Ricotta
Ricotta is an Italian cheese made from the whey which results
from making other cheeses such as Mozzarella and Provolone.
The word ricotta is italian for "twice cooked" or
"cooked again" in reference to the fact that it
is made using a by product from something which has already
been cooked. Ricotta can be made from sheep's, buffalo's,
goat's or cow's milk.
There are several different varieties of this cheese such
as Ricotta salata which is made by salting the cheese. There
is also Ricotta infornata which is baked ricotta as well as
Swiss, French and other Italian varieties.
Ricotta is white, soft and similar in texture to cottage cheese
though slightly smoother. It is sweet in taste though can
vary from nutty to sharp depending on what type of Ricotta
you choose.
This cheese is very healthy and is a favorite in italian
cooking. Ricotta is a very versatile cheese and can be used
in dessert dishes such as cheesecakes or with chocolate and
also savoury dishes like lasagne and pasta. |
