Filters

Filtering is common in kitchens and is usually carried out with a chinois or simple strainer. Coffee filters or pieces of muslin work for finer filtration. To filter with muslin or a simple cotton kitchen towel (don’t use terrycloth), line the inside of a chinois with the cloth. Moisten the cloth first with water, then pour in the liquid to be filtered. Tap the side of the chinois with a wooden spoon to facilitate the passage of the liquid through the cloth. Don’t push down, especially if you’re straining stock, or you may cloud the final filtered liquid. After a few minutes, the cloth will become clogged with particles and the flow will stop. Grip one end of the cloth and pull it gently to one side so that a new section is now lining the chinois. Complete until all the liquid has gone through, replacing the cloth as necessary.