Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth.
• Pour the milk and cream into a stainless-steel or enameled pot such as Le Creuset. Stir in the salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
• Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the ricotta. (I tend to like mine on the thicker side, but some prefer it moister.) Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining whey. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.

ARUGULA AND PROSCIUTTO PIZZA WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS, RICOTTA, AND BALSAMIC GLAZE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to preheat for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in another large cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat until it bubbles. Add the onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Stretch the pizza dough out into a 12-inch round. In the preheated cast-iron skillet, drizzle some oil, then add the dough round.
• Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil. Spread the ricotta on top and season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden, 10 to 15 minutes.
• When the pizza comes out, mix the melted butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Brush it along the crust of the pizza. Tear the prosciutto into small pieces or strips and place on top. Top with the arugula and caramelized onions. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then top with shaved Parmesan cheese.
• Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 8 slices to serve.
• In a small bowl, stir together the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
• Add the flour to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Sprinkle the salt over the flour and mix on low speed for 15 seconds to distribute the salt.
• Add the olive oil, room-temperature water, and yeast mixture and mix on low speed for 1 to 2 minutes, then increase the speed to medium and mix until a ball of dough forms, about 5 minutes.
• Spray a medium bowl lightly with cooking spray. Shape the dough into a ball and set it in the bowl seam side down. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• When the dough is almost risen, place a cast-iron pizza stone on the center rack of the oven and preheat the oven to 500°F.
• When the dough has risen, remove the plastic wrap and push down on the dough to release the gases and bubbles. Shape it into a ball. (If using the dough later, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. The dough will slowly proof during that time. Once you're ready to use it, set it out for 30 minutes to come to room temperature.)
• Spread a piece of parchment paper about 1 1/2-feet long on a work surface. Stretch the dough into a 14-inch round on the parchment.
• Top with your favorite toppings. Carefully pull the oven rack with the pizza stone halfway out of the oven and transfer the parchment and pizza dough to the stone.
• Bake until the crust is golden, 13 to 15 minutes. Transfer the pizza to a cutting board and cut into 8 slices to serve.

EASY AND DELICIOUS HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Pour milk into a saucepan set over medium heat. Heat milk until it registers 194 degrees F (90 degrees C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Stir lemon juice and salt slowly into warmed milk. Let stand until milk curdles, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour milk mixture carefully into the lined strainer. Let stand until most of the liquid has drained off the ricotta, about 15 minutes. Discard drained liquid.