Channeling Julia

Originally for cheese making, this loose weave cotton cloth (it looks like gauze) has many uses in the kitchen.

Here we constructed a blanket out of cheesecloth and saturated it with wine to keep the breast cooler than the rest of the bird. The thicker areas centered above each breast ("tittys") give just a bit more insulation from the heat of the oven. (the alternative is to cook with the breast down)

Use cheesecloth to wrap bunches of whole leaf herbs before steeping in the pot. This will make it easier to remove them before serving. (sort of like a teabag) Another use is to strain/filter liquids, such as pouring off the liquid when making stock, or allowing excess liquid to drain off.

If you find cheesecloth too expensive for regular use, muslin (cotton fabric) is probably the most commonly available substitute. You might want to wash it before use to remove any sizing) Unlike cheesecloth, it is durable and can be reused under certain circumstances. Cotton gauze could also be used, but may actually be more expensive than the cheesecloth if you buy the sterile pads. Cheesecloth and gauze are expendable - use once, then throw away.