New Orleans has a really different type of culture. The people are always looking forward to the next party or gathering. They live for today- work is secondary. It's not called "The Big Easy" for nothing. Hakuna Matata - a problem-free philosophy for the rest of your days. They work for pleasure; and refining that statement further - they don't mind putting a lot of effort and time toward temporary pleasures....like dinner!
Dorignacs Supermarket on Veterans Highway (a family-owned and operated market) actually makes their own cream cheese. It's wonderful! It's tart and much lighter than a regular cream cheese. Folks in NO use it for lots of things but the most highly coveted product in Bubba's family is the Creole Cream Cheese Ice Cream! It's like tasting frozen custard with a twang! I'll have to admit I liked it immediately but the more time that past in between tastings the more I wanted it!
When we left NOLA last time we forgot to go by Dorignacs to pick some up...which meant we were on our phones almost to Baton Rouge trying to find some without success. Bubba (who loves making cheese) announced at that point that he would just try to duplicate it!! I had my doubts but WOW!!! He did it!! And it's not that difficult!! You just have to have a little extra time...but trust me- it's worth the effort!!!
1 gallon of 1% milk
1/2 cup of buttermilk
8 drops Rennet (found online or stores selling home cheese-making kits like Whole Foods)
Slowly heat the milk to 110 degrees; remove from heat. Add the buttermilk and stir. Place in a large bowl and stir in the Rennet. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit out at room temperature for 24 hours.
Spoon the cheese into a cheescloth-lined collander and let it drain for 1 hour.
Wrap in plastic wrap or air-tight container. It will last for 2 weeks.
...and the reason I'm giving this to you is to encourage you to make the cream cheese a few days in advance of making- a) Creole Cream Cheese Ice Cream or b) (My NEW favorite!) Creole Cream Cheese Cheesecake!!! or c) Eggplant and Creole Cream Cheese Spinach Rollatini!! Recipes to follow!
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