Most of us cannot get enough cheese. But what about cream cheese? What makes it so rich, so creamy, and so irresistible? And what can you make with cream cheese? It is time for you to find your answers right here!
What cream cheese is?
Cream cheese, like its name states, is a soft, usually mild-tasting fresh cheese made from cow’s milk and cream. It is such a versatile ingredient due to its small hint of sweetness, mild tanginess, and silky-smooth texture. People would find plenty of uses for it. Spread it on a toast? Check. Layers for a tiramisu cake? Check. A delicious frosting for a cupcake? Check. It ticks a lot of boxes for some incredible recipes.
But what makes a cream cheese what it is? Based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, cream cheese is said to must contain at least 33% milkfat and a moisture content of not more than 55%. Similarly, it must contain at least 30% milkfat and a maximum of 55% moisture according to Canadian Food and Drug Regulations. That goes to show that cream cheese is defined differently around the world! What remains is that cream cheese generally has a considerably higher fat content than regular cheese.
It is also interesting to note that Southeast Asians are taking notice of the cream cheese too. As the dairy market continues to grow worldwide, we now have more opportunities to be adventurous with our dairy options. With the increased consumption of cream cheese, we can now find blocks or tubs of cream cheese in our supermarket stores!
How cream cheese is made?
Cream cheese is produced when lactic acid is added to pasteurized milk and cream. Doing so allows for the mixture’s pH to decrease which in turn, forms the curds. When these curds are heated and stabilizers are added, the result is the cream cheese you know! Another thing to consider is since cream cheese do not require aging, it is meant to be consumed fresh and relatively fast too.
How to make your own cream cheese
Making your own homemade cream cheese is not difficult at all! It only requires basic ingredients such as salt, lemon juice (fresh ones are always the best, but bottled juice is fine too), cream and/or milk. Here are the basic steps:
- Add milk, cream, and salt to pot and slowly heat.
- Bring to a simmer, add lemon juice, and gently stir.
- Let it simmer again, then remove from heat.
- Line a colander with a cheese cloth.
- Scoop/Pour the curds into the cheese cloth.
- Gather the ends of the cheese cloth and let it drain.
You will have a lovely and creamy cream cheese, ready to be served!
Storing cream cheese
You can store unopened cream cheese directly in the fridge. However, if you have already used some of it, place it in an airtight container before placing it in the fridge and consumer it within 10 days and no longer. Just remember to never leave your cream cheese at room temperature for more than three hours. It will spoil and that makes you ill.
So, cream cheese, anyone?
The possibilities are endless with this one. There is a plethora of recipes on what can you make with cream cheese. It is not just for topping bagels and putting salmon slices on it. Since you know how to make your own cream cheese now, why now turn your attention to these recipes? You have options such as:
Cream Cheese Chocolate Cupcake
The cream cheese is used as a delicious frosting in this recipe. There is an unexpected and a lovely savoriness that comes with this cream cheese frosting because we have paired it with Rich’s Klasik Crème, a unique topping and filling that is enhanced with sea salt! The combo of both sweet and savory complements the chocolatey goodness.
Basque Cheese Tart
Consider this a quick and easy cheesecake-like tart! Not only are these tarts incredibly quick to make, but a lot of fun also comes out of making them too. The cream cheese in this recipe makes it incredibly rich and smooth. Pair that with Rich’s Portuguese Egg Tart Topping, it becomes creamy goodness packed in a buttery shortcrust tart! In fact, if you like to know more about the topping, read on Portuguese Egg Tart Recipes You Have To Try Right Now for the good stuff.
Belgium Cocoa Cheese
Aha! You did not think we would include cream cheese in a drink, right? This drink is topped with a light cheese foam which you can guess, uses cheese foam. This Belgium Cocoa Cheese drink is so creamy and good; you would not want to share it with anyone! Dunking bread into it to soak up all the cheese and chocolate is such a dream.
Frozen Berries Cheesecake
The cream cheese works beautifully in this Frozen Berries Cheesecake and it lives up to its name. The cookie base holds this luscious and creamy cheesecake wonderfully and has a good crumbly texture to it. A not to be missed dessert especially when you are not sure how to use up your frozen berries.
Of course, these are really just a few of the recipes that you can make with cream cheese. So, if you ever find yourself daydreaming about cream cheese, you now know that it is possible (and very easy to make your own too). Because nothing really beats homemade stuff! The bottom line is cream cheese is a versatile dairy spread—and it is something that you should definitely enjoy! For more exciting stuff, check out our official site, blog, and Facebook page. You will never miss out a thing!
