### About the Author: Holly Nilsson

Holly Nilsson is the imaginative mind behind Spend With Pennies, a site devoted to offering simple and comforting recipes tailored for everyday cooking. Fueled by a strong enthusiasm for nostalgic tastes and streamlined cooking methods, Holly seeks to help busy home cooks create tasty meals that are both feasible and gratifying.

Her culinary path is characterized by a dedication to making cooking fun and relaxed. Holly holds the belief that everyone should be capable of preparing hearty, home-cooked dishes without requiring extensive preparations or hard-to-source ingredients. This philosophy shines through in her array of recipes, which frequently take cues from traditional comfort foods while adding contemporary flair.

Beyond her efforts with Spend With Pennies, Holly is the author of “Everyday Comfort,” a cookbook that aims to motivate readers with even more substantial meal suggestions. The book showcases her commitment to guiding others in discovering the happiness of cooking and the warmth that accompanies sharing meals with family and friends.

For those curious to delve into more of Holly’s culinary delights, you can explore her work at [Spend With Pennies](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/author/holly/).

### Follow Holly on Social Media

Keep in touch with Holly and uncover more of her delectable recipes by following her on social media:

– [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/spendpennies/)
– [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ispendwithpennies/)
– [Twitter](http://spendpennies)
– [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/spendpennies/)

They’re also super cute.
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# Homemade Ricotta Cheese: An Easy Recipe with Four Ingredients

Crafted with merely four ingredients—milk, heavy cream, salt, and a dash of vinegar—this straightforward recipe for homemade ricotta cheese is rich, slightly tangy, and incredibly fresh. Ideal for novices, this fail-safe method needs no special tools and yields a delightful cheese that can elevate any meal.

## Flavor Profile

Ricotta cheese is a soft, curd cheese known for its gentle taste and creamy texture. It boasts a hint of sweetness with a delicate tang, making it a versatile addition to both sweet and savory recipes.

## Skill Level

This recipe is intended to be user-friendly for all skill levels, particularly those just starting out. The uncomplicated process guarantees that anyone can successfully create ricotta cheese at home.

## Technique

The method for making this cheese involves a curdling procedure that integrates acid and heat. The ease of this method means you can enjoy fresh ricotta without requiring specialized equipment.

## Serving Suggestions

Homemade ricotta complements bold flavors such as:
– **Tomato Marinara**: A traditional pairing that enhances the creaminess of the cheese.
– **Basil Pesto**: Introduces a refreshing, herbal element.
– **Roasted Garlic**: Delivers a rich, savory flavor profile.
– **Fruits and Honey**: A delightful mix when drizzled over crostini.

## Ricotta vs. Cottage Cheese

Although ricotta and cottage cheese can often replace each other, they possess distinct textures and flavors. Cottage cheese is made up of curds and is chunkier, while ricotta has a smoother consistency and a slightly sweeter flavor, offering a richer taste.

## Ingredient Tips for Ricotta Cheese

1. **Milk**: The foundation of this homemade ricotta recipe. Cow’s milk is typically used, but goat, sheep, or buffalo milk can also work. Do not use ultra-pasteurized milk (UHT).
2. **Heavy Cream**: This component adds to the rich and creamy profile of the ricotta.
3. **Vinegar**: Serves as the acidic element necessary to curdle the milk. If vinegar is not available, lemon juice can be a suitable substitute.
4. **Salt**: Amplifies the overall taste of the cheese.

## How to Make Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Creating fresh ricotta cheese is remarkably simple. Just follow these easy steps:

1. **Boil**: In a large pot, heat the milk, heavy cream, and salt over medium heat, stirring until it reaches a boil.
2. **Curdle**: Take off the heat, incorporate the vinegar, and allow the mixture to sit until curds develop (about 30 minutes).
3. **Strain**: Use a colander lined with cheesecloth to separate the curds, letting the whey drain away.

### Note on Whey

The liquid left after straining the cheese is known as whey. This leftover whey can be reused in various recipes, including baked goods like bread or pizza dough, or even combined with pancake mix in lieu of water.

## Storage

Keep homemade ricotta cheese in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 5 days. It might require draining or stirring prior to use.

## Favorite Ways to Use Ricotta

Whether incorporated into savory or sweet creations, homemade ricotta cheese shines as a key ingredient. From pasta dishes to desserts, its adaptability is unparalleled.

### Nutritional Information (per serving)

– **Calories**: 254
– **Carbohydrates**: 13g
– **Protein**: 8g
– **Fat**: 19g
– **Saturated Fat**: 11g
– **Cholesterol**: 65mg
– **Sodium**: 262mg
– **Potassium**: 344mg
– **Sugar**: 12g
– **Calcium**: 295mg

## Conclusion

Crafting homemade ricotta cheese is a gratifying endeavor that enhances your culinary skills. With just four basic ingredients, you can produce a fresh, creamy cheese that elevates your dishes and impresses your guests. Relish the process and the delectable outcomes!

