There's NOTHING like homemade ricotta -- and it's SO easy!                                                                                                  

Yields 4 cups
1 gallon whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1⁄3 cup organic white distilled vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
  1. 1. Pour the milk and cream into a large pan and place over medium heat.
  2. 2. Heat to 190°F on a candy thermometer, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove from heat and add vinegar or lemon juice and slowly stir a few times.
  4. Cover the pot with a dishcloth and set aside for 1 hour.
  5. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and place over a bowl large enough to catch the whey.
  6. Gently pour the ricotta curds into the cheesecloth and let drain for 30 minutes.
  7. For a denser cheese, drain the ricotta overnight in the fridge.
  8. Reserve the whey for other recipes in the fridge or freezer.
  9. Place the ricotta in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 6 days.
  10. Season with salt and pepper before eating.

TIP: 

Use the best milk you can find -- I love to get it fresh from a farmer -- you can really taste the difference!