Discover the delight of Kachkéis, a soft cheese that’s perfect as a creamy spread or a delicious addition to your favorite dishes. This simple recipe guides you through making your own Kachkéis at home, offering a rich, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with bread, crackers, and vegetables. Ideal for snacks or as a gourmet touch to your meals, this Kachkéis recipe is both easy to follow and incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients:

- 1 liter of whole milk

- 1/4 cup of white vinegar or lemon juice

- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)

- 1/4 cup of heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

- Fresh herbs (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions:

Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a large pot and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 85°C (185°F). Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.

Add Acid: Once the milk is heated, remove the pot from the heat and slowly add the white vinegar or lemon juice. Stir gently until the milk curdles and separates into curds and whey.

Strain the Curds: Line a colander with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Pour the curdled milk into the colander to drain the whey. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow excess whey to drain.

Mix and Season: Transfer the curds to a bowl. If desired, mix in the salt and heavy cream for a richer texture. You can also add fresh herbs like chives or dill for extra flavor.

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the Kachkéis for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help it firm up and enhance the flavors. Serve it as a spread on bread, crackers, or with fresh vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade Kachkéis as a versatile and delicious cheese that adds a special touch to any meal!

Nutritional Values

Whole Milk

 - Calories: 150

 - Protein: 8 grams

 - Fat: 8 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 12 grams

 - Calcium: 300 mg

 - Vitamin D: 2.5 mcg

Benefits:

 - Rich in calcium, which supports bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis.

 - High-quality protein essential for muscle growth and repair.

 - Provides vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption and overall immune function.

White Vinegar or Lemon Juice

White Vinegar: 

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

 - Lemon Juice: 

  - Calories: 4

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Vitamin C: 7 mg

Benefits:

 - Acidity helps in curdling the milk to form cheese.

 - Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.

Salt

 - Sodium: 575 mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor and improves the taste of the cheese.

 - Important for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function due to its role as an electrolyte.

Heavy Cream (Optional)

 - Calories: 52

 - Protein: 0.3 grams

 - Fat: 5.5 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 0.4 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds a rich, creamy texture to the cheese.

 - Provides additional fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A.

Fresh Herbs (Optional)

Example (Chives):

  - Calories: 1

  - Protein: 0.1 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0.3 grams

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor and adds freshness to the cheese.

 - Provides additional nutrients and antioxidants, depending on the herb used (e.g., chives, dill). 

These ingredients combine to create a nutritious and flavorful cheese that’s versatile and beneficial for your diet!