Originating from the Latin word caseus , cheese is a term that refers to a product made from milk curds. Cream , meanwhile, is a fatty substance found in the aforementioned whitish liquid that comes out of the breasts of mammals to feed their babies.
Cream cheese , in this framework, is prepared from the combination of milk and cream . Using lactic ferments, the mixture is curdled to obtain a spreadable cheese that is usually consumed on crackers or bread .
It is important to remember that cheeses are produced by maturing the curd. To curdle milk, meanwhile, bacteria or acids can be used. In the case of cream cheese, it acquires its characteristic consistency from the use of a high amount of cream, which implies including a high level of fat.
The presence of cream cheese is common at breakfast . Many people spread it on toast, and even combine it with jams or jellies. Cream cheese is also used in the preparation of various recipes , both salty and sweet.
There are sauces that contain cream cheese and are used to accompany pasta or rice . Various kinds of cakes and desserts are also made with cream cheese.
It should be noted, on the other hand, that cream cheese is sold in various presentations. Flavored versions (with ham, salami, onion and other ingredients) and low- calorie versions are added to the traditional one.
As with almost all recipes that include some product of animal origin, veganism has its own version of cream cheese, which is very easy to prepare at home, in addition to being very healthy and economical. Cheese is one of the foods that makes those who consider "giving up meat" the most doubt, since in its many varieties it appeals to almost all palates. However, good vegan recipes can be even more delicious than the original ones.
Vegan cream cheese simply requires two very accessible ingredients, although it can be complemented with others to enhance its flavor and adjust its density to the diners' preference. The fundamental ones are yogurt (obviously, vegan) and salt, the complementary ones, spices or herbs. Regarding materials, throughout the process you need a piece of cloth, such as gauze or a napkin, a rubber band, and a cylindrical container, which can be a jug.
Before starting with the recipe, it is important to highlight that vegan cream cheese is healthier than traditional cream cheese, does not include violence against any species and, therefore, is more considerate of the environment . If we prepare yogurt at home, we also save plastic and collaborate in the fight against pollution.
The steps for preparing vegan cream cheese are as follows:
* place the piece of fabric that we have chosen in the cylindrical container and keep it attached to it using the rubber band;
* add the yogurt and let it rest in the refrigerator for a period of no less than 8 hours, with the aim of dehydrating it. This point is essential for its density , which increases the longer we leave it in the cold;
* When it has reached the desired consistency, place it in a bowl, add a little salt and stir until the two ingredients are properly integrated.
The type of yogurt we use will affect the time we have to leave it in the refrigerator, since the amount of water in each one is different. Among the ingredients that we can add at the end to flavor it, garlic or onion powder and dill stand out.