Savor the iconic taste of Canada with our delectable Canadian Cheese Curds. These creamy, squeaky morsels of pure delight are a true testament to the rich dairy traditions of the Great White North. Handcrafted with care and expertise, our cheese curds boast a perfect balance of freshness and flavor, offering a tantalizing texture that squeaks with each bite. Whether enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack or melted atop piping hot poutine for an authentic taste of Quebec, our Canadian Cheese Curds promise to elevate any culinary experience. Delight in the irresistible charm of Canadian cuisine with every savory mouthful.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of fresh whole milk (avoid ultra-pasteurized)
• ¼ teaspoon calcium chloride (if using pasteurized milk)
• ⅛ teaspoon mesophilic culture (MA4001 or similar)
• ⅛ teaspoon liquid rennet
• ¼ cup non-chlorinated water
• 2 tablespoons cheese salt or non-iodized salt

Equipment:

• Large stainless steel pot
• Thermometer
• Long knife
• Cheese curd cutter or slotted spoon
• Colander
• Cheesecloth
• Cheese mold (optional)

Instructions:

1- Warm the Milk: Pour the fresh whole milk into a large stainless steel pot and warm it over medium-low heat to 86°F (30°C).

2- Add Culture: Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, sprinkle the mesophilic culture over the surface of the milk and let it rehydrate for 1-2 minutes. Then gently stir it into the milk using an up-and-down motion.

3- Coagulate: Dilute the liquid rennet in the non-chlorinated water and add it to the milk, stirring gently for 1-2 minutes. Cover the pot and let the milk sit undisturbed at 86°F (30°C) for 45 minutes to allow it to coagulate.

4- Cut the Curds: After 45 minutes, the milk should have formed a curd mass. Using a long knife, cut the curd mass into small cubes, aiming for uniform size. Let the curds rest for 5 minutes.

5- Cook the Curds: Gradually increase the heat to 102°F (39°C) over the course of 30 minutes, stirring the curds gently to prevent them from matting. Once the desired temperature is reached, maintain it for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6- Drain the Whey: Line a colander with cheesecloth and carefully ladle the curds into it, allowing the whey to drain away. Tie the corners of the cheesecloth into a knot and hang it to drain for 1-2 hours, or until the curds reach the desired moisture level.

7- Cut and Salt: Once the curds have drained, remove them from the cheesecloth and transfer them to a clean surface. Cut the curds into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them with cheese salt or non-iodized salt, tossing gently to distribute the salt evenly.

8- Enjoy: Your homemade Canadian cheese curds are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them fresh as a snack, use them to top off a classic poutine, or incorporate them into your favorite recipes for a taste of authentic Canadian comfort food.

Store any leftover cheese curds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Canadian cheese curds at any time!

Nutritional Values:

Providing precise nutritional values for homemade cheese curds can be challenging due to variations in milk fat content, moisture levels, and salt usage. However, I can offer approximate nutritional values based on common nutritional data for the ingredients used:

Fresh Whole Milk (per 1 cup/240ml):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Calcium: 300mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in calcium, promoting strong bones and teeth.
• Contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and potassium, supporting overall health and wellbeing.

Cheese Salt or Non-Iodized Salt (per 1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Sodium: 2,300mg (based on typical sodium content, actual amount used may vary)

benefits:

• Enhances flavor and helps to draw moisture out of the curds during the draining process, aiding in the development of texture.
• Balances the flavors in the cheese curds by providing a savory taste.
• Acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of the cheese curds.

Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific product variations, and preparation methods. For the most accurate nutritional information, it's recommended to refer to the packaging labels of the specific ingredients you use and adjust the values accordingly based on the quantities used in the recipe.