Homemade American Cheese

By tulawdog

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons gelatin powder
• 12 ounces Colby cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon whole milk powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk

Preparation

Step 1

1. Line bottom and sides of 5- by 4- by 4-inch pan with plastic wrap, letting sides overhang.

2. Place water in small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over. Let mixture soften, at least 5 minutes.

3. Process cheese, milk powder, salt, and cream of tartar until mixture is just mixed but still dry, about 3 quick pulses.

4. In small saucepan, heat whole milk to boil, stir in softened gelatin to dissolve. With processor running, pour in hot milk-gelatin mixture. Process until cheese mixture is homogeneous, smooth, and shiny, about 1 minute, scraping down the sides of bowl as necessary.

5. Immediately fill prepared pan, pressing to compact mixture. Wrap tightly and chill at least 3 hours, or overnight.