As it often happens, it was not a plan but a deviation from a plan that
got me here. I set up to make a perfect summer cheese, my " Sommerkase"-
kefir cheddar. So you warm up two gallons of milk to 90F, add a bottle
of Lifeway kefir straight from the fridge, mix well, and leave alone for
45 min. Then add rennet, cover the pot with a lid, and take your pot
outside into this wonderful 90 -something degree heat. Wait (yes, you may wait inside!)
till a clean break, about 45 min. Once the clean break is achieved, cut
you curd into 5 mm cubes, wait for a couple of minutes and cut
diagonally. Let the curd settle and leave it in the heat. No stoves, no
measuring temperature - let the weather do the job. All you have to do
is to stir occasionally and prevent the curds from matting. I got this
beautiful, even curd, set it out to drain, went through a couple of
cheddaring steps, and forgot about it till midnight.
And then it was so
late, and I was so tired that I stated looking for a fast and easy
escape. The head of curd looked beautiful. Yes, it would make a great
cheddar-type cheese, but it can also be turned into something else, like
a decent pasta filata. But then I remembered that sitting in my fridge
is a jar of a wonderful, strong and aromatic brine, full of herbs and
spices, that I've used for feta couple of weeks back. So that's what
it's going to be - aromatic feta, made with kefir, Kefireta. Simple,
elegant and so exciting! I can't wait to try!
