Fresh Fruit & Homemade Mozzarella

I am not a milk drinker, unless that "milk" comes from rice or soy--although now I try to avoid unfermented soy because it contains phytoestrogens. Nonetheless, a week and a half ago I bought a 1/2 gallon of raw cow's milk, the white stuff that's illegal to sell for human consumption in many states. This was not the Arizona raw milk that we sell at my work for a whopping $12.99 a gallon, but milk from some Texas cows. It still cost me five bucks. People are willing to pay the high prices, though, because it's apparently amazing stuff, rich in nutrients, enzymes, antibodies, and beneficial bacteria. Many people who thought they were lactose intolerant can drink raw milk. We actually reserve several gallons a week for our loyal customers and call them when the delivery comes in.

So Nate and I decided to try some. He initially wanted to make butter and I just wanted to drink it. He drank some and it made his tummy rumble, and I got scared that the same thing would happen to me. (I've heard that even seasoned milk drinkers have a different effect from this Texas milk, so I think I'll try the AZ kind next time). We ended up making homemade mozzarella cheese. It turned out a little rubbery (next time: less rennet and a little more salt), but it was fun and easy to do. There are several different recipes online to try. Below are some pics of the process and also some of the lovely produce I brought home from work. Don't those blushing apricots look beautiful? They're as soft as the butt of an angel. And that baby watermelon--so cute! In fact, after all this dairy talk, I'm actually thinking about doing a watermelon fast.




(The String Cheese Incident)