So, let's take a step back and look at the history of cream cheese. It's believed to have originated in Europe in the late 19th century, where it was made from a mixture of milk and cream. Sounds like cheese, right? But here's the thing - it's not actually made from curdled milk, like most cheeses.
Instead, cream cheese is made from a process called acidification, where the milk is mixed with bacteria and then heated to create a smooth, creamy texture. It's more like yogurt than cheddar, if you know what I mean. So, does that mean it's not a real cheese? Well, that's a gouda question.
Some cheese enthusiasts might say that cream cheese is just a cheese wannabe, a pretender to the throne. But others argue that it's a unique snowflake, a delicious and versatile spread that deserves its own category. And let's be real, who needs labels when you can just enjoy it on a bagel?
How to Make Cream Cheese | The Prairie Homestead