Amish Cup Cheese:
Cup cheese is a very soft, sour cheese that has been made for centuries by the
Amish and Mennonites of Pennsylvania Dutch country. This spreadable cheese is
said have a stronger odor than Limburger and a gluey consistency similar to
molasses. It is easy to prepare, and is usually made by cooking processed American
cheese with butter, baking soda, water, and milk.
Cup cheese is sometimes made with cottage cheese rather than American. In this
variation, the cheese is combined with cream, butter, baking soda, and salt, and
these ingredients are boiled together until the cottage cheese curds have melted.
Occasionally Parmesan cheese or cornmeal is added to the mixture. The cheese is then
stored in a pot, or cup, in the refrigerator. When sealed with a tight fitting lid to
prevent it from drying out, it will keep for several weeks.
These types of cheeses are a staple in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, where they are
often made in large quantities and served at weddings and church suppers. The soft
cheese is spread on homemade bread or crackers and is often topped with home-
made jelly. Cup cheese is also used in many Amish dessert recipes to make pies and
cheesecakes and is added to potato dishes, eggs. and soups as well.
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Ingredients
- 1 gallon of milk
- 1 Direct Set Buttermilk packet or 8oz Cultured Buttermilk
- 1 drop Liquid Rennet
- 1/2tsp Baking Soda
- 3T Butter
- 1C Heavy Cream
- 1 Beaten Egg
- Warm one gallon of milk to 72F and add the buttermilk and 1 drop of liquid rennet. Stir thoroughly and cover the pot. Let the milk stand at room temperature (app.72F) for twelve hours or until a soft curd has formed.
- Slowly cut the curd into 1/2 inch cubes and warm them to 115F,Occasionally stiring gently while heating.
- Ladle the warm curds into cheesecloth lined colander and allow to drain for twelve hours.
- Crumble the cheese into a double boiler, add 1/2tsp baking soda and 3T. butter, and stir. Let set another 5 hours.
- Heat the curd in a double boiler until the curd melts. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and stir until smooth. Add 1 beaten egg. Allow to come to a boil.
- Pour into cups and refrigerate. Serve Cool.
You can also purchase Cup Cheese online at Shady Maple Farm Market.
