The Reason You Should Always Have Cheesecloth On Hand
Cheesecloth can strain a number of liquids, from cold brew coffee to using it to draping over a colander to keep bits of herbs or root vegetables out of your broths and stocks, as detailed by Simply Homecooked. Besides straining, cheesecloth can also contain things, such as when using it for holding herbs in a bouquet garni or using it to contain a parmesan rind to add flavor while a soup simmers (via Kitchn). It’s also useful for soaking and wrapping around foods.
MasterClass reports that cheesecloth is an ideal device for making fruitcake, since this classic holiday staple traditionally calls for rum-soaked cake, by soaking cheesecloth in rum, then wrapping it around the fruitcake. This process infuses flavor, as well as helps preserve the cake. And the wrapping technique is also a way to keep oven-cooked chicken or turkey moist. Epicurious describes wrapping cheesecloth that’s been soaked in a neutral-tasting oil around poultry to keep your bird from drying out while cooking.
And, if you like to bake, you may be happy to learn that the fine weave makes a natural sifter. Per Taste of Home, just place some cheesecloth over a canning jar, and hold it in place by screwing on the metal band you use when home canning, and you’re ready to top your baked goods with a fine dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
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