okay, enough with the ricotta. i've found my "perfect" recipe. whole milk, vinegar and salt. i think the vinegar gives it a bit more zip than buttermilk. it's so simple it practically makes itself. heat a gallon of milk to 180 degrees, remove from heat and add 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt. let it sit for 2 hours and then drain in a muslin lined colander for 1 hour. basta. that's it.