From Scratch Blueberry Cream Cheese Spread

I have learned to make the cream cheese spread from scratch since my children became obsessed with blueberry and strawberry cream cheese spread. A family member introduced them to a brand name kind, and at first, I continued to buy the same brand, but in my journey to reconnect to the simple ways of the past, I decided to see if making cream cheese at home was possible. 

Why from Scratch?

In the past couple of months, I have returned to the basics. What did people do before grocery stores? What can I make from scratch? How can I make the most of what I have? How many times can a resource be used around the homestead? Things I thought were beyond my capabilities are not as complicated, including making cream cheese from scratch! 

If you are reading this blog, you are probably on the same journey of cooking and creating whole foods, so you will already know how making food from scratch is healthier and clear of preservatives found in processed foods made to sit on the shelf for weeks and even months. But sometimes, the need for made-from-scratch comes out of necessity. You may have found yourself at one point or another, as I have, needing cream cheese for a recipe only to find out the rectangle block inside your fridge is way past the expiration date or nonexistent in the refrigerator. That's when this DIY from scratch cream cheese recipe comes in handy, too! 

Making From Scratch Cream Cheese: 

Tools:

• Saucepan
• Wooden Spatula
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Cheesecloth
• Food processor
• Bowl

Ingredients: 

• Salt
• Whole Milk
• Lemon Juice 

How to Make:

1. Bring the milk to a rolling simmer in a heavy-bottomed saucepan on medium-high heat. DO NOT let it boil. You want to use whole milk because you will get fluffer results (same in baking), a richer flavor, and a creamier texture. 
2. 
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the lemon juice one tablespoon at a time, in 1-minute intervals. Continue stirring constantly. 
4. 
5. Stir constantly till the mixture curdles and has separated. Curdling should take just a few minutes. Remove from the heat.
6.  
7. Lay a sieve/mesh strainer with 1 or 2 layers of cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour the curd mixture into the sieve. Let it strain and cool for about 15 minutes. I like to set a timer so I remember. 
8.  
9. Transfer the curds to a food processor and process for around 3-4 minutes or until the curds have come together and are smooth and creamy. Keep adding leftover clear liquid back in gradually if your cream cheese is grainy.
10.   
11.  Add salt to your liking. 
12. This is a soft spread cream cheese. You can place it in the fridge to firm it up a bit, but it will still be a softer consistency than store bought blocks. 

Adding Flavors to Your Cream Cheese

Tools: 

• Small sauce pot
• Large mixing bowl
• Hand or Electric Mixer
• Widemouth jar to keep spread in.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Ingredients:

• 8oz of your from-scratch cream cheese
• 1 Cup of Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries. 
• It doesn't matter for this recipe because you will cook the blueberries into a thick, jam-like sauce. Doing this will tint the cream cheese with a beautiful purple color. We will also put some blueberry chunks throughout the spread. 
• 3 tbsp of honey: I like local honey for all its benefits. 
• It helps to thicken the blueberry sauce. 
• 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest from the peel. 
• I like to use a miniature grater for smaller zest pieces. 
• 1/2 tsp of organic/pure vanilla extract. 
• It will round out the tang of the zest, sweet blueberry, and cram cheese flavors. 

You can substitute the blueberries for strawberries, bananas, or a strawberry/banana mix. Freeze-dried fruit makes it easy to add fruity goodness to your spread. Just place the freeze-dried fruit in a small food blender and chop it into powdered form, then add in the place of the blueberry sauce. You can find our freeze-dried fruits here at Wildwood Wonder Freeze-Dried Snack LLC. 

How to make Blueberry Cream Cheese Spread: 

1. Place the blueberries, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract into a small saucepan.
2.   
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. 
5. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer (medium-low heat) and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the blueberry sauce thickens.
6. 
7. Take the pot off the stove and let it cool for 5 minutes.
8. Place the cream cheese into a large mixing bowl, and add the warm blueberry sauce. The sauce's warmness will help soften the cream cheese if you pull it out of the fridge. 
9.  
10. Allow it to sit for about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, use a paddle attachment in your electric mixer until it is creamy and well-mixed. Or use a hand mixer. You can try to use a fork but be prepared for it to take longer. 
11. 
12. This is a soft spread cream cheese. You can place it in the fridge to firm it up a bit, but it will still be a softer consistency than store bought blocks. 
13. 

What Can You Use Your Spread On? 

• Bread/toast
• Bagels 
• Crackers 
• Rolls
• Fruit dip
• Frosting: cakes, cookies, or cupcakes

How to Store Your Cream Cheese Spread: 

• My favorite way to store cream cheese spread is in a wide-mouth mason jar. You can find some stylish ones to fit your decor style. 
• I like to use clear jars because then I can see the gorgeous colors from the fruit I've mixed into the spread, which adds such visual elements to any breakfast or party spread you have laid out. 
• The lock-lid glass jars are also cute and great for small quantities, giving the spreads out as a gift or wanting several different fruit spreads out for a party.
• The main thing you want to make sure you have is an airtight seal on your container. 

Storage Life: 

• As your spread sits in the fridge, it will firm up from the colder temperatures.
• Depending on your refrigerator temperature (where you place it inside the fridge), it can last from 1 to 2 weeks. 
• But, you will want to serve at room temperature, making it easier to spread on bagels, toast, or bread. 
• I keep mine where my kiddos can reach them for a quick breakfast on our busy days. 

Perfect addition to Easter/Spring parties! 

As I mentioned, these spreads have a fantastic visual appeal, making them a great addition to sprint/summertime events. 

If it is around Easter, you can add several flavors in decorative jars around the Natural Veggie Egg Dye decor or DYI Egg Ornament Tree.

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