Homemade Fromage Blanc

Draining the whey: 3 hours

Hang curds to drain more: another 3 hours

Fromage blanc (white cheese) is a great alternative to cream cheese – fewer calories, more flavor. It takes a day to make a batch, but it’s a waiting game – there are fewer than 15 minutes (!) of active preparation.

Fromage blanc makes a yummy spread on it’s own, but it’s far more interesting with other flavors added:

• sundried tomato and basil
• fresh berries
• fresh chives
• fig jam

If you get tired of spreading it on your bagels:

• Gypsy Peppers Filled with Fromage Blanc and Fines Herbes
• Mix it with honey or maple syrup and use it as a fruit dip.
• Use it in lasagna or stuffed shells in place of ricotta.
• Try it in a cheese cake instead of cream cheese.

Note: Fromage blanc can be made with whole or skim milk – the more fat in the milk, the creamier the cheese and the higher the yield.