Definitions for "cheesecloth"
Keywords:  gauze, curds, coarse, cotton, strain
A thin, loosely-woven cotton cloth of a gauze texture, such as is used in pressing cheese curds.
A coarse to fine cloth either cotton or plastic used to drain curds, line cheese hoops and other miscellaneous uses.
This lightweight natural cotton cloth won't fall apart when wet and will not flavor the food it touches. Cheesecloth has a multitude of culinary uses including straining liquids, forming a packet for herbs and spices that can be dropped into a soup or stock pot as well as line molds for easy release after baking. It is available in fine and coarse weaves.
In some cases a colander, grater, sieve or sifter would be a suitable substitute. See the French Glossary under estamine.
Keywords:  muslin, butter
butter muslin