Homemade ricotta

Method

1. Heat the milk and double cream in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the salt and stir every now and then until the liquid reaches 93°C on your thermometer. Meanwhile, rest a large sieve over a large mixing bowl and line it with a square of damp muslin or a new J-Cloth.
2. When the milk is 93°C it will be gently steaming and small bubbles will have appeared on the surface. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and stir for a few seconds until curds begin to form.
3. Leave the pan undisturbed for 2 minutes then, using a slotted spoon, gently ladle the curds into the sieve, taking care not to break them up too much. Discard the liquid from the pan. Leave the ricotta to drain for between 10 and 60 minutes, depending on the consistency you require, then tip out of the muslin into a bowl (discard the liquid). If not using straightaway, cover and chill – bear in mind, however, that the ricotta will firm up in the fridge and the texture won’t be as light.
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