Learn how to strain ricotta cheese for recipes. Straining ricotta is necessary for creamy Italian desserts because it keeps the recipe from becoming watery.
Place the strainer over a small prep bowl, and line it with cheesecloth.
Add the ricotta, and using a rubber spatula, gently push and spread the ricotta into an even layer. Loosely cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator. Let the ricotta cheese strain overnight, or at least for 8 hours. Discard the accumulated liquid in the bowl, and use the ricotta as directed in your recipe.