Keep cheese cubes ready to eat by storing them properly.
Cutting cheese into little cubes creates morsels just the right size for snacking or to use in salads and soups. However, when cubes are stored in the refrigerator, they can start to stick together and turn back into a big block. This makes the effort spent cutting the cubes seem pointless. Moisture and oils seeping from and forming on the cheese during refrigeration typically cause cheese cube amalgamation. Keep cheese cubes unbound by taking steps to reduce any adhesive-like properties from developing.
Instructions
1. Place a block of soft cheese in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to firm it up and prevent it from sticking to the knife when cutting.
2. Dry any water from the work area and cutting board. Cut the cheese into cubes, using only a dry knife or cheese cutter.
3. Spread the cheese cubes onto paper towels and pat them with another paper towel to absorb moisture from the outer surfaces of the cubes.
4. Keep the cubes on a paper towel and place them on an elevated drying rack for a few minutes to allow the outer surfaces to dry a bit more.
5. Line the bottom of a dry storage container with a piece of wax paper.
6. Place a loose layer of cubes at the bottom of the storage container, on top of the wax paper. Ensure that the cubes are not packed tightly together to allow airflow between them.
7. Cut a piece of wax paper and line the top of the first layer of cubes. Place another loose layer of cubes on top of that paper. Continue stacking layers of cheese between sheets of paper until the storage container is full. Do not push down on or pack the layers of cheese.
8. Place a piece of wax paper over the storage container opening and secure it around the rim with a rubber band. Avoid airtight lids or plastic wrap, as they deprive the cheese of air and cause it to sweat. Place a piece of masking tape on the container and write the appropriate expiration date for the type of cheese.
9. Give the container a gentle shake to redistribute the cheese cubes each time it is removed from the fridge.
Tags: cheese cubes, storage container, layer cubes, piece paper, bottom storage, bottom storage container, cheese into
