Homemade ricotta

and all my cosy favourites

If you haven’t tried making homemade ricotta then you are missing out! There is something so extremely comforting about enjoying warm ricotta on a piece of toast that has been drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.

I know what you’re thinking… Daen, making cheese is too hard! But I am here to tell you that it’s surprisingly easy and only requires 3 ingredients and very little, if any, skill.

My nanna, who has sadly passed away, used to make homemade ricotta all the time! Whenever my mum and I make a special visit to the Italian grocer and find freshly made, warm ricotta we shed a tear or two as it instantly transports us back to my Nanna’s little red brick apartment and pictures of her standing over the store, stirring a big pot of milk.

I also wanted to share some cosy and comforting meals that I have been making on repeat this Australian winter. We have all been absolutely freezing down south so think slow cooked ragu’s, indulgent pasta’s and lamb roasts. But whose to say these types of meals can only be enjoyed in Winter?! Sometimes you just feel like a big bowl of comfort to be eaten on the couch while watching Real Housewives of LA after a longs day work.

That’s it from me this week! I have some delicious recipes lined up for you next week such as my Brother’s famous Tortilla and a healthy and summery baked fish. x

What’s cooking this week

Making creamy homemade ricotta cheese is incredibly easy and only requires 3 ingredients. To achieve the most creamy ricotta cheese, all you need is whole milk, lemon juice and salt. Once you try this homemade ricotta cheese recipe, you will never turn to store bought ricotta again!

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll notice some things that come up a lot in my recipes. I like recipes that really celebrate the ingredients. Ones that are simple for the home cook. And, most importantly, ones that are cooked with love. My beef short rib ragu is definitely done made with a whole lots of love.

Before anyone thinks I’ve made a typo, I am going to announce right now that this recipe has a lot of garlic. Like, more than you think. It has a total of 40 cloves, and when I tell you, it’s worth it – I mean it. It’s worth it. Would I lead you astray? I’m the garlic girl! I present to you – garlicky slow lamb shoulder.

This creamy orecchiette pasta with caramelised onion and Italian Sausage has been on repeat in my house for the last few weeks! It’s such an indulgent meal that is incredibly comforting to eat. If you want to save on time, skip the onions as it’s just as delicious without!