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Ingredients
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Cheese Curds
Marinara Sauce
Method
Making Cheese Curds
- 1
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all ingredients needed for making cheese curds including white cheddar cheese, salt, rennet, and distilled water.
- 2
Heat the Water
In a large pot, heat the distilled water to approximately 85°F (29°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- 3
Add Rennet
Once the water is heated, dissolve the rennet in a small amount of cool water, then stir it into the pot of warm water.
- 4
Add Salt
Mix in the salt into the warm water and rennet mixture, stirring thoroughly until completely dissolved.
- 5
Add Cheese
Shred the white cheddar cheese and slowly add it to the pot while gently stirring. Maintain the temperature at 85°F.
- 6
Curd Formation
Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for about 30 minutes until curds form and separate from the whey.
- 7
Cut the Curd
Using a knife, cut the curds into small cubes to help them expel more whey.
- 8
Cook the Curd
Heat the curds gently to 105°F (40°C) while stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes until they firm up.
- 9
Drain and Rinse
Drain the curds in a colander and rinse them under cold water to remove excess whey.
- 10
Cool and Store
Let the curds cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Making Marinara Sauce
- 11
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all ingredients needed for the marinara sauce: canned tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and fresh basil.
- 12
- 13
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the canned tomatoes along with the juice. Stir in the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 14
Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- 15
Finish with Basil
Just before serving, stir in the fresh chopped basil for added flavor.
