Homemade Cheese with Provençal Herbs: A Flavorful Delight

Creating your own cheese at home allows you to customize flavors and textures to your liking. This recipe for homemade cheese infused with Provençal herbs offers a delightful blend of aromatic spices, resulting in a creamy and versatile cheese perfect for various culinary applications.​

Ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.5 liters) high-fat milk​
• Juice of 1 large lemon (approximately 4 tablespoons or 60 ml)​
• 1 tablespoon salt (15 g, adjust to taste)​
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds (30 g, optional, for added texture and nutrition)​
• 1 tablespoon Provençal herbs (15 g; dried or fresh)​
• 15 grams gelatin (about 1 tablespoon), dissolved in cold water​

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Milk:
   • In a large saucepan, pour the high-fat milk and heat over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.​
2. Add Lemon Juice:
   • Gradually add the lemon juice to the simmering milk, stirring continuously. The milk will curdle, forming curds and whey.​
3. Incorporate Salt and Herbs:
   • Add the salt and Provençal herbs to the curdled milk, mixing well to ensure even distribution of flavors.​
4. Optional – Add Chia Seeds:
   • If using chia seeds, sprinkle them into the mixture now, stirring to combine. They will absorb liquid and swell, adding a pleasant texture to the cheese.​
5. Prepare Gelatin:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in a little cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes to bloom.​
6. Combine Gelatin with Milk Mixture:
   • Once the gelatin has bloomed, gently heat it until it becomes liquid. Pour this into the milk mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure the gelatin is fully incorporated.​
7. Set the Cheese:
   • Pour the entire mixture into a mold or bowl of your choice. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until firm.​
8. Serve:
   • Once set, the cheese is ready to be sliced or spread. It pairs wonderfully with fresh bread, crackers, or as a topping for salads.​

Additional Tips:

• Storage: Keep any leftover cheese refrigerated in an airtight container. It should remain fresh for up to a week.​
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to suit your taste preferences.​Reddit
• Vegan Alternative: For a plant-based version, consider using coconut milk and agar-agar in place of dairy and gelatin.​

This homemade cheese with Provençal herbs offers a delightful culinary experience, combining the richness of dairy with the aromatic flavors of traditional French herbs. Enjoy crafting this flavorful addition to your meals!