We should probably clarify that those handkerchiefs should be clean and preferably un-used! But yes, large-sized inexpensive cotton handkerchiefs make a great substitute for the cheesecloth and muslin we use around the kitchen. Here's why:
We got this idea from Michael Ruhlman in his book Ratio, and we really think it's one of the best ones we've heard in a long time!
Cotton handkerchiefs have a finer weave than most cheesecloth, so we don't have to fuss with doubling up layers of cloth when we're straining or pressing the liquid out of something. We can also just throw the handkerchiefs in the wash when we're done and then re-use them, conserving resources and money.
Ruhlman recommends designating a few handkerchiefs just for the kitchen and marking those handkerchiefs so they don't accidentally get used for...er...other purposes. We'd also suggest washing new handkerchiefs a few times before using them since the fabric has sometimes been treated before packaging.
Do you think this is a good idea, or will you stick with cheesecloth?
Related: Recipe: DIY Ricotta Cheese
(Images: Amazon.com and Flickr member Mar Mar licensed under Creative Commons)
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Great Idea! Thanks for posting it!
This is genius. I hate cheesecloth, it always comes apart on me and it feels so wasteful to throw it away. A few more linens in my kitchen laundry would certainly be acceptable. But where do you find them?
Excellent idea. I strain homemade yogourt on a weekly basis and I haaaate dealing with cheesecloth.
BRILLIANT! But quick question: if we can't find handkerchiefs, couldn't we also just use plain white cotton cloth serviettes? I bet those would be easier to find (any kitchen gadget store should have them), just make sure they're big!
Flour Sack Cloth is another good option, and can be found in sizes around 30" square if necessary. I keep some for use in the kitchen as well as for sweat rags when I'm working in the yard. Some grocery stores will have them in the cleaning section with the sponges and whatnot. Most recently I picked up a pack from Bed Bath & Beyond. Amazon also has plenty.
@Taimat (and everyone else looking for handkerchiefs) - check out the men's department at stores like Macy's, Filene's, JC Penny, and Target. You can also order them online from Amazon (see the image link at the bottom of the post).
@kittystockings - Yes, I think any cloth made of 100% cotton or other organic material would work just as well! Just make sure they have a hemmed edge or else they'll start to unravel in the wash.
I use flour sack towels, which are also easy to use and might just be cheaper than handkerchiefs. I get them at Target.
Awesome!! You can find these at Goodwill, even. I have shied away from recipes that called for using cheesecloth in the past, because only one store in my town carries it, and it's the fancy pants store, which means it is out of my budget. I can't wait to try those recipes now!
Yeah, I agree with IzzyIzzy - Target's flour sack towels are great for this! They also come in an organic version, if you are trying to buy more organic cotton.
A basket coffee filter in a sieve also works well for straining yogurt. Just perch over a bowl, put a plastic cover or saran wrap on top, and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours. You can compost the filter.
KkatMpls: Yes it does, but i usually make about 3 liters of yogourt at a time.
Reusable and brilliant!!
I don't like this idea for the most part. I find that a fine hankercheif weave makes is quite difficult for the liquid to strain and takes more time than something with a looser weave. I like to use IKEA dish cloths; they have a finer weave than cheesecloth (no need to double up) and can be washed and reused, but the weave isn't so fine that I can actually get the job done.
Glad to know Target carries the flour sack towels. :)
Wonderful idea. You could stich a bit of colored thread in a corner to designate kitchen use. I have used little cotton hankies for years to clean my eyeglasses.
We cut up a clean white tee shirt one time when it became evident that cheesecloth just wasn't going to meet our needs. It worked perfectly, but I hated cutting up a shirt that we'd bought for my husband.
Nice! I want to buy some right now.