Schmierkase
Makes about 1½ quarts cheese
Ingredients
- 2½ gallons milk skimmed of its cream
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 1¼ –1½ cups warm water
- ⅓ cup butter
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- Let milk sour until it becomes very thick, then heat to 115°–120°.
- Pour half of milk into a coarse cloth bag to drain.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Empty curds into a bowl and crumble.
- Repeat process with remaining milk.
- Let crumbs set at room temperature for 2 to 3 days (up to 5 days if a stronger flavor is desired).
- To crumbs (should be about 4 cups) add baking soda and mix well.
- Pour in double boiler and let stand for 30 minutes, then add 1¼–1½ cups warm water.
- Bring to boil, stirring constantly.
- Mix in butter and salt and finally the cup of hot water, adding it ¼ cup at a time.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring to dissolve crumbs.
- Allow to cool, then spread on bread and serve.