Ricotta

This fresh, soft, creamy white cheese is made from the whey after it is separated from the curd during heating. The strained whey is then heated again (ricotta means “re-cooked” in Italian). In Italy, ricotta is made from sheep’s milk, while ricotta made in the United States is from whole or partly skimmed cow’s milk. Ricotta cheese has sweet nutlike flavor and can range from moist to dry in texture. Ricotta is perishable and will keep in the refrigerator up to one week. Avoid ricotta cheese that smells sharp or fruity, since this indicates the cheese is no longer fresh.