What You’ll Need:
- 1 gallon of fresh whole milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons of citric acid
- ¼ teaspoon of liquid calcium chloride (if using store-bought milk)
- ¼ teaspoon of liquid rennet
- Non-iodized salt
- A large pot
- A slotted spoon
- A thermometer
- A microwave or a double boiler
Step 1: Preparing the Milk
Start by pouring the milk into a large pot and heating it over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 55°C (130°F). Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Step 2: Dissolving the Citric Acid
In a separate cup, dissolve the citric acid in ¼ cup of cool, non-chlorinated water. Stir until the citric acid is completely dissolved.
Step 3: Adding the Citric Acid to the Milk
Once the milk has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and gently stir in the dissolved citric acid. Continue stirring for about 30 seconds to evenly distribute the acid throughout the milk.
Step 4: Heating the Milk Further
Return the pot to the stove and heat the milk over medium-low heat until it reaches a temperature of 88°C (190°F). Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching. At this temperature, the milk should start to curdle.
Step 5: Adding the Calcium Chloride and Rennet
In a separate cup, mix the liquid calcium chloride with ¼ cup of cool, non-chlorinated water. Stir until well combined. Add this mixture to the curdled milk and stir gently for about 30 seconds. Next, dissolve the liquid rennet in ¼ cup of cool, non-chlorinated water and add it to the milk. Stir gently for another 30 seconds to incorporate the rennet.
Step 6: Cutting and Stirring the Curd
Let the milk sit undisturbed for 15-20 minutes, allowing the curds to form. Once the curds have formed, cut them into small, even cubes using a long knife. Slowly stir the curds for about 5 minutes to encourage whey separation.
Step 7: Heating and Stretching the Curds
Place the pot back on the stove over low heat and warm the curds to 55°C (130°F), stirring gently. Once the curds reach the desired temperature, use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and transfer them to a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler.
Step 8: Kneading and Shaping the Mozzarella
Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from the hot curds. Begin squeezing and kneading the curds until they become stretchy and shiny. Shape the mozzarella as desired, whether it’s small balls or larger blocks.
Step 9: Soaking and Cooling the Mozzarella
In a separate bowl, prepare an ice bath by mixing cold water and ice cubes. Place the shaped mozzarella into the ice bath and let it soak for about 15 minutes to cool and set. Once cooled, remove the mozzarella from the ice bath and place it in a brine solution made of non-iodized salt and water, for additional flavor and preservation.
Step 10: Enjoying Your Homemade Mozzarella
Your fiordilatte mozzarella is now ready to be enjoyed! Slice it, dice it, or use it to create your favorite Italian dishes. Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
With this step-by-step guide, you can easily make fresh, creamy fiordilatte mozzarella in your own kitchen. Impress your friends and family with your homemade cheese skills, and elevate your recipes with the perfect touch of authentic Italian mozzarella!