FROMAGE FRAIS FAIT MAISON

### Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Fromage Frais

**Step 1: Heat the Milk**

Pour the whole milk into a large pot and gently heat it over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the milk doesn’t burn. Heat the milk until it reaches around 85°F (29°C). This is a crucial step, as the milk should be warm enough to allow the bacteria to grow but not so hot that it kills the cultures.

**Step 2: Add the Yogurt**

Once the milk has reached the correct temperature, add the 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Stir the yogurt into the milk gently to mix. The live cultures in the yogurt will begin the fermentation process, which will help turn the milk into cheese.

**Step 3: Add the Rennet**

In a small bowl, dilute 1/4 teaspoon of liquid rennet in a small amount of cold, non-chlorinated water (about 1/4 cup). Stir the rennet-water mixture into the warm milk gently. If you are using lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute, add about 2 tablespoons of either into the milk and stir.

**Step 4: Let the Milk Set**

Cover the pot with a clean cloth and let it sit undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature. The longer it sits, the firmer the curds will become. You should notice that the milk thickens and curds form as the milk begins to separate from the whey.

**Step 5: Cut the Curds**

After the milk has set and the curds have formed, it’s time to cut the curds. Use a sharp knife or a slotted spoon to gently cut the curds into cubes of about 1-inch size. This step helps release the whey and allows the curds to begin separating from the liquid.

**Step 6: Drain the Whey**

Place a clean cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl or container. Pour the curds and whey into the cheesecloth, allowing the whey to drain away. If you prefer a thicker fromage frais, allow the curds to drain for about 1 to 2 hours. If you prefer a looser, creamier texture, drain for a shorter period of time.

**Step 7: Stir and Add Salt**

Once the curds have drained to your liking, transfer the curds to a bowl and stir in salt if desired. This step is optional, but adding a pinch of salt helps enhance the flavor of the cheese.

**Step 8: Enjoy Your Fromage Frais!**

Your homemade fromage frais is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it immediately, or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Fromage frais is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last up to a week in the fridge.

### Tips for Perfect Fromage Frais

– **Milk Quality**: Use high-quality, fresh milk for the best results. Avoid using ultra-pasteurized milk, as it may not form curds properly.
– **Temperature Control**: Ensure the milk is at the correct temperature before adding the yogurt or rennet. If the milk is too hot or too cold, the curdling process may not work as well.
– **Consistency**: If you want a thicker texture, allow the curds to drain longer. For a creamier, spreadable consistency, drain for a shorter time or leave a little more whey in the curds.
– **Flavors**: Experiment with adding herbs, spices, or even a bit of garlic to your fromage frais for a savory twist. You can also stir in some honey or fruit puree for a sweet variation.

### How to Serve Fromage Frais

Fromage frais is a wonderfully versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas for serving your homemade fromage frais:

– **Spread on Toast or Bagels**: Top a slice of warm, freshly baked bread with a generous spread of fromage frais. Add fresh herbs, honey, or even sliced fruit to elevate the flavor.
– **In Salads**: Use fromage frais as a creamy dressing or topping for salads. Pair it with fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or even a simple cucumber salad.
– **With Fruit**: Fromage frais pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like berries, apples, or pears. It makes for a light, refreshing breakfast or snack.
– **In Desserts**: Use fromage frais as a base for desserts such as cheesecakes, mousses, or even in fruit parfaits.
– **Savory Dips**: Mix with herbs, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon to make a tasty dip for crackers, chips, or vegetable sticks.

### Conclusion: A Delicious, Simple Homemade Treat

Making fromage frais at home is a simple and rewarding process that results in a fresh, creamy cheese perfect for a variety of dishes. By following these easy steps, you can create your own homemade fromage frais, allowing you to enjoy the authentic flavors of French-style cheese right in your own kitchen. With its mild, slightly tangy taste and smooth texture, this homemade cheese will undoubtedly become a favorite addition to your meals. So grab some milk, a bit of yogurt, and get started—you’ll soon be enjoying the freshest cheese you’ve ever tasted!