CopyCat Cream Cheese

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Pour the milk and buttermilk into a large, heavy-bottomed pan. Clip a candy or deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pan so the bulb is suspended in the milk and not touching the bottom. Set the pan over medium heat and warm the mixture, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent scorching, until the thermometer reads 170°F.

2. Step 2.

   Once the milk reaches 170°F, adjust the heat as needed to keep the mixture between 170°F and 175°F. Stir gently every few minutes and scrape the bottom of the pan to keep the milk from sticking. Continue cooking at this temperature for about 30 minutes; the mixture will gradually separate into thick white curds and a yellowish liquid (whey).

3. Step 3.

   While the milk cooks, line a fine-mesh strainer or colander with several layers of moistened cheesecloth and set it inside a large bowl. When the curds and whey have clearly separated, carefully lift the curds out of the pan with a slotted spoon or skimmer and transfer them to the cheesecloth-lined strainer. Then pour the remaining contents of the pan through the cheesecloth, letting the whey drain into the bowl below. Reserve the whey for another use.

4. Step 4.

   Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and tie them loosely to form a bundle, or leave the curds in the lined strainer. Let the curds drain at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours, until they are firm and no longer dripping. If you like, place the strainer over a bowl in the refrigerator after the first hour to firm them further.

5. Step 5.

   Transfer the drained curds to a blender or food processor, add the salt, and blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the cheese seems too thick, add a teaspoon or two of the reserved whey to help it blend.

6. Step 6.

   Pack the cheese into small containers with tight-fitting lids and refrigerate. The cheese can also be frozen; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then beat it again in the blender until creamy before serving.