Ricotta Cheese and My High Protein & Fiber Shake Recipes! #resourcefulhomestead #recottacheese

 The Resourceful Homestead Kitchen: A Powerhouse Morning! We milked it for all its worth! ​This routine maximizes the utility of raw milk by creating two nutrient-dense components: fresh ricotta cheese and a satiating breakfast shake. ​1. Homemade Raw Milk Ricotta ​A resourceful use of yogurt whey to ensure zero waste. ​Ingredients: 1 quart Greek yogurt whey, 2 quarts raw whole milk. ​Method: Combine liquids and heat slowly to 180°F–190°F. Once curds separate, remove from heat and rest for 15–20 minutes. Ladle into a cheesecloth-lined sieve and drain to your preferred consistency. Salt to taste after draining. Cool & Texture: Let the ricotta drain until it reaches your desired consistency. For soft/spreadable ricotta: Drain for 15–20 minutes. For firmer/crumbly ricotta: Drain for an hour or more in the refrigerator. Yield: The final volume will vary slightly depending on how long you let the curds drain—a shorter drain time for a wetter, spreadable cheese will yield closer to 1.5 cups, while a longer drain time for a firmer, drier cheese will yield closer to 1 cup. Resourceful Homestead Tips The Second Whey: The liquid that drains off after this process is technically "deproteinized" whey. You can use this for soaking grains, adding to ferments, or watering your garden, as it is still packed with minerals. Salt: Salt your ricotta after it has finished draining to taste. Adding salt earlier can sometimes inhibit the curd formation process. Food Safety: Because you are working with raw milk, always ensure your equipment is thoroughly sanitized before you begin, and consume your finished ricotta within 3–5 days, keeping it well-refrigerated. ​2. High-Protein, High-Fiber Breakfast Shake ​A sustained-energy morning fuel designed for insulin sensitivity and satiety. ​Ingredients: 1 quart fresh milk, 3–4 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp psyllium powder, 1 tbsp Dutch cocoa, 1 tsp Amish molasses, 1 tbsp Amish elderberry syrup, and a pinch of salt. ​Method: Hydrate the psyllium powder in 1 cup of milk for 2–3 minutes to ensure a smooth texture. Add remaining ingredients and blend until fully incorporated. ​Nutritional Profile (Estimate) ​This shake provides a substantial start to the day, focusing on high-quality proteins and digestive health. Nutrient Approximate Calories ~750 kcal Protein ~38g Fiber ~7–9g This breakfast remains effective for all-day energy due to the synergetic effect of the psyllium fiber and molasses, which help regulate glucose absorption, paired with the complete protein profile of your homestead dairy. Snail Mail: THCR PO BOX 15 PINSON TN 38366 Email [email protected]  Connect & Disclaimers: © 2026 Hillbilly Chicken Ranch. All rights reserved. Medical and Health Disclaimer: The information shared on this channel, including details about my personal health journey, traditional lifestyle choices, and scratch cooking, is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. I am not a doctor, nutritionist, or healthcare professional. My videos represent my own personal experiences, research, and what works for my own body and homestead. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, lifestyle change, or dietary adjustment. Reliance on any information provided in these videos is solely at your own risk.