Summertime produce is in full bloom, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Salads are my forte, so I’ve put together a selection of my finest summer salad recipes. They’re ideal for gatherings, barbecues, and warm summer nights at home. These recipes boast hundreds of five-star reviews, ensuring they’ll be a favorite on your dinner table.

You’ll discover classic potluck salads, such as potato salad and cowboy caviar, beloved international options like tabbouleh and caprese salad, along with a range of fresh green salads, naturally. These seasonal salads showcase a wealth of fresh greens, tender herbs, and summer vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, as well as fruits like berries, peaches, and watermelon.

These invigorating salads are perfect for the hottest days of summer. Many use raw ingredients and call for little to no cooking. Whether you’ve overindulged at the farmers’ market or have an abundance from your garden, you’ll find your answer here.

Save this page and take advantage of the season! Which salad will you try first?

1. **Best Quinoa Salad**: This quinoa salad recipe is the ultimate! Everyone adores this nutritious quinoa salad featuring quinoa, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, and lemon. It’s also vegan and gluten-free! Recipe yields 4 medium salads or 8 side servings.

2. **Erin’s Peach & Avocado Salad**: This summer salad recipe from The Well Plated Cookbook includes ripe peaches and avocado atop fresh arugula. It’s both healthy and scrumptious! Recipe yields a very large salad (sufficient for 8 side servings or 3 to 4 main servings); halve the recipe for a smaller gathering.

3. **Caprese Pasta Salad**: This Caprese pasta salad recipe is simple, delightful, and perfect for the summer! Just sauté cherry tomatoes with olive oil to create the ultimate pasta sauce. Recipe yields 4 moderate servings.

4. **Mediterranean Bean Salad**: This Mediterranean-inspired bean salad recipe is wonderfully crisp and fulfilling. Its fresh tastes feature kidney beans, chickpeas, lemon, garlic, and leafy herbs. This healthy salad is vegan and gluten-free, but mainly just delicious! Recipe yields around six 1-cup servings.

5. **Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint**: This classic watermelon salad recipe showcases crumbled feta and fresh mint. Lightly pickled shallots and chopped pistachios elevate it immensely! Recipe yields 6 to 8 side servings.

6. **Herbed Potato Salad (no mayo!)**: This nutritious potato salad recipe brims with fresh taste. It’s free of mayo, easy to prepare, and sure to impress at your potluck! This salad is vegan, egg-free, and gluten-free. Recipe yields 6 side servings.

7. **Spinach Salad**: Whip up this delectable spinach salad recipe to accompany your main dish! It features fresh spinach, creamy goat cheese, and seasonal fruits like raspberries or strawberries. Recipe yields 6 side salads.

8. **Heirloom Caprese Salad**: The finest Caprese salad you’ll ever enjoy! Quality ingredients are essential. Use ripe summer tomatoes, burrata or mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil. Recipe yields 4 generous or 6 smaller servings.

9. **Cowboy Caviar**: This cowboy caviar recipe (also referred to as Texas caviar) is crafted from scratch using all-natural ingredients! Serve it as a dip, salsa, or salad—it’ll be a sensation at your next gathering. Recipe yields a large amount of “caviar,” about 8 cups.

10. **Summertime Fruit Salad**: This straightforward fruit salad recipe is fresh and nutritious! It features strawberries, peaches, and blueberries with a dash of balsamic vinegar and basil. It’s a delightful side dish or dessert (for dessert, you can serve it as is or add whipped cream for a more indulgent touch). Recipe yields 6 side servings.

11. **Ultimate Tabbouleh**: Discover how to create delicious, authentic tabbouleh at home! This tabbouleh (also spelled tabouli) surpasses what you’d find at your favorite Lebanese restaurant. It’s made with bulgur wheat, fresh parsley, mint, tomato, and cucumber. Recipe yields 6 servings (a little over 1 cup each).

12. **Best Chickpea Salad**: This mouthwatering chickpea salad recipe features crisp-tender elements like chickpeas, red bell pepper, red onion, and celery. Keep this healthy chickpea salad stored in the fridge—it’s the perfect side dish, snack, and meal addition. It’s also vegan and gluten-free! Recipe yields 4 generous side salads or 6 medium.

13. **Simple Healthy Slaw**: This nutritious coleslaw recipe is absolutely delicious! Made with a simple lemon dressing, it features cabbage, carrots, toasted

Plus, our favorite budget buy.
